Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Oathkeepers

A big H/T goes to Matt at Conservative Hideout 2.0 for this article.

“The time is now near at hand which must probably determine, whether Americans are to be, Freemen, or Slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their Houses, and Farms, are to be pillaged and destroyed, and they consigned to a State of Wretchedness from which no human efforts will probably deliver them. The fate of unborn Millions will now depend, under God, on the Courage and Conduct of this army” — Gen. George Washington, to his troops before the battle of Long Island


This quote is taken from the Oathkeepers website. I’ve been aware of them for a few weeks now, but am now finally getting around to doing a post on them. As the name implies, the Oathkeepers believe in keeping their oath to uphold and protect the Constitution. Their oath is in ten statements shown here.

1) We will NOT obey any order to disarm the American people.

2) We will NOT obey any order to conduct warrantless searches of the American people, their homes, vehicles, papers, or effects — such as warrantless house-to house searches for weapons or persons.


3) We will NOT obey any order to detain American citizens as “unlawful enemy combatants” or to subject them to trial by military tribunal.


4) We will NOT obey orders to impose martial law or a “state of emergency” on a state, or to enter with force into a state, without the express consent and invitation of that state’s legislature and governor.


5) We will NOT obey orders to invade and subjugate any state that asserts its sovereignty and declares the national government to be in violation of the compact by which that state entered the Union.


6) We will NOT obey any order to blockade American cities, thus turning them into giant concentration camps.


7) We will NOT obey any order to force American citizens into any form of detention camps under any pretext.


8) We will NOT obey orders to assist or support the use of any foreign troops on U.S. soil against the American people to “keep the peace” or to “maintain control” during any emergency, or under any other pretext. We will consider such use of foreign troops against our people to be an invasion and an act of war.


9) We will NOT obey any orders to confiscate the property of the American people, including food and other essential supplies, under any emergency pretext whatsoever.


10) We will NOT obey any orders which infringe on the right of the people to free speech, to peaceably assemble, and to petition their government for a redress of grievances.

Here is more from their website.

Oath Keepers is a non partisan association of currently serving military, peace officers, fire-fighters, and veterans who will fulfill our oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, so help us God.

Our oath is to the Constitution, not to the politicians, and not to any political party. In the long-standing tradition of the U.S. military, we are apolitical. We don’t care if unlawful orders come from a Democrat or a Republican, or if the violation is bi-partisan. We will not obey unconstitutional (and thus unlawful) and immoral orders, such as orders to disarm the American people or to place them under martial law. We won’t “just follow orders.” Our motto: “Not on Our Watch!” or to put it even more succinctly, in the words of 101st Airborne Commander General Anthony McAuliffe at the Battle of the Bulge, “NUTS!”

There is at this time a debate within the ranks of the military regarding their oath. Some mistakenly believe they must follow any order the President issues. But many others do understand that their loyalty is to the Constitution and to the people, and understand what that means.

The mission of Oath Keepers is to vastly increase their numbers.


We are in a battle for the hearts and minds of our own troops.


Help us win it.

This, in my opinion, is an outstanding development. I am pleased to see that many Americans are choosing to take on the responsibility of actually keeping their oath to protect and uphold the constitution. While that comment may sound sarcastic, that is not the intent. As we all are aware, we are watching an unprecedented attempt by our own government to water down, or outright eliminate many of our individual freedoms. Distrust of the government, particularly at the federal level, is at all time highs. I personally take great comfort that there are people in positions of responsibility willing to take this oath.

I would have to assume that taking this oath might come at some personal risk. Given the federal government’s stance that anyone who disagrees with the POTUS is a terrorist, these people are facing probable investigation. Given the extent to which government officials visit this blog (thanks Stat Counter), it’s not a stretch to believe that the government would also check on the online activities of people that take this oath. Also depending upon the scenario, people taking this oath, and as well as depending upon their employment or service, they could face job loss, imprisonment, court-martial, or other punishments for upholding their oath. These people are taking their oath seriously, perhaps at personal risk to themselves. If you know an Oathkeeper, thank them and support them. If you are in a position that may one day require you to participate in anything described in the Oathkeeper’s statements, please consider taking the oath yourself. Just know that you will have made yourself some powerful enemies in the process.

22 comments:

Timeshare Jake said...

Don't you wonder if Obama's real goals are sending more troops overseas is the thing the herd here in the States to ensure trained military personel don't rebel against the selling of our country's sovereignty?

Teresa said...

BB,
That's a good point. I think if our military knew if that was happening over here then they would not serve under a war criminal president-a domestic terrorist. But, I also think that former military personnel would rise up and kick some ass.

Eric Graff said...

It is so refreshing to see Americans defining what should be and what should not be in very black and white terms. When we fall into the grey areas we compromise the cause of liberty, freedom and justice. Rationalizing is making excuses for bad decisions and poor choices. When something as important as Freedoms' flagship hangs in the balance, the real question is will we yield or will we push forward against political correctness and the dumbing down of our youth in order to keep the lamp of liberty shining for the oppressed?

I have no interest in diluting the promise of America.

And you don't either.

Matt said...

Thanks for the link!

The Conservative Lady said...

Thank you for posting this.

Teresa said...

Eman,
The diluting of America and political correctness are ruining this country.

Teresa said...

Matt,
Your welcome

Teresa said...

The Conservative Lady,
This is a great oath and cause.

Rotti said...

I've joined the Oathkeepers a while ago in order to support their effort. I've also asked them to support a candidate running for congress in my district who just returned from Somalia and served 3 tours, the ultimate conservative. I hope he wins.

The Conservative Biker said...

The Oathkeepers are true Patriots. I have watched their ranks swell as more and more "awaken" to what is going on.

Amusing Bunni said...

Hi Teresa: Thanks for posting this. The Oath Keepers are great Patriots and will probably be our only salvation when the Sh&T really hits the fan. Cool Video too. B. Bill makes an EXCELLENT point I had not thought of yet. After watching (and blogging) about obummers speech tonight, I'm convinced he doesn't want America to "win" this war. He gave away our whole exit strategy to the enemy, for goodness sake!
He should be arrested and hung for treason.

Teresa said...

Rotti,
Its great that you have been supporting their effort. I hope that your conservative candidate wins.

Teresa said...

The Conservative Biker,
Yes, people are awakening. And, the Oathkeepers are most certainly true patriots.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Jim McMahon said...

I already belong Terese, and I'd suggest everyone join and get as many active and retired military and police involved before the shit hits the fan, and hit the fan it will......it can't miss.

Snarky Basterd said...

As I've said all along, my rifle is loaded and ready to defend America, even though I'm going on 16 years since I officially left her defense.

Teresa said...

Amusing Bunni,
Your right. They will most likely be our last hope if the sh*t hits the fan. I pray that its doesn't come to this. I'll pop over to your place soon. I couldn't stand listening to Obugger.

Most Rev. Gregori said...

We will know soon enough, if the turds in Washington pass the health care bill, I believe there will be an uprising and I hope enough military are on our side when it happens.

Teresa said...

Jim,
Your right. As many people as possible should join the Oathkeepers. I am praying that there is a way to avoid the shit from hitting the fan.

Teresa said...

Snarky,
That sounds good. I wish I knew how to fire a gun.

Opus #6 said...

I have been and continue to be WILD about the Oathkeepers!!!! I have commented on their site repeatedly thanking them for speaking out, and telling them that I sleep better at night knowing they are here. These are America's FINEST!

Teresa said...

Opie,
They are America's finest.

Teresa said...

For some reasone my mouse or this computer did not do as I commanded. PLease post again. I'm sorry.

Ginx- when people are disrespectful and refuse to call a priest Father and continuously posts disrespectful comments then that's when I moved to moderated comments.

You can post comments again and I will post them-at least the one comment.

I was respectfully commenting over at your site and for some reason your site transferred my comments from being automatically posted to moderated than it went back to posting my comments fine. It happened during the heated debate and that's why I was suspicious.

If I could guaruntee that a certain obnoxious, disrespectful suspected govt troll wouldn't come around again I would not have my comments moderated.

Why should other citizens around the globe much less terrorists who aren't American citizens have the same rights as American citizens?
That's like saying there should be no separation of countries and their different constitutions around the globe. If Hasan is an American citizen he should be afforded the rights that come with that priviledge such as having a civilian trial. I would not be opposed to him being tried in a military tribunal if that would not violate his rights as a U.S. citizen.