Archive for June 2014

Lessons of History #2 – What a pity it is that our soldiers are not as numerous as our officers.

Lessons of History #2

What a pity it is that our soldiers are not as numerous as our officers.

Gary Hunt
Outpost of Freedom
June 29, 2014

In January 1776, Colonel Henry Knox was returning to Boston with the cannon he had acquired from the British at Fort Ticonderoga. From the book, “Bunker Hill”, by Nathaniel Philbrick (pages 270-271):

That night in Westfield [Massachusetts] an appreciative crowd gathered around the twenty-five year old colonel [Knox] at the town’s inn. Many of the men were members of the Westfield militia and, like most town militias throughout New England, there were a disproportionate number of officers. This imbalance had made it necessary for Washington to reduce the officer corps in the Continental Army, a move that inevitably angered many former officers and contributed to the reenlistment crisis. Now in Westfield, as Knox was introduced to officer after officer, he could appreciate firsthand one of the many difficulties his commander in chief had been forced to confront while he had been overseeing the transportation of cannons from Fort Ticonderoga. Once the introductions had been completed in the Westfield tavern, Know smiled broadly and said, “What a pity it is that our soldiers are not as numerous as our officers.”

“No bended knee for me” – the Persecution of Robert Beecher

“No bended knee for me” – the Persecution of Robert Beecher

Gary Hunt
Outpost of Freedom
June 20, 2014

A few days ago, a post appeared on Facebook. It was rather brief, and rather poorly written, but it had a message in it. Fortunately, the person posting was willing to remove it from Facebook, pending an investigation into the veracity of what was said, as well as what was implied, in that post. The post was about Robert Beecher, who was recently arrested, either in a conspiracy “to kidnap and torture” a DHS agent, or a simple firearms violation. That point is still not clear, though it is what leads up to the “conspiracy” allegation that brought it into the limelight.

The post read, in part, “Robert [Beecher] has asked me to give the name of the person who the FBI says… is accusing Robert M. Beecher of “planning with him” to kidnap and torture an agent of the DHS. He is the one… his name was given by the FBI and whose statement the FBI used to swarm in on Robert at his place of work. At the same time, they hit Robert’s home property. The accuser’s name is Jerry Bruckhart, with the Operation Mutual Aid group.” As written, it is accusatory, though in fact, Beecher was trying to determine what the connection between he and Jerry Bruckhart was, which would lead to such an accusation. So, the subjects of the investigation are Jerry Bruckhart (co-founder of OMA), Operation Mutual Aid (OMA), as an organization, and Robert Beecher. It is the roles of the two people and the organization that is the subject of this article.

Payne and Bruckhart started Operation Mutual Aid [note: website has been taken down], a few years back. In 2012, Beecher, thinking that he had found a group that appealed to his objectives, joined as a member — an open membership organization. Bruckhart’s explanation of his relationship with Beecher follows.

In an interview, Bruckhart states that his knowledge of Robert Beecher is minimal. He did have a conversation, via telephone, with Beecher back in 2012, as he does with all new members of OMA. That is the only conversation he has every had with Robert Beecher. He states that he has been involved with discussions on various Internet pages where Beecher may have been involved in the same discussion, as his recollection of the name brings that possibility to mind. Sometime in 2013, Robert Beecher deleted his membership on the OMA webpage. It was a consequence of a disagreement regarding the purpose (Mission Statement) of OMA. Jerry further states that the FBI has never contacted him, though others had told him that the FBI had asked them about him.

Now, let’s look at Robert M. Beecher, the government alleged co-conspirator with Jerry Bruckhart, to “kidnap and torture an [unknown] DHS agent”. Beecher has a somewhat checkered past, having been convicted of some crimes over twenty years ago, that may preclude him from owning firearms.

Beecher is 60 years of age, is a III% Commander, and has been active in the patriot community for at least a couple of years.

Regarding the controversy with the OMA, Beecher states that it had to do with a call for an armed march on Washington, D. C., OMA was supporting the march and Beecher declared it a “bad idea” and that it was “suicide to attempt to occupy D.C., armed”. Though Beecher believed in the “Mission Statement” of OMA, he felt that this action was outside of the scope of that Statement. This is what led to Beecher removing himself from the rolls of OMA.

On May 6, 2014, FBI Special Agent Slater, a BATF agent and a local officer from Toombs County, Georgia, approached Beecher at work. He was told that he was “not under arrest, that they needed to talk about some things”. They then asked if he knew Jerry Bruckhart of OMA. Given the length of time since his dispute with Jerry, he took this question as a “sucker punch”. The agent said that they had received word from Pennsylvania (Jerry’s home state) that he had “agreed to assist Jerry in the kidnap of a Homeland Security Agent” and were in the process of recruiting two more people to assist. He was told that Jerry disclosed this information while being questioned on another matter. Well, this doesn’t seem to be in agreement with what Jerry has stated, though we will address that, later.

Beecher was arrested on a “Complaint”, with no affidavit indicating the commission of a crime, according to his statement. Additionally, a search warrant was served on his home. His computers and drives were confiscated, along with a .45 pistol along with a 30-30 rifle. This raises the question of the justification for the search. Was it based upon the alleged conspiracy with Jerry Bruckhart? Or, was it based upon the speculation, or proof, that he had firearms, in violation of his felony conviction, from years past?

Beecher_WarrantThe search warrant (click warrant for larger image) affords no help. According to the warrant, in “identify the person or describe the property to be searched and give its location”, we find “The Residence located at 118 Pine Mountain Road, Reidsville, Georgia 30453, outbuildings, vehicles located thereon, and the person of Robert Beecher”.

Conspicuously absent is the “Attachment B”, which is intended to describe what “is believed to conceal (identify the person or describe the property to be seized)”

Further on, it states, “I find that the affidavit(s), or any testimony, establish probable cause to search or seize the person or property”.

The warrant appears to be signed by “M. Smith”, though the “Printed name and title” bears the name “G. R. Smith”, and provides no title for that person.

Now, just think about the very general nature of the warrant. What did he do that justifies the warrant? What, specifically, are the looking for? Who really signed the warrant, and what is his title?

So, let’s go to the remainder of Beecher’s written statement:

As we got into their truck to talk, the FBI agent told me that “Just so you know, I have been following you for the past year and a half.” He then went on to question me about my beliefs, my involvement with the militias, other websites, and what my role as Commander in the III%ers was. He was curious as to what Operation American Spring was, who was in charge of various details involved, and who I was attending with.

[T]he FBI Agent told me I wasn’t “being truthful and at that point I was only hurting myself”, that the “Government wasn’t concerned with the preppers or survivalist, but was concerned with those willing to hurt anyone connected to the government.” I agreed with that and told him that was why I opposed Jerry Bruckhart’s attempt to have patriots march on DC armed. They didn’t seem too happy about that comment.

I was then placed under arrest and taken to Tattnall County where I was questioned more about various people involved in different groups and organizations. I kept telling them I wasn’t familiar with the names, and that because I dealt with a lot of people in different parts of the country, some with the same first names, that I was unsure of who they were talking about. Again I was told that if I helped them that they would help me, that they could help me get released if I helped them cooperate. Around 4:30, they read me my Miranda rights, and had a deputy take me to Chatham County. I was placed in segregation around 7:00 pm Wednesday the 7th of May, and kept isolated until Friday when they came to get me for court. Again they attempted to get me to agree to infiltrate W.R.A.M., Three Percenters, and Modern Militia Movement…

I was transferred to Bulloch County, the US Marshalls told me where I was going was a “hellhole” and wished me luck. I must say that these people, the US Marshalls and the GBI [Georgia Bureau of Investigation] have been the only professionals I have dealt with… I went to court, was declared a “menace to society”, and denied bond.

[Later] I told the agent I wasn’t sure about which group he was referring to, and that I needed to be out and access my computer before I could answer any questions. He then told me he would bring my computer to the jail, and the attorney chimed in that I could access the info that way. I responded in the negative and knew then there would be no bond – regardless…

The important thing for people to understand is that if they did this to me, how many others have been snatched and agreed to inform? Good people, but outside their limits dealing with lying ass federal agents?…

Beecher concludes the above statement with, “I have sworn my oath and I will uphold it to the end. No bended knee for me.”

The search warrant that was served, with only some of the paperwork being left at Beecher’s home, resulted in the confiscation of a .45 pistol and a 30-30 rifle.

Since we can’t find any elements of illegal activity on the part of either Bruckhart or Beecher, nor anything that suggests any recent communication, on a level that would be required for a conspiracy charge, we must look elsewhere for any justification, or should I say, rationalization, for the events that have unfolded. Darn, nothing wrong there. So, let’s bring in the other players.

We can start with the three that participated directly in the arrest. We have a local officer; we have a BATF agent; and, then we have FBI Special Agent Slater. Well, the officer was “just doing his job”, so we can discount him. Then, we have SA Slater, who brought up the suggestion of a conspiracy between Bruckhart and Beecher, which doesn’t hold water. Finally, we have the BATF agent who deals with firearms violations. But, why was he even brought in? Was the purpose simply a “fishing expedition”, to see if they could find something that would, eventually, lead to an actual criminal charge — if they found firearms? If so, what could be the source of such information? Well, it appears that there was a picture posted on Facebook showing Beecher holding what appeared to be a rifle (30-30?). Is that grounds for a warrant? Perhaps so, though the warrant doesn’t say it is so. Therefore, it must be far too insignificant, or in admissible, to bring any charges, or those charges would have been laid on the table from the beginning.

What other plausible explanation could be behind this whole episode, which has taken a man from his job and family, for nearly a month and a half, without even a presentation of any charge or evidence to justify these actions?

The only thing that comes to mind, and hasn’t already be addressed is, perhaps, the most terrifying of all. They used the power of the government, in contravention of the Fourth Amendment, ” The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” Unfortunately, we have no
oath or affirmation” that supports any of the activities of the government for the search. This stinks of the concept of “Writs of Assistance” that were so appalling to the Founders, and lead to the specific inclusion of that Amendment in the Bill of Rights.

Further, we must also question the arrest, itself. He was lied to when he was told he was not being arrested, and then was arrested. Beecher stated (above) that he was arrested on a Complaint. If they had a Complaint, then they knew that they were going to arrest him. To do otherwise would be to lie, to deceive, to use chicanery, to violate the “Miranda Decision“, and to violate the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution, which read, in part, “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury…” Of course, the government has circumvented the Constitution by using “Complaints”, for decades. The Framers, however, sought to leave the denial of liberty (jailing) in the hands of the people, not of the government. Even if the government’s argument for “Complaints” is valid, the intent, for “a presentment or indictment” surely requires that the charges be a part of the circumventing “Complaint”, though at over 45 days in, we have no charges.

What can we conclude from this? Well, try as I might, I can only draw one conclusion — that the government will use the “color of law” to deny Liberty (Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness) that they are charged with protecting, and to intimidate a person who may have knowledge that they want, to entice him to turn against friends and neighbors, hoping to find some chargeable crime, and make a permanent “snitch” a member of their “team”. If Beecher were to sign a “plea agreement” to regain his Liberty, he will have made the first step into submission to the Big Brother that government has become. To understand this process, I would suggest that you read Informants Amongst Us?

Based upon my observation of the increase in activity of this nature, I think that I can safely predict that there is an escalation of this activity and it is likely to visit your neighborhood, in the very near future. This makes it imperative that we heed the proudly spoken words of Robert M. Beecher, when he said,

“I have sworn my oath and I will uphold it to the end. No bended knee for me.”

 

Additional article son Robert Beecher

“No bended knee for me” – the Charge against Robert Beecher

“No bended knee for me” – the Demonization of Robert Beecher

“No bended knee for me” – No Speedy Trial – Just Punishment

Liberty or Laws? “Felon in Possession of a Firearm” is Not Legal or Lawful

Lessons of History #1 – Maryland Resolves of 1774

Lessons of History #1

Maryland Resolves of 1774

Gary Hunt
Outpost of Freedom
June 19, 2014

On December 12, 1774 (four months before Lexington and Concord), the delegates from the various county Committees of Safety, ‘deputies’, met at Annapolis, Maryland. The following is from the report of their meeting, constituting an endorsement of the Association of the Continental Congress.

Though all of the Resolutions are significant, we might pay particular attention to the last Resolve. *

 AT A MEETING OF THE DEPUTIES appointed by the several counties of the province of Maryland, at the city of Annapolis, by adjournment, on the 8th day of December, 1774, and continued till the 12th day of the same month, were present, eighty-five members: Mr. John Hall in the chair, and Mr. John Duckett, clerk.

The proceedings of the Continental Congress were read, considered, and unanimously approved. Resolved, that every member of this convention will, and every person in the province ought strictly and inviolably to observe and carry into execution the association agreed on by the said Continental Congress.

* * *

* Resolved unanimously, that it is recommended to the several colonies and provinces to enter into such or the like resolutions, for mutual defense and protection, as are entered into by this province. As our opposition to the settled plan of the British administration to enslave America will be strengthened by a union of all ranks of men in this province, we do most earnestly recommend that all former differences about religion or politics, and all private animosities and quarrels of every kind, from henceforth cease and be forever buried in oblivion; and we entreat, we conjure every man by his duty to God, his country, and his posterity, cordially to unite in defense of our common rights and liberties.

Now that the events of April 12, 2014, have unfolded, and the relationships within the patriot community have hardened, we need to realize the necessity, as they did then, of putting aside all former differences about religion or politics, and all private animosities and quarrels of every kind, from henceforth cease and be forever buried in oblivion.”

The Bundy Affair – Vetting the Millers – Updated June 10, 2014

The Bundy Affair – Vetting the Millers

Gary Hunt
Outpost of Freedom
June 9, 2014 (Revised June 10, 2014)

Note: In the first article, I explained that all of the parties had not yet been contacted. The article went to press because the efforts of Mainstream Media to tie the Millers to the Bundy Ranch had to be addressed, as early as possible. Though I seldom put out a story until all of the necessary research is completed, this was an exception. What follows is the same story as the first, though with corrections and clarifications, based upon input by the other parties that chose to provide what insight they had into the event.

The shootings that occurred in Las Vegas, on Sunday, June 8, 2014, were initiated by Jerad (age 31) and his wife, Amanda (age 22) Miller. There has been speculation of ties between the Millers and the Operation Mutual Aid support of the Bundy family and ranch. This is to set the record straight.

The Millers arrived at Bunkerville between April 12 and 14, though were never admitted to the ranch property or the operational militia base until the following events occurred. After a few days, questions were raised by other participants about the Millers. These questions were brought to the attention of Jerry DeLemus, Ryan Payne, and head of security on the Bundy Ranch, Booda. They were then brought to the area of the ranch and were interrogated by Jerry DeLemus, Ryan Payne, and Booda

Jerad Miller admitted that he was a convicted felon. The had a model 1911, 0.45-caliber handgun and a shotgun. The interrogation was conducted based upon reports from other participants regarding the aggressive nature of the couple and the apparent volatility displayed by Jerad.

This first interrogation resulted in a subsequent meeting between DeLemus, Payne and Stobel, as well as Stewart Rhodes and Mike Vanderboegh. The initial assessment was that they were not of the caliber of people needed to provide for the defense of the Bundy family and property. They were first directed to go to Mesquite and report on what was occurring there. Because of their disheveled appearance, Rhodes gave them “a couple hundred dollars” so that they could get a motel room, shower, and some new clothes, because they claimed that, they had given up jobs, their home, and were wearing the only clothes they possessed.

Prior to their leaving for Mesquite, it was determined that there might be a problem if they appeared to be working with the operation, and armed, so Miller’s gun was put in a tent.

As the discussion continued, the realization that there could be more serious consequences if the Millers were associated with the operation, it was decided that they should be asked to leave the ‘jurisdiction’ of the operation. Miller’s gun was given to Amanda, as she was not a felon, and they were told to leave the area. The operation was properly focused on defense of property and people, and did not have any facility, obligation, or right, to do other than what they did.

The Millers were sent on their way. Never were the Bundys apprised of this situation. It was dealt with by the shared command of the militia contingent that had evolved through the progression of the operation.

What subsequently developed is quite unfortunate. However, the rapidly unfolding of events at the ranch did not diminish the necessity of proper vetting of participants.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mike Vanderboegh’s take, from a previous article at:

http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspot.com/2014/05/there-is-no-teacher-but-enemy-bundy.html

“One afternoon a couple showed up at the camp: a young tattooed white male wearing a holstered pistol and his girlfriend toting a shotgun. In the entrance interviews, which Jerry insisted upon mostly conducting himself, it developed that the guy was an admitted felon, but he didn’t believe that it was constitutional to deny him his firearm rights. This came with a long, sad story about how they had quit their jobs to volunteer for the Bundys and do their part. Both Jerry and Stewart were inclined to accept their help until I called them over and explained the ramifications of accepting a self-admitted, armed felon into camp. They were impressed by the man’s “honesty and sincerity,” in admitting up-front that he was a felon. I said, among other things, that of course he admitted it. If he hadn’t, then they would have plausible deniability when later confronted about it. By stating it up front, it was actually worse for them because they could not later deny having known that fact.”

However, according to other reports, Mike was not the only one to bring others into reality and make the right decision.

 

Related articles:

The End of the Bundy Affair (maybe)

The Bundy Affair – The Battle Continues

The Bundy Affair – Who Was Not in the Front?

The Bundy Affair – Is Anybody in Charge Here?

The Bundy Affair – Oathkeepers vs. Militia

The Bundy Affair – Oath Keepers vs. Militia – Part II

Stealing Valor

The Bundy Affair – Answering the Most Common Question

The Bundy Affair – The Revenge of the BLM