I follow a handful of three percenters on various social media accounts. One has an off-grid pig farm in Idaho, the other started a farm in North Carolina after leaving New York so he wouldn’t have to register his AR-15 or limit the accessories he could own.

I give these guys a lot of respect for standing up for their beliefs but I’m also skeptical about the IIIer movement’s embrace of law enforcement and the military. I think dictatorial government is the problem not the solution.

I also don’t look that highly on the constitution, which is just a bunch of words on paper that can just as easily as bedding in the barnyard. Shredding waste paper is a great low cost alternative to straw and its very absorbent but not as durable. Good for pigs and keeping waste out of landfills.

While I get that law enforcement and the military have a job to do I don’t hold them up in high regard or as a noble profession fighting against evil. They’re government workers, they do it for a paycheck, healthcare benefits and a pension. They’re as necessary as farmers, road workers, DMV clerks, and grocery store stockers but they’re not some exalted demigod.

I don’t necessarily believe that government is always a force for good or justice, I can be downright skeptical at times. I don’t see any reason to celebrate the police force or the military that are paid to sometimes implement the unjust and unwise policies. These civil servants have a job to do but I hardly call government work a noble cause. Public safety is important but so is farming, auto repair or even news reporting.

Like the IIIers, I like my guns too, they’re a lot of fun to shoot. I wish I owned more but they’re are too many costs, regulations and not enough places to shoot near where I live. Those AR-15 with large capacity magazines look like a blast to shoot, handguns are great for carrying for personal protection. Hunting is hard work and a definite skill of patience but my hats off to all that get it done and have a successful harvest to put healthy, delicious and nutrious food on table for their the family.

It is true that 3 percent of the population is very politically active and can and do make change. It’s good to be part of the group and be heard. I totally support that the IIIers are advocating for their second amendment rights. Rural folk need guns, they’re an essential tool on the farm and in the backcountry. I think it’s good they’re advocating for to be left alone on their own land. For lower taxes that better reflect what they can afford to sustain for their lifestyle.

Government is only as good as the people it employs. The constitution and laws and regulations that implement it is great but it’s only as good the people who enforce it. We need an involved public who speaks up and demands their rights, that forces the politicians to be responsible and accountable to the people. Be part of the three percent who is active and demand change.

A public that elects and demands that elected officials appoint responsible judges that will uphold our rights and give meaning to the words written in the constitution by politicians and elites nearly 250 years ago today. Rights are lost by silence and consent, it’s important that people be heard whether they’re pig farmers in Idaho or gun toating rednecks in North Carolina.