Wisdom With
Damn Good Advice

TIME TO CHANGE OUR WAY OF THINKING

JULY 29, 1998 – So-called "Patriots" in this country may not like what I'm about to propose, but after reading this, if you few particular people [and you know who you are] still believe in mixing it up with "the federal troops" is the only way to bring about change, then you should buy a ticket and go see "Saving Private Ryan."

Perhaps Steven Spielberg's cinematography of the grotesque realism of mortal combat during a war will cool your jets. No one should wish that kind of terror and chaos on anyone, as long as there are other ways to settle our differences.

Before I get started, I will grant that our current leaders are, for the most part, constitutionally challenged. I have publicly pondered before that you probably cannot find 100 legislators out of 535 that can correctly name and describe the Bill of Rights to you if they were challenged to do so.

And there is no doubt that the Clinton administration, sex and immorality aside, is one of the most socialistic presidencies Americans have ever had to endure.

However, I want to make something perfectly clear, here and now. I would fight and die for my country and my family, but I am not interested in joining up with a lame-brain, half wit, George Patton-wannabe who is obsessed with conspiracy and has long since lost any ability whatsoever to reason.

Keeping pressure on our lawmakers via new forms of alternative media, phone calls, letter writing, public demonstrations, and the ballot box are what have held this Republic together in the past [save for "the late unpleasantness" in 1861]. And unless we are ready to accept third-world, banana republic, warlord-against-warlord status in America, you people advocating change through violence need to chill out, shut up, and listen to somebody for a change.

I, and many other journalists and concerned citizens, have been receiving reports, rumors, and information for months that suggest that our country is being infiltrated by a foreign foe in a number of different ways. Electronic warfare, supply of weaponry that is being smuggled in, and outright political deceit have taken their toll already, and what is worse is that none of this is tangible, tracable information. There is very little real evidence to substantiate most of these claims, but you know and I know they exist -- just from the bits and pieces of news reports Americans have been getting for some time.

Here's what I propose. Any "group," "organization," or "private army" --whatever you want to call yourselves -- should prepare for the possibility that you may have to someday soon lend assistance to the very people you hate, if you want this country to survive.

In the event of a domestic invasion, attack, or widespread terrorism, most of us will initially be too busy trying to make sure our own families are safe and sound. But what about after we take care of that? Who are we going to bond with? The enemy?

No. Our own people, of course. And that will likely include all sorts of federal agents, US troops, and government officials because by then, we'll all [for once] have a common goal in mind.

My worry is that some "patriots" out there are so filled with hate and suspicion that in their delusions, they will rob this country of much needed manpower and support -- because they won't trust or believe what is happening around them.

Get rid of that hate now, gentlemen. We don't have anymore time for it.

In fact, those of you who are already known to people like the FBI, maybe you should go ahead and let those agents and agencies know now that you'll be there for them [and by default, the entire country] if and when they need you. Let them know we're all Americans. And let them know that when it comes to defending freedom and the rights of all Americans, you're on their side.

They need to know that right now, believe me. I'm doing so with this column [because my stuff is read by these people everyday]. So I challenge all the rest of you to do the same.

I'm not asking anyone to "surrender" to the federal government -- especially to those socialists who we all know want to take away our freedoms. No; instead, I'm asking you to form bonds with the people in the agency trenches who are going to be just as screwed as the rest of us when all hell breaks loose one of these days.

If you have to remain somewhat suspicious, fine -- they will probably be suspicious of you, too. But over time, through a habit of regular contact, direct talks, and a sharing of information, perhaps we just might be able to stop some of the worst disasters many experts have already said are inevitable.

I don't know what all of those "disasters" are going to be, nor do I have any idea when they will take place. I just don"t think waiting until they happen is the right time; by then, it's too late.

Let the Feds know that when it comes to taking your life and property illegally, you won't stand for it. But at the same time, let them know that they'll have no better friends in times of crisis, provided everyone is fighting for the same thing: Preservation of our way of life.

It's not easy to befriend an "enemy" or become trustful of him. I don't expect this to happen overnight. But in God's name, and for the good of every American, stop looking for ways to pick fights with these people. There would be no winners anyway.

I am no coward. But I don't want to die or see my family slaughtered for nothing, either. Boys, it's time to change your way of thinking, even if just a little bit. It's time to open up your minds. That's double for you federal agents who also have much to risk -- like your family, property, and life. Someday, we're all going need each other. ***

"Americans have an automatic responsibility to rebel against authority when that authority is mindless."
Newt Gingrich, 23 July 1998, at the Young America Foundation Conference

©1998 Covenant Syndicate and USA Journal Online.
JON E. DOUGHERTY