Since Trump has become a frontrunner in the Republican
party, America has once again turned up the heat on the Big Black Boogey fear
factor. Far too many people are using their bias, fear and out and out racism
to justify their position for garnering arms and ammunition. Because of the
fear that’s being sold and manufactured this particular picture is being
circulated around the internet. I’ve seen it in various machinations on various
sites.
Let’s scrutinize the quote in its fullness and then and then
juxtapose it with the subtleties of racism in America….
So please bear with me as I examine the quote in the historical
context. Militia in this context does not mean a randy band of brothers
fighting against them, that, those or perceived threats. Militia in this
context means military. Please take into consideration the timeline for the
events.
The question is, why would the Founders feel a need to
codify (i.e., formally regulate) the militias?
Part of the answer might lie in the fact that even though
the colonial militia had played an important role in the early fighting of the
Revolutionary War, many of those leading the war effort, including George
Washington, didn’t really think too highly of the colonial militia and/or its
members, including the way they handled themselves in battle.
George Washington himself, upon assuming command of the
Continental Army (which in 1775 was comprised entirely of militia), said, “All
the General Officers agree that no Dependence can be put on the Militia for a
Continuance in Camp, or Regularity and Discipline during the short time they
may stay.” He would later say, “To place any dependence upon militia is
assuredly resting upon a broken staff.”
The quote on the picture is also a misrepresentation of what
was actually spoken; the actual quote is :
"A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to
which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and
interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render
them independent of others for essential, particularly military,
supplies."
The quote in the picture leaves things open for interpretation…who
gets to decide what’s a viable threat. The George Washington quote has some
rules for governance attached to is – follow the link.
Now just suppose for one second that Blacks followed the
quote are initially posted. Do you think for one second that the “powers that
be” would allow such actions? I can tell emphatically HELL NO!!!!! Marcus
Garvey tried and he was held up as a subject for scorn and ridicule;
systematically dismantled by the government and press. The Panthers tried and
they were systematically destroyed by government infiltration and smear tactics
to taint public opinion. Thirty years ago the police and government officials
burned down an entire block in Philadelphia fire bombing, men, women and
children in order to destroy an anti-government movement (MOVE). Seriously look
at your history through A CLEAR LENS and tell me one time that any people of
color who began to make noise about becoming self-contained or self-sufficient
has not been over scrutinized by a biased media system? The press and the
government had files on Dr. King, Malcolm X, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Caesar
Chavez, Delores Huerta, Dennis Banks, Leonard Peltier…the list goes on….
We cannot irresponsibly call for militia or pander to
fear!!! Shame on ALL the flag waving CHRISTIANS who seem to think that their
racism and bigotry can be called nationalism and patriotism!!!!! I’m growing
tired of the issues that people drape in the name of Christ and call it
sanctioned and sanctified. God gave you a brain too………if you don’t stand for
something you’ll fall for anything
How Ya Livin’?!
