From: Hepzibah-AT-pseud.pseud
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 1996 17:38:58 -0800
Subject: Re: M-INTRO: militia movements


At 01:35 PM 11/25/96 MST, Triax wrote:
>In recent news events we have seen certain militia groups take stands 
>against our current american government/ society.   Do you think 
>events such as the Free-men stand off in Montana, are attempts at 
>overthrowing the capitalistic way of life in America?  Could these 
>events be the roots for an attempt to create a socialistic society?  
>Were they trying to prove a valid point?  What do you think? 

The militia movement contains a wide range of beliefs, but very 
generally they are not opposed to capitalism and do not speak in 
terms of "overthrowing" anything. Their mantra is self-defense. The
perceived threat is the corporate/government hegemony that has become
part of monopoly capitalism.

Though I don't know if you could say it is the root for an attempt to
create a socialistic society, phenomenon such as the militia movement
are important barometers of class unrest, for one. Many milita members
are victims, in one way or another, of the assault on the working-class.
For example several of the Freemen (who are not representative of the 
larger militia movement) had farm property foreclosed by the government. 
Others are veterans, displaced workers and other people angry about 
a world where technology and opportunity has left them behind.

Yes, they have some valid points and resentments, but many of them 
are looking for answers in the wrong direction.

Hepzibah



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