Inbox

Militias in the U.S.

The growth of militia units undoubtedly has more than one cause [Oct. 11]: politics, racism and perhaps a fascination with perpetual adolescence. Boys like to play games in which they are make-believe soldiers. In combat, actual soldiers are lonely for their loved ones. The militiamen look young and healthy. What keeps them from volunteering to serve as real soldiers?

M. Fayne Wilson, RIVIERA BEACH, FLA.

I feel you have performed an extreme disservice to the American public by associating Bob Schulz and the We the People Foundation with some of the most violent elements in our society. After reviewing example after example of these nutcases, you describe Bob as a philosophical leader of a "War on the Feds." I have known and worked with him for several years. He is a very determined man, but he has never advocated violence in any conversation, public speech or written article. His love of freedom and liberty is refreshing, and he's almost childlike in the way he enthuses about their positive qualities. He is a peaceful national treasure.

Fred Smart, EVANSTON, ILL.

I live a few miles away from where the Hutaree-militia members were arrested. Not long before that arrest, I purchased a handgun because I was concerned about the possibility of a violent militia group attempting a terrorist attack. The members of these groups ought to remember that there are Americans who believe in democracy and not anarchy, or their version of how the U.S. should be.

Terry Frownfelder, ADRIAN, MICH.

I appreciate the article. However, I personally have spoken to men in militia groups who welcome people of differing races in order to protect their common interests.

Cleve Sharpe, OOLITIC, IND.

So Mike Vanderboegh is antigovernment to the point where he would kill U.S. soldiers representing our elected government, but he doesn't mind cashing government disability checks. Craig Wright declares he would fight U.S. soldiers attempting to enforce martial law, so that he himself could impose it and "rule the countryside." The hypocrisy of these two is astounding.

Ian S. Mayville, BOCA RATON, FLA.

Last time I checked, the days of redcoat occupation were long gone and not soon returning. Maybe its time we re-examine the Second Amendment and the way we let it be interpreted by antigovernment groups who build up military arsenals. Having a weapon for household and personal protection is one thing. But there is no longer a need for armed militias like the colonial Minutemen. Our democratic process should provide sufficient arms for today's Minutemen, and the Second Amendment should reflect this.

Matthew Ryan Quinlisk, DUXBURY, MASS.

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