Militias are defined as formal, structured private organizations of armed citizens that declare themselves militias and engage in paramilitary training sessions or preparedness meetings.

The militia began in the early seventeenth century in the colonial era.  Every colony in the American Revolutionary War had a militia made of volunteer males, ages 16 to 49.  These volunteers guarded supplies, and forts from enemy invasion.  The militias have served our country in several American wars.  The militias had minitemen, who would be ready in no longer than thirty minutes once notified to be prepared for combat or protection.  The government eventually passed statutes so that federal and state law would have the authority over militias to intervene at any time.  Our country established the professional army, and therefore the need for the volunteer militia was no longer neccessary.

Many modern militias have come to believe that the government is not loyal to the citizens of the United States.  There are many conspiracy theories in which these militias believe in.  Most militias believe in the right to bear arms and in the United States Constitution.  However, they don't believe in paying taxes, they are pro-life, anti-gay, and anti-semitists. They don't believe in the government and many of the militia organizations are racist.  They claim they want the best for the people and a loyal government, but much of their teachings are based on a deep seeded hatred for non-whites. We feel most militias are hypocrites.
 
 

The militia movement is mainly an expression of the Christian Patriot segment of white supremacy. Some militia members and the leaders claim they are not racist, but the militia movement is believed to be built on and encourage ideas that deny basic rights to citizens with whom they do not agree.

BIBILIOGRAPHY:

Winters, Paul A., Hate Crimes.  San Diego: Greenhaven Press Inc., 1996.

Novick, Blue By Day, White By Night.  Monroe, ME.: Common Courage Press, 1995.

Examiner, San Francisco: Sunday, April 23, 1995

Militia Activity of Great Concern to Northwest, Northwest Beacon: February 1995, Number 23.