**SUNDAY UPDATE** I intend to post about this topic tonight. I've heard from TL and he is a Go, still waiting to hear from CA. It is still a holiday weekend, so he may be away. A few insights: I have a very full plate. In other projects that have begun here, we have had many outfreakin'standing Patriots pick up the rope and help pull. I could never accomplish anything without help, and this concept of helping build a national infrastructure, a nexus where locals can get plugged-in, is no different. I will not be able to do it alone. I will not even try to do it without TL and CA aboard publicly and in active rolls. Without their active support, this will simply be another circle-jerk and I'm not in the mood. I will not let this effort cut into my time and energy on my other projects - if this is a Go I'll work harder and later every night, but I will not take time away from what I am already doing. So, folks, if you think this national concept is worth the effort, let me know. I know you can't go all-in without having details, but let me know you are at least considering it, or not. Thanks.
K
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**UPDATE** Since posting this I have received several emails, and when considered with the comments I have now decided my course on this topic. I have an email out to TL and CA at the moment. Short version: I agree that it is time to pull this community together with a simple and concise objective, to combine our voices to be a political voice as well as serve our purpose as III Patriots nationally while helping grow even more locally. We should be there in the wake of a hurricane Sandy, and we should be on the field in the wake of the next NDAA or piece of legislation that insults the Constitution. I think we should have a national level III Congress, made up of Patriots from sea to sea, reps from militias, bloggers, individuals and more. It is time for each and every one of us to lead, follow or GTF out of the way. I'll flesh this out more tomorrow, hopefully after hearing from TL & CA and anyone else who wants to drop me an email and weigh-in. Mike M: Thank you.
Yours in Liberty.
Kerodin
III
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Several voices in our community have been calling for a "Leader" and an "organization" or "Structure" with "Action" as the goal. Let's set aside the Leaderless aspect of the III for now. Let's set aside any stigma associated with the word "Militia" in the minds of the public. Let's set aside whatever you need to set aside so we can have the conversation.
The III Brand has grown significantly and positively over the last 2 years or so. Under the III Brand we have published books, built flags and patches and engraved our blades. We have begun III Arms. We have begun a stronghold in the III name. More than a few of our local militia allies sport a III patch on their gear in addition to their local identifiers. As a national level Brand, it works and can grow. It has a political advocacy organization already in place that has served more than 1000 Patriots.
My recommendation: Let's all unify under the III Brand and form a national militia oriented/ action oriented organization, of sorts. Perhaps we should replace the word militia for PR reasons, you decide. The national level could be comprised of leaders from the local units, whether they are militia or not. The national level could elect leaders in spheres of influence from message to training to building networks among local groups, to setting tripwires and contingencies that would bring members of the national to any local that finds itself in need. Questions such as "What do we (as a group) do if..." can be answered and set as policy.
I would recommend we set it up along militia guidelines with ranks, as well as a "Leadership Council". Perhaps the "ranks" stop at the regional unit level, and the national Council level has not ranks, but offices. Some of our bloggers would serve well in such a capacity. Hold elections to fill the leadership rolls, and local groups can handle recruiting their own units/organizations, and new members can be directed to appropriate local level groups to build a grass roots army.
But since the vacuum most people are seeking to fill is action-oriented, only those who mean to take action are permitted. Message is essential for PR and for unifying the focus of the members, so Restoration should be the immediate goal with a healthy side dish of Rightful Liberty as defined by Jefferson. If you have any goals after Restoration, keep them to yourself and work on your goals after Restoration has been achieved. Any work done to thwart Restoration while in the ranks gets you booted. A standard oath to protect and defend the Constitution should be mandatory.
Revenue: Nothing is free and people with no skin in the game are not the most motivated. Charge all members $10 per month. Use the money to cover basic expenses such as marketing reach.
I expect pushback from most people. But TL calls for leaders and organizations, and many people agree with him, so then let's give it a whirl. Here's TL's latest.
I'm ready. You already know my focus is on the Citadel and related projects, but this idea would earn my support and energy. It's important.
Kerodin
III
