What interested me here is the connection between LEOs, veterans and militias.

It's not something I like thinking about, as a lot of vets (and a few LEOs) I know are vehemently anti-MAGA, even if they are conservative (in the traditional sense, e.g., not facists.)

If the story is true-- which seems likely-- dang, pretty effective PsyOp. The militia leaders say "Actually, violence solves a lot of problems."

Yeah, well... this guy may have solved a lot more problems, and without firing a shot. Fear and paranoia can be more powerful weapons. Interesting.

https://www.propublica.org/article/ap3- ... litia-mole

I was in the Army some decades ago. The stated mission was to Fight and win America's wars. The way that's done is to kill people and break things. If you can't talk the rapist out of his deed, that's what your left with. Not pretty, either way. Perhaps more liberals signing up would help. It has been a while since I left, but did spent enough time there to draw a pension. I read some of the article. I wish guns were not useful. Maybe we'll do better on Mars.

Not really new. When the decision to go with an all volunteer military was made, there were concerns that the military would become more conservative. The steady draft guaranteed a mix of men from different backgrounds and different educational levels, a volunteer military depends on lifers, men and women interested in a military career. I'd say the right wing elements are more in the upper enlisted ranks and among field grade officers, not necessarily the general staff.

Read bios of cops and you'll see that many of them have military backgrounds, that's one of the reasons that they were hired. They don't go recruiting among artists or social workers. Police academies do a lot of marching like the military, they wear uniforms and they're governed by regulations that read like they were written by military professionals. A lot of militia members have military backgrounds, they're retirees or at least veterans. Not surprising that there is a connection, but we don't have any data on how many soldiers or LEOs are connected to militias.

It's intriguing how fear and paranoia can be more powerful than violence. The connection between LEOs, veterans, and militias is complex, especially given differing political views. Definitely a thought-provoking situation.

If you’re shocked by this article, I suggest you read any book by Malcolm Nance, especially his latest.

Lorenaratt wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 4:08 am It's intriguing how fear and paranoia can be more powerful than violence. The connection between LEOs, veterans, and militias is complex, especially given differing political views. Definitely a thought-provoking situation.

Yes, that was the angle I was interested in.

At this phase of play, I would rather be feared than loved. It would be great to keep the fascists busy with useless loyalty oaths, and have them constantly looking over their shoulders.

When confronted by same, particularly folks who boast and run their mouths about how great MAGA is, or who maybe try to feel you out and figure out your affiliation, I think a good angle is, "Hey. It's not safe to talk about that. I don't know who you are. You could be Antifa, Deep State..." etc.

SunRiseWest wrote: Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:21 pm

Lorenaratt wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 4:08 am It's intriguing how fear and paranoia can be more powerful than violence. The connection between LEOs, veterans, and militias is complex, especially given differing political views. Definitely a thought-provoking situation.

Yes, that was the angle I was interested in.

At this phase of play, I would rather be feared than loved. It would be great to keep the fascists busy with useless loyalty oaths, and have them constantly looking over their shoulders.

When confronted by same, particularly folks who boast and run their mouths about how great MAGA is, or who maybe try to feel you out and figure out your affiliation, I think a good angle is, "Hey. It's not safe to talk about that. I don't know who you are. You could be Antifa, Deep State..." etc.

I like that approach!

BearPaws wrote: Wed Jan 15, 2025 9:08 am

SunRiseWest wrote: Tue Jan 14, 2025 11:21 pm

Lorenaratt wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 4:08 am It's intriguing how fear and paranoia can be more powerful than violence. The connection between LEOs, veterans, and militias is complex, especially given differing political views. Definitely a thought-provoking situation.

Yes, that was the angle I was interested in.

At this phase of play, I would rather be feared than loved. It would be great to keep the fascists busy with useless loyalty oaths, and have them constantly looking over their shoulders.

When confronted by same, particularly folks who boast and run their mouths about how great MAGA is, or who maybe try to feel you out and figure out your affiliation, I think a good angle is, "Hey. It's not safe to talk about that. I don't know who you are. You could be Antifa, Deep State..." etc.

I like that approach!

Share your paranoia. LOL