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Militias and the Y2K problem BIRMINGHAM, November 18, 1999  The year 2000 is weeks away and the FBI says computer systems are not the only things that may act up when the year turns over. Extremist groups may try to take advantage of even minor disruptions.

If you read the Declaration of Independence, you see that our country is founded on the premise that we as individuals have individual rights, says former militia member Mike Kemp. Individual rights, states rights, and the power of the federal government are all issues that wars are fought over. The FBI says some groups may continue the struggle over those same issues in the year 2000. Militias are included in a vast number of entities that intelligence agencies have taken a look at in regard to the Y2K, says FBI Special Agent Craig Dahle. In a 30-page document entitled Project Megiddo, the agency assesses the potential for domestic terrorism should the year 2000 cause widespread system failures. And known for their resentment of government, militias figure prominently. Over the course of the last ten years weve seen some militia activity in our area of central and northern Alabama, says Agent Dahle. But in recent years, many groups have been broken up by law enforcement leaving former members bitter. The infiltrators, the snitches and purchasing information, fomenting internal trouble and all the rest of it. Its no surprise. What can I do about it? Nothing, says Kemp. Mike Kemp, founder of the officially defunct Gadsden Minutemen said as far as he is concerned, the only real Y2K threat will come from the federal government. Theyre playing propaganda. Is there going to be an uprising? I personally cant imagine it, not around here. Now, you get a bunch of people starving to death and theres going to be trouble, says Kemp.

The government is watching the militias very closely. They said some militia members with specialized weapons training can hit a penny from 100 yards. And, that is just to defend the home turf. The militia is nothing but self-defense, a common defense, says Kemp. The militia people are basically the same citizens as we are. They are no different from anybody else. Some are a little more aware, better informed and a little bit frightened of an all-pervasive government, says militia attorney Michael Seibert. Part of that fear stems from anger over several well-known incidents involving federal agents, especially the ATF and FBIs handling of the 1993 Branch Davidians attack. Later revelations that there had been a cover-up only fueled the fire of militia resentment. It certainly has gotten a lot of attention and its something were very much aware of. About all I can say in that regard, is were well aware of this, says Dahle. Even so, some former militiamen said come the year 2000, they are not looking for trouble just ready for it. Im not plugged into anything. I know I have to feed the people Im responsible for. I have to have water for them, I have to protect them. Am I going to cause trouble, Im just looking out for the home place, says Kemp. The Southern Poverty Law Center said there are 7 militia groups currently active in Alabama. The FBI said while the majority is peaceful, they will be on the alert when ideology, weaponry and Y2K mix.

-- Homer Beanfang (Bats@inbellfry.com), November 19, 1999

Answers

Who needs "specialized weapons and training" to hit a penny at 100 yds? All you need is practice, practice, practice, and more practice.

-- Powder (powder@keg.com), November 19, 1999.

Powder, you're using common sense. It's not allowed when you're dealing with this issue.

Think like an agent Klintoon & Reno's FBI. If it isn't their standard carry weapon, it's a specialized weapon and it requires specialized training. And they can hit a penny (or hold a half-inch group) at one hundred yards. "Oooohhhhh! That's like our real crack shot snipers on the Hostage Rescue Team! Those militia folks must be really, REALLY dangerous." Hence the FBI's concept of militia members being exceptionally well-armed.

Meanwhile, back in the common sense mode, you, me and anyone else who owns and uses a good hunting rifle know that one-half inch groups are something relatively common. If an adequate shooter can't do that kind of shooting they've probably wasted a goodly chunk of change. But in the media and to the FBI, the average deer hunter is seen as an exceptionally armed, specialy trained, dangerously armed threat. Heaven help people with that concept of reality.

Those folks would probably have coronaries if they happen through this part of the country in the next few weeks. Deer season starts over in NY next week and down here in PA the week after.

Makes me wonder if there may not be some sort of "Waco raid" against some poor hunting club before the year's over. TV news sheep: "FBI and ATF agents joined state police and agents in a raid today against a group of armed, camoflage-wearing, suspected militia members in their "secret clubhouse"...

WW

-- Wildweasel (vtmldm@epix.net), November 19, 1999.

"compound" not clubhouse...got to get this right.

-- Col. Bird (Shoot@thetarget.notme), November 20, 1999.

I grew up in a good liberal household - civil rights, anti-nukes, save the whales, etc. and our neighbors (only ones close enough to see their house) are Michigan Militia types. They are damn fine neighbors and we couldn't ask for better. This FBI anti-militia propoganda is pure BS. My neighbors have beliefs I don't share, but that is not a problem for me or for them. It is only a problem for paranoid fascists like the ones that put out that Megiddo nonsense.

Some people in Militias are dangerous. Some Lutherans are dangerous. Some Yankee fans are dangerous. Some FBI agents are dangerous.

-- Gus (y2kk@usa.net), November 20, 1999.