Anti-Government Groups

A story ran today that described an "anti-government extremist organization" who plotted to kill police officers and members of the officers' families as a battle in their war against the government. This comes on the heels of several death threats hurled at members of Congress who voted for the health care reform bill, which also comes on the heels of the Southern Poverty Law Center releasing a report that indicates that "patriot"/"militia" groups have increased 244% since President Obama has taken office (even if you are questioning the validity of the source - which some believe to be political - it is hard to imagine that there hasn't been some increase in "militia" groups - assuming the definition of "militia group" presumes the group is seeking to work outside of the law).

What is there to make of all this, and what are we (reasonable people) to do about it?

First, let us not be fooled into thinking that "anti-government groups" are the same as groups who are for "smaller government." There are those who philosophically believe that government works best and most efficiently when focusing on a few core tasks: 1) establish Justice; 2) insure domestic Tranquility; 3) provide for the common defense; 4) promote the general Welfare; and 5) and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.

These tasks are in the preamble of the Constitution of the United States. Items 1-3 are pretty straight forward and generate few (if any) gripes from small government folks. Item #4 can mean many things, and is often the battleground between conservatives and liberals as new programs are debated in the public square and in the halls of Congress. As a conservative (and speaking for myself), I tend to view the operative word in #4 as "promote" the general Welfare, NOT "provide" the general welfare.

But that's an aside. The point I want to make here is that "small government" groups out there are not "anti-government" groups.

The "anti-government" groups are the wingnuts who have gone so far right, they have actually circled around into the territory of the wingnuts on the left - the organized anarchists. These are the enemies to the reasonable folks who reside on both the right and left side of the philosophical spectrum. And make no mistake about it, they are enemies, not allies of our respective philosophies. They represent and advocate for no government. Those who work outside of the law, and, indeed, attack the very symbols of it (law enforcement, elected representatives, etc), are assaulting the same objectives our Founding Fathers wrote into the Constitution. Government serves a noble purpose, and can and should do certain things. Those things are....

So, then, what can we do about all of these "anti-government" and "anarchist" groups?

First of all, don't become one of them. If you disagree with the health care bill, the bailout bills, the "stimulus" bills, throw the bums out! Vote, volunteer for a campaign, donate some money good candidates who share your views, put a sign in your yard, etc. Work aggressively within the law...as the Founders designed it.

Second: support the cops and their families. When a cop pulls you over, turn off your engine, put your hands on top of your steering wheel (so they can see them as they approach you car), be considerate, and even express your gratitude for them doing their thankless job (even if you think the light was still yellow when you went through the intersection). Donate to a fallen officer fund in your community.

Third, Members of Congress (Mayors, Governor, elected officials in general): When you write an e-mail blasting your Member of Congress for a vote or a position, take the time to thank them (and their staff - who have to read and respond to the mail) for their service to the country and their community. You may not agree with them, and it is absolutely within bounds to point that out to them, but there is no reason you can't be civil about it. The blessing of living in America, is that we established a standard and tradition of disagreeing with someone without resorting to pulling out our six-shooters. Tell them you disagree, perhaps offer an alternative proposal, then stick out your hand (literally or figuratively) and shake theirs, thanking them for their time.

And if you stumble across "anti-government"/"anarchist" groups and they're up to no good, report them. They don't have to have a bandanna over their face and a Molotov cocktail in hand before you can call the cops and let them know something awry might be afoot. Use your common sense and pitch in.

Lastly, for those reasonable conservatives out there who may feel unjustly piled on because of all of the attention the "right wing anti-government" groups are getting - correct those who imply you're guilty by association, and vocalize your disdain for the nutjobs who happen to be wearing the same colored jersey as we are. Boehner's doing it, so can we.