Ferguson Black Lives Matter, Oath Keepers Fight as One

[Janelle2002 3,865]

Ferguson Black Lives Matter, Oath Keepers Fight as One

Posted: 08/12/2015 11:55 am EDT Updated: 55 minutes ago

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The appearance of heavily-armed men in Ferguson on August 11 has caused considerable unease among Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters and the police in the city. Protesters have told them that they are not wanted. Even the police, while grudgingly accepting their presence as lawful, have said that their presence is "unnecessary and inflammatory". Indeed, the protest movement has framed them as part of the alleged government-sanctioned white supremacy, noting that blacks would not be able to openly carry similar arms without a violent response from the police. The Oath Keepers' goals are likely to be more in line with the protesters' own objectives than the protesters would expect. However, protesters must remain wary of how the group's libertarian message will detract from the BLM's own messages, given the Oath Keepers' far-right ideology.

In the first hours of their appearance on the streets of Ferguson, multiple news agencies were unable to obtain an official response from the group, leaving the purpose of their presence ambiguous to the nation at large. Under the police brutality vs. African American community paradigm, or police vs. looters paradigm, depending on your political preferences, they have previously sided with law enforcement officials.

Late last year, they patrolled businesses and apartments as part of a voluntary security force to defend against the looting and violence during the protests. They eventually stood down after being ordered to do so by local police as they were providing security services without a license.

However, interviews with local Oath Keepers have told a different story for their appearance this time. The Washington Post reported that the men are in the area to protect a reporter working for the far-right and libertarian website InfoWars, and interviews from InfoWars have portrayed them as individuals siding with the protesters with a bit of a right-wing twist.

They stated that they are there to keep InfoWars reporters safe, perhaps in light of the arrests of Huffington Post and Washington Post reporters this past week. Furthermore, they expressed dismay at the fact that Republicans failed to mention police brutality as an issue in their debate on August 6. They urged protesters to exercise their Second Amendment rights to produce a "safer society", and raised other issues like the potential benefits of a flat consumption tax--ideas, that when fact-checked, don't stand up to critical scrutiny (e.g. for every "justifiable gun homicide" in 2012, two accidental gun deaths, 34 criminal gun homicides, and 78 gun suicides occurred; furthermore, most guns used in mass shootings have been obtained legally).

Their motives do not appear to be part of an attempt to undermine the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. In fact, police brutality is a point where both the libertarian ideology and BLM coincide with one another. Should the protesters come to view this right-wing perspective as a potential ally in their fight against police brutality, the de facto cooperation might interestingly realign local actors, tying Second Amendment rights and conservative taxation policies to the fight against racism and an out of control police force.

The problem, however, is that the Oath Keepers' ideology is still fundamentally different from the Black Lives Matter movement. BLM seeks to produce change by working within the democratic system through awareness campaigns. The Oath Keepers, while being a decentralized group composed of individuals with wide-ranging conservative views including birther conspiracy theories, ultimately proposes that armed insurrection might be necessary, especially in this day and age of an allegedly "tyrannical" government, to reset the country back to a "truly" democratic system. Stewart Rhodes himself, in an interview with Alex Jones, has indulged in conspiracy theories on the idea that President Obama might stage a 9/11 style event to extend his presidency through emergency powers.

The side-goal of a potential armed rebellion isn't just theory among right-wing groups. While Duke University reported an average of nine annual Islamic terrorist attacks resulting in 50 fatalities since 9/11, West Point's Combating Terrorism Center has reported an average of 337 right-wing terrorist attacks per year and 254 fatalities since 9/11. The Global Terrorism Database of the University of Maryland also recorded just 24 Islamic extremist attacks on the US homeland since 9/11 while noting 65 right-wing terrorist attacks over the same period. The right-wing ideology, as shown by these data sets, has been more violent in the US than the widely-covered Islamic extremism that supposedly poses an existential threat to the US.

The other causes endorsed by the Oath Keepers, like Second Amendment rights and flat consumption taxes, ignorant of the statistics on gun control and tax incentive economics, will similarly tie the Black Lives Matter movement down as it seeks to fight against racism and police brutality.

The Oath Keepers movement has consistently danced around the ambiguous line on treason, with its calls to disobey orders it considers to be unconstitutional and its calls for an armed insurrection, without ever noting a realistic point where armed revolt is warranted. Should they turn violent as hundreds of right-wing lone wolves have in the past, as an armed group fighting for political goals, not on behalf of a state, they would be categorized as the domestic terrorist group the Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly warned Congress's deaf ears about.

The BLM movement needs to continue nonviolent civil disobedience to evoke the change it seeks to fight for. Tying BLM to a potentially violent movement, however politically convenient this may be over the short-term, would delegitimize BLM and may radicalize individuals when an escalation of violence would forever taint Black Lives Matter's cause.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anhvinh-doanvo/dont-dismiss-the-oath-kee_b_7973872.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592

[Darnell 8,478]

Ferguson Black Lives Matter, Oath Keepers Fight as One -

COOL ! Economies of scale apply, when buying ammo in bulk. Good for them ! Hopefully, by now, they have:

1. made a company, incorporated somewhere and

2. applied for, and gotten, a security license useful in Ferguson.

Edited August 12, 2015 by Darnell

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

If theres anything that situation doesn't need, it's a group of paramilitary gung ho types running around with more trigger finger than brain.

Edited August 12, 2015 by Venkman

[Neonred 3,446]

Why don't I like "Black Lives Matter"? It's not because they are black, it's because they are irritating dirt bags.

Shooting in the streets and bitching when cops return fire. Taking over political speeches for your own agenda, etc etc.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Why don't I like "Black Lives Matter"? It's not because they are black, it's because they are irritating dirt bags.

Shooting in the streets and bitching when cops return fire. Taking over political speeches for your own agenda, etc etc.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/561129-with-the-help-of-a-tea-party-group-this-ferguson-woman-is-rebuilding-her-shop/

[lostinblue 1,989]

“CBS News published a false story claiming that Infowars reporter Joe Biggs, a highly-experienced combat veteran, “hired” a militia group to protect both him and reporter Jakari Jackson in Ferguson, Mo.

“CBS News reports that several members of a militia-style group called the Oath Keepers showed up carrying assault weapons; they were hired by Infowars.com — a website run by Alex Jones — to protect its reporters,” the Aug. 11 article falsely states.”

The news website stated that they “did not hire Oath Keepers for private security”. Shortly after denying hiring the Oath Keepers, InfoWars reported that News Director Rob Dew called John Butler, the news director of CBS St. Louis/KMOX, about the story. In the video below Dew explains to Butler that the story is false and Butler agrees to retract the claim.

http://truthinmedia.com/media-ignores-oathkeepers-protecting-small-business-owners-in-ferguson/

[JohnR! 5,495]

You ain't seen nothing. You should have been around when they decided they should sit on the front of the bus and eat at the 'whites only' counters... That must have been irritating...

#3xfp

Why don't I like "Black Lives Matter"? It's not because they are black, it's because they are irritating dirt bags.

Shooting in the streets and bitching when cops return fire. Taking over political speeches for your own agenda, etc etc.

[lostinblue 1,989]

[Darnell 8,478]

oh- Oath Keepers is a white male group.

Now I remember.. duh...

So, how to balance a white male group helping to stop looting by black people in Ferguson, Missouri ?

----

Janelle - I read the article again, more deep for content,

and I'll say this:

BLM needs to get their shootza together, and soon. They've had a year already, and it's not made any real progress in Ferguson.

#BlackLivesMatterElsewhere ..

Edited August 12, 2015 by Darnell

[lostinblue 1,989]

http://www.gofundme.com/NataliesCakesnMore

UPDATE #18

5 MONTHS AGO

1

1

1 person likes this update

Hey Guys,

I recently found out about the condition of baby Kelli' Rae and thought it might be helpful to let you guys know too. Please go and check out her gofundme page http://www.gofundme.com/pray-for-Kelli-Rae and contribute whatever you can even if it is just a prayer.

She is terrible victim of child abuse and SBS ( shaken baby syndrome). She suffered 95% damage to her brain and may never live a normal life as a child or an adult. The family is looking for assistance with medical expenses and future care that she will need! Please do whatever you can to assist!!! XOXO

Link Below:
http://www.gofundme.com/pray-for-Kelli-Rae


Thanks Guys

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UPDATE #17

5 MONTHS AGO

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Hey guys,

Wanted to give you a quick update. Business is doing great! We will have our website nataliescakesandmore.com launching in the next few weeks so be sure to check us out. As always we appreciate the continued love and support from all over the world Thanks to you all, we now ship out of state so be sure to give the Cakery a call at
(314) 801 -7064 to place an order. You definitely aren't too far away to receive a delicious caramel cake or scrumptious cookies!!! XOXO



Natalie

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UPDATE #16

7 MONTHS AGO

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Hello everyone!

Just an update on my progress via Fox and Friends, and a special thanks to all who supported me.

I am so grateful.

Thank You

http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/nightly-news/ferguson-businesses-struggle-to-reopen-after-night-of-calm-364564035650

Sorry it won't create a link.

Happy Holidays !

XOXO,

Natalie

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UPDATE #15

8 MONTHS AGO

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Cups
OR Chocolate Pecan Brownie Cups ?

Which do you like better?

Now attempting to shamelessly tempt you!
Accepting phone orders for delivery after January 3rd.

PS: I must thank all of you - again.
December brownie delivery orders are completely full !

Thank You and Happy Holidays,

XOXO,
Natalie

PS: Still baking local cakes ...and more !

Peanut Butter Brownie Cups !

Pecan Brownie Cups !

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UPDATE #14

8 MONTHS AGO

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I must thank all of you - again. December brownie delivery orders are completely full !

At present it's only me baking, and although many are generously helping me, I still have one me and one oven.

Again thank you so much and please think of me in January. I hope my Website will be up and running then - as soon as I have a minute to discuss it

Being busy WORKING is the greatest gift of all.

Thank You,

Happy Holidays,

XOXO,

Natalie

PS: Still baking local cakes ...and more !

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UPDATE #13

8 MONTHS AGO

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Please consider supporting my neighbors. These are people struggling to keep their small business afloat to ride out the present storm. All small business owners.

Please spread LOVE!

Saving Mimi's in Ferguson
http://www.gofundme.com/hw7w30

The team at Mimi's has had the privilage of serving the great residence in the area with amazing food and cold drinks for the past 19yrs. They are going under and can’t pay utilities due to loss of business related to the riot and looting.

Rebuild Sam's Market in Ferguson
http://www.gofundme.com/samsmeat

A family business made up of first-generation Americans. "We love this Country and we love Ferguson. But we lost everything to the looters. Our building was burned. Please help us stay strong and rebuild.”

Ferguson Faraci's Pizza Fund
http://www.gofundme.com/hvgaak

Faraci Pizza's owners Jim amd Dawne Marshall have been here in Ferguson for 35 years. Now temporarily closed due to looting.


Thank You !!!!

Off to bake brownies #blessed

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UPDATE #12

8 MONTHS AGO

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The Barber and Beauty Shop Gofundme page if finally UP AND WORKING

www.gofundme.com/queensroyaltouch

Please give support, prayers, and aid to this small business that was destroyed by fire in the riots

She must now start over from scratch in a new building.

This retired schoolteacher put her retirement into her barber shop, and the contents are a loss. She must also find another storefront. Kesha Barnes-Greene was in the hospital due to a difficult pregnancy when her shop was burned.

Please consider her fund. She is such a sweet lady.

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UPDATE #11

8 MONTHS AGO

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"PAY IT FORWARD" (updated)


Hello Friends,

Just checking in and reading all of your inspirational comments. The strength of your words is giving me wings.

I know how lucky and blessed I am, so if you're checking in on me, PLEASE consider helping my neighbors whose businesses were damaged.

"Beauty World: Ferguson, MO"
http://www.gofundme.com/beautyworld

"Solo Insurance Agency "
http://www.gofundme.com/helpsolo

Queen's Touch Barber Shop. A small business burned in riots. Please give support, prayers, and aid to this small business that was damaged by fire in the riots ❤

http:/gofundme.com/queensroyaltouch.

St. Louis Cordless
http://www.gofundme.com/htk4zo


"Cathy's Kitchen & J & C BBQ Repairs"
http://www.gofundme.com/htnohk

Cathy and Jerome Jenkins of Cathy's Kitchen and J & C BBQ and Blues Restaurant lost 25 windows and other damages.

"Rebuild Juanita's Ferguson Boutique"
http://www.gofundme.com/fashionsr

Juanita Morris’ clothing store store was burned, she owned her business in Ferguson for 28 years.

"Little Ceasar's"
http://www.gofundme.com/hu8z10


Ferguson Market Fund
http://www.gofundme.com/hunocc

Andy, Nick, Mike and their families have owned their business in Ferguson for more than 6 years.


Thank You,

Happy Holidays and Much Love to All !

My Twitter handle is @Ferg_Natalie, please follow me.

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UPDATE #10

8 MONTHS AGO

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I'm so sorry I cannot answer each and every single one of your wonderful messages right now, but please do know how grateful I am for every thought, message, comment, Tweet, Facebook message, prayer, smile, and donation.

I know how very lucky I am to be BUSY BAKING

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UPDATE #9

8 MONTHS AGO

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Please send some love and support to Juanita, a lady in Ferguson, who lost her shop ?

http://www.gofundme.com/fashionsr

XOXO Natalie

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Hello, I'm Natalie Dubose of Ferguson, Missouri. I'm a small business owner with a cake shop and a bakery dream.

First, I would thank everyone for their warm wishes, empathy, and support during this crazy difficult time.

I would love to write more, and will try soon, but my business is so behind right now.

My shop, which had it's grand opening this summer was vandalized in the riots.

My main windows were smashed and bakery damaged. I'm beside myself, but with the holidays, can't stop working.

I'm very busy cleaning and trying to repair my business. I'm also trying to catchup on baking cakes for Thanksgiving!

I promise to update this later. I'm truly mixing batter right now. I began baking and selling cakes at local flea markets, slowly saving money to start my small business.

I LOVE TO BAKE !!!

It was my dream and I'm working hard to accomplish that dream.

The outpouring of support on Twitter, Facebook, and in the media has been amazing. I was in tears.

It was suggested that I start a Gofundme account by a new friend. She created it and here it is. I do need help to rebuild and create a website, so any donations would be a huge assistance.

I'm not sure where to find the money to repair my little bakery. But, even if you just stopped by to say hello. Thank You !!!!

I've never felt such love.

Thank You !!!

Natalie


Contact me on:

Twitter @Ferg_Natalie or
Facebook as Natalie's Cakes and More

Website coming soon !

[Darnell 8,478]

wait wait - the funds from the GoFundMe account tagged for medical bills on a child with shaken baby syndrom, were used, instead, to fund a bakery opening for a black woman in Ferguson ?

[Janelle2002 3,865]

oh- Oath Keepers is a white male group.

Now I remember.. duh...

So, how to balance a white male group helping to stop looting by black people in Ferguson, Missouri ?

----

Janelle - I read the article again, more deep for content,

and I'll say this:

BLM needs to get their shootza together, and soon. They've had a year already, and it's not made any real progress in Ferguson.

#BlackLivesMatterElsewhere ..

Glad you finally read the article.

However, I do have a question. Would a bunch of black people be able to walk around armed and not get shot?

[Boiler 43,433]

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Considering Zach Hammond was killed and ALM was very silent, I'd say this statement is false.

[Janelle2002 3,865]

Of course the lives of police officers matter. And when they are gunned down and killed without their killer being convicted, I will be sure to protest, but until then.....