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Matt Mills McKnight / Redux
Cody Hoyt, a corporal in the Idaho regiment of the Light Foot militia, looks west over the Clark Fork River and Lake Pend Oreille near the Idaho and Montana border during an overnight cold weather training exercise.
Amid the beautiful trees, mountains and waterways of the Idaho panhandle, a burgeoning group of like-minded individuals banded together to form what they call the Idaho regiment of the Light Foot Militia.
Based on the principal that it’s their right to form a constitutional militia to protect themselves and their families against any future aggressors, the Light Foot use surrounding public lands to train in military tactics and survivalist methods, preparing for the worst. Firm believers in the Second Amendment, they consider themselves the "teeth of the constitution."
"But it’s more than just a gun thing," said Matt Mills McKnight, a photojournalist who has been documenting the militia for two years, photographing more than a dozen training sessions, public meetings and private occasions. "Just because they own guns, and some guns that are some really intense weapons, doesn’t mean that they are any different from you or me."
McKnight pursued the story of the Light Foot after moving to northern Idaho from San Francisco in 2010. He wanted to look beyond the guns, a culture deeply rooted in all militias, and cut to the core of this organization, which started in 2009. What he found were men and women with families dealing with the same issues that all of America deals with.
"Some militias want you to be afraid of them, but they [Idaho Light Foot Militia] don't," he said. "They are a group of guys that take themselves very seriously, and they believe in this current economic climate, they need to prepare for the worst."
"Where most people are willing to take the gamble that a worst case scenario isn't going to happen, the members of the Light Foot militia have decided differently," he said.
Matt Mills-McKnight is a freelance photojournalist and photo editor based in the Pacific Northwest. He can be found on Twitter, Instagram, or mattmillsphoto.com.
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How can you take seriously a bunch of guys who probably voted in twice a President who basically set the economy up to fail. and now are worrying about a Ficticious president who is trying to take away their guns
And Barack Obama is doing better by shifting towards a European nanny state? While this way of life is not for me personally they have every right to organize, arm and train themselves if they so choose. You, and most of the left, have become so dependent on the government to support you you're mystified by people who want to do for themselves. And THAT is the chief problem of our time, not the economy.
shamward, I'm glad you mention "ficticious President". Barack Hussein Obama is a Con Artist, Fraud, and a Muslim Terrorist Supporter.
FACTS: Barack Hussein Obama's Long Form Birth Certificate is a FRAUD
Obama's Social Security Number was issued to a Connecticut State Resident in Mar 15, 1977, to a man that's now deceased. Obama was 15 years Old living in Hawaii
Obama's Selective Service Registration is a Forgery. That's a Federal Felony.
The Muslim Brotherhood is Obama's biggest Supporters. Obama is their biggest Supporter. $1.5 Billion USA Tax Payer dollars going to supply weapons and training to Terrorists to Kill Americans.
Obama has all but Terminated the Congress of the USA. Instead of Majority Rule, Rule of Law, and following the USA Constitution, its now "Rule by Fools".
21 Green Energy Companies owned by 5 Obama White House Officials were given $3.9 Billion USA tax payers money.
Obama is giving 'NO BID CONTRACTS" to his largest contributers and supporters for trump up so called jobs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Millions of tax payer dollars being drained into the Obama Riech.
Erick Holder and Barack Obama are attacking States that enforce immigration Laws and attacking States that require a picture ID to vote. Obama is depending on Dead people, Disney Characters, illegal aliens, and non residence to elect him in 2012. Voter Fraud is already ramping up to vote for Obama.
Obama has commited so many impeachable offenses that he should be in JAIL and will be if he is not re elected. He knows this and will DO ANYTHING to stay in office. ANYTHING.
Get ready for that life changing event coming soon to the USA. Its going to happen folks, its going to happen.
Obama "evolved" from believing in marriage is between a man and woman only, to believing in Homosexual same sex marriages. He evolved. Really.
If Obama is re elected you will see a drastic "Evolution" in Barack Hussein Obama. Obama will embrace his Muslim upbringing, and confess he is a Muslim. Obama will embrace his Black Racist Communist Roots and support and Obama will be true to his education, training, supporters, he beliefs, and his hatred for the USA and do what he promised YOU he would do:
Transform the Fundamentals of the USA. (which is by the way the USA Constitution and Freedom).
. . . and how do you know the voting record of Militia members? How? A wee bit of contempt before investigation.
I used to think J.B. Jr. wasted a lot of taxpayer $, but Uncle Sambama simply gave away several times what Jr. did to the super greedy rich. At least with Jr. we got a war for our debt. (Sarcasm? yes and no). In the end, Obama will be seen as doing more damage to this country, it's people, and it's constitution than anyone in history by leaps and bounds. Too many people see him as a black man trying to do the right thing. They are blind. Just not color blind. If people were truly color blind, they would see him as one of "them". Just another politician with an unquenchable hunger for attention, money, and power. We need these militias, if for no other reason, to prove that they are allowed to exist without government intervention as per the constitution. I can pretty much guarantee that they are infiltrated anyway by informants. But that's ok so long as they are legit and true. (sort of ok anyway). The founders knew what they were doing by guaranteeing the right to have guns. Our country is un-invadable due to the MILLIONS of marksman deer hunters with high powered rifles, but also it protects our freedom from those internally who would take it from us for their power hungry ambitions. A lot of "Pinky and the Brain Syndrome" in our government and our so called "upper crusties".
Think hard about joining one of these groups. The members will end up going in and out of prison. Or, if they've avoided that maybe they've convinced someone that they are really a gun club.
That's a bit judgmental, no? I could say the same about low income housing projects where blacks and Hispanics live. But that would make me a racist, right?
While I admire this group's diligence in teaching survival skills to its up and coming members, as well as finding food sources beyond the grocery store, I am reminded of Buffalo Springfield's song, "Stop Now"---"Paranoia strikes deep/Into your life it will creep/It starts when you're always afraid/Step outta line, the man comes and takes you away...". The states' militia is the National Guard, not the citizens.
Incorrect. The National Guard can be federalized at any time and is thus bound to follow the orders of the federal government, whether the people of that state approve or not. The Guard can, in fact, be ordered to take up arms against those same people if the President orders them to. This HAS happened in the past. There is no paranoia in assuming that a government that amasses too much power (as this current administration is doing) will use that power to crush those who object. A militia is the PEOPLE of the state, organized to defend their homes and families.
Sorry Sandie. The Dick Act of 1902, in which the federal government acknowledges that States have both organized militias (National Guard) and UN-organized militias (the People). As an Ohioan, I have read Article IX of the Ohio Constitution and it states quite clearly that EVERYONE, both male and female, 17-67 are automatically part of the Ohio militia, like it or not. Also, according to the Dick Act the feral federal government CANNOT confiscate anyone's guns... It is our right to defend ourselves, from invaders, both foreign and domestic.
Incorrect robby76. The president can request National Guard troops, but the governor of that state has to approve it. The National Guard works for the state first, then the Federal Govt.
Incorrect maxmillian. There is a provision that allows for federalization with the consent of the soldier and his state governor on a voluntary basis (meaning the governor has to approve an individual request for activation made by the soldier), but the President may call the National Guard of any state to active duty whenever he deems necessary to quell a rebellion, enforce federal authority, quell an insurrection or in any case where the laws of the United States are deemed unenforcable by that state's authorities. In addition, the President can call up the Guard for operational missions for not longer than 270 days at a time. I suggest you read the law before commenting.
But let's say you were right (which you are not); do you not think that the governors would have intervened on the behalf of the Guardsmen who endured multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan?
Sandie,
You are incorrect. The militia referred to in the Constitution is the people; an armed populace. There was no National Guard back then when the Constitution.
n was written.
Article II Section 2 give the President of the United State the ability to take control of thees Militias
Just because you are paranoid, doesn't mean someone isn't following you.
State and even local militias were fairly common during WW2. Those too young, too old or disabled served, because the able-bodied were off in the war. Our government now tells us there is a Jihadist under every bed, and has essentially declared war on the people. If they are correct, then we should protect ourselves from these Jihadists. If they are not correct, we should be protecting ourselves from the government ;)
Facetiousness aside, reputable global economists discuss economic collapse in terms, not of "if", but "when". Even Bernanke stood in front of Congress a few months ago and said the "it's far worse than they realize". He declined to mention why, or who was responsible (ooo,, Ben). Making it a Dems vs Repubs is contrived divisive distraction to minimize the severity of the possibilities. If the un-backed fiat US dollar collapsed (or "when?") then all trade would halt until a reset could be accomplished. Of course there would be a certain amount of chaos, especially in urban areas. People have a tendency to prefer to eat and drink water and when there's no food or water, they might take to the streets. A reset and recovery could take a couple months.
While it's popular to poke fun at "preppers" and call them tin foil hats, it must be observed that the US Government is the biggest prepper in the world. People should take some level of comfort in knowing the government is stockpiling food and water (and some believe in "FEMA camps"). Let me say, that if many 1000s of Americans were starving and dying of thirst, they would be happy to go to some big tent city so they can survive. At least until the reset occurs, and trade is back on an even keel.
If certain numbers of rural Americans bond together as "militia", citizen coalitions, or community support groups, then it makes that segment of Americans without need, if/when the dollar collapses. The FEMA and other government relief agencies can simply skip them and help the helpless.
So look at those who prep, or come together for mutual support, with tolerance. They may not be as wacky as you think. Boy Scouts teach "Be Prepared", and that's far better than "Be Helpless".
I'll tell you why this story annoys me. I does not state how many folks there are in this "battalion". There is a maximum of twelve shown in any one picture (at the flag raising). Since it is 'the flag raising' I would leap to the conclusion that this is a 12 man "battalion". Not exactly a movement that would constitute 'news'. What is the news? There are 12 insecure delusional men in Idaho. I can go downtown to Trenton right now and find at least 12 delusional paranoids, tell them what they think and dress them in camo. Have my own battalion. I am always left wondering what the purpose of a story like this is. Who are we trying to titillate. Should I be scared of these 12 guys or run and quick join a militia....?
get back under your rock! you missed the point.
you think its funny but wait till the mob comes to your house. then it will be where is the light foot militia. if people stuck together like this in Syria there wouldn't be in the trouble they are now.
Scary stuff.
New Orleans PD and the National Guard went door to door during Katrina confiscating weapons from law abiding citizens contrary to their oaths to support and defend the Constitution. What make anyone believe that the government would not do the same thing here? When society collapses and armed gangs of criminals are running the streets raping, pillaging and murdering, these guys will not only defend their community but probably swell their ranks and become the next group of American patriots that actually do support and defend the Constitution. I hope I can get to Idaho quickly in the event of mass anarchy!
Don't waste your energy. The lefties are out in force. Seems they'd like to forget the lessons of history in favor of looking for ways to spend other people's money. Would you believe some of these people insist that just because we are the United States of America that some loon can't sweep into office and start pulling our rights one by one and call it "progress"? And even scarier is that some of them are all for it!
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."
James Madison, 4th Pres. of the United States
Both of you: well said! Excellent points.
Do you have a source for this?
Can you provide any evidence that the Government did take weapons for citizens in New Orleans?
And what make you think that it won't be a so-called Militia doing the raping, pillaging and murdering?
What is stopping you from forming your own Militia?
It happened 11 years ago and he did it under the guise of protecting us from terrorist. We have loons, in Congress, The Senate and in State Governments that are pulling our rights one by one but they call it "taking our country back" or under the guise of "Christianity" and Morality.
Phoenix there is ample documentation available to prove the NOPD was confiscating weapons...feel free to look it up yourself. And while I'm no fan of the Patriot Act, I also can't believe that the move to take from people who work and make a life for themselves to give to those who do not is "progress". More like regression.
The men of this militia seem to be family men who have an honest concern for the safety and welfare of their families and communities. That you mistrust them simply because they choose not to rely on a convoluted mess of a government to aid them in a time of need is your problem. What would make them any more likely to rape pillage or murder than a National Guard? And what would you say if a National Guard unit under orders from the President marched in and took over? But I guess that could never happen, right?
While your religion, or lack thereof, is your choice and your right, the promotion of hard work, the traditional family unit and many other Christian values is what will keep this country great. I refer you to the once mighty Roman Empire's downfall as the example of what immorality, hedonism and an anything goes society will bring.
i believe as a community we should all be ready in case of disaster. i live in las Vegas,and i own guns to protect my family and country. i can not depend on the police or military too help me right away....so yes we all should be prepared as one prepares for a earth quake. i live in a multi culture community and i will help my neighbor out in need. i will defend this country to the last breath. too me its a matter of common sense what group one joins,i support this type of preparedness.
SEMPER FI
DANNY P
RETIRED
it would be nice to see one n every state
To bad theres not one n every state
I can see the media trying to get the hysteria going on these guys. Or anyone who thinks like them. I noticed in the one story that links here with 20 or so pictures they have the Southern Poverty Law Center calling these guys a racist group. Didn't hear anything about race from them except to say if a black guy wants to join come on in. Although with the very limited population of minorities it would be unlikely.
By the way the Southern Poverty Law Center is a tolerance and diversity law firm. Decidedly leftist. Funny, they teach no tolerance for people who have more traditional beliefs.
God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions, it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty.... And what country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time, that this people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to the facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.
Thomas Jefferson
God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions, it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty.... And what country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time, that this people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to the facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.
Thomas Jefferson
These guys are jokes and soldier wannabes - wonder how many actually served? Watch out boys, the black helicopters are coming for you :) Freaking grow up already!
The National Guard has been called up several times to attack US Citizens. Veterans who did not receive their promised benefits Marched on Washington D C:
President Herbert Hoover then ordered the army to clear the veterans' campsite. Army Chief of Staff General Douglas MacArthur commanded the infantry and cavalry supported by six tanks. The Bonus Army marchers with their wives and children were driven out, and their shelters and belongings burned.
For five days in late August and early September 1921, in Logan County, West Virginia, some 10,000 armed coal miners confronted 3,000 lawmen and strikebreakers, called the Logan Defenders,[2]who were backed by coal mine operators during an attempt by the miners to unionize the southwestern West Virginia coalfields. The battle ended after approximately one million rounds were fired,[3] and the United States Army intervened by presidential order. The President ordered Air Strikes against the Striking Miners but the Pilots who flew the Airplanes refused to drop bombs on American Citizens.
The Governor of the State of Alabama, a democrat, George Wallace was forced to accept Integration in State Colleges with the help of the National Guard and other Federal Troops. (I know you don't read and have a poor education but didn't you see Forest Gump Movie?)
And the largest number of Federal Troops were sent in to stop the slaughter of Blacks by "DEMOCRATS" who opposed being drafted to fight against Slavery.
The New York City draft riots (July 13 to July 16, 1863; known at the time as Draft Week[2]) were violent disturbances in New York City that were the culmination of working-class discontent with new laws passed by Congress that year to draft men to fight in the ongoing American Civil War. The riots were the largest civil insurrection in American history.[3]
President Abraham Lincoln diverted several regiments of militia and volunteer troops from following up after the Battle of Gettysburg to control the city.
Initially intended to express anger at the draft, the protests turned ugly.
At least 100 black people were estimated to have been killed. Hanged from Lamp posts, pulled from homes, grabed off the streets and murdered all done by Democrats.
The conditions in the city were such that Major General John E. Wool, commander of the Department of the East, stated on July 16, "Martial law ought to be proclaimed, but I have not a sufficient force to enforce it."[6] The military did not reach the city until after the first day of rioting, when mobs had already ransacked or destroyed numerous buildings, including public buildings and homes of abolitionist sympathizers, many black homes, and the Colored Orphan Asylum at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue, which was burned to the ground. The children were not harmed.[7]
7000 Union Troops (Republicans) put an end to the 10's of thousands of DEMOCRAT Rioters and murderous rampage against Blacks in NYC July 16, 1863.
President Obama proclaimed he needed a Uniformed Civilian Force equal in Strength and Numbers to the USA Military. What? Why? Communism can only work if you have "Traitors among you". The eyes and ears of Communism must be present to keep eveyone in line. Remember the Uniformed Armed "Hitler Youth" who were brainwashed to report on their Parents??
What creates Militia's is an acknowledgement that the USA Constitution is being destroyed.
Everyone in this Militia should take equal time to get out the word in Idaho to vote for Mitt Romney and vote out every Liberal Democrat from office.
but maybe they already are aware of Barack Hussein Obama's plan of the greatest Voter Fraud in USA History.
maybe they know about www.SCYTL.com and this company in Communist Spain is going to count the Votes in 15 USA states. What could go wrong? Ask Mexico. Leftest Socialist/Communist just Won every election in Mexico and who counted their votes?? SCYTL.
Makes you want to pick up a gun, don't it?
You have displayed ignorance while claiming intelligence. Republicans and Democratic changed philosophies over 50 years ago.
So? You make it sound as if it was a bad thing. Again Democratic and Republicans changed philosophies during this time, after the Civil Rights Act was passed Southern Democrats left the Democratic Party and joined the Republican Party.
He gave a logical reason but it was ignored by paranoid ignorant people who rather continue to believe lies because they don't like the color of the skin of the President. The reason was so they could help in case of natural disasters.
No, what creates Militia is fear and ignorance. Can you cite what part of the Constitution is being destroyed?
Odd the only ones that seem to be interfering with votes and Voters are Republicans who are purging Legitimate Voters or are making it harder for people to Vote. Why did the Republicans in Ohio cut the ability for Voters to vote early? Why is the Republican Governor of Florida sending list of Legitimate Voters to be removed from the voter roles? Why do people who have been Voting for decades now have to show a specific ID that did not exist before? You should take a closer look at what political party is interfering with voters.
You don't know what is going on in your own country, What makes you think you know what is going on in another?
A lot of people don't trust the Gov't to begin with. It is much worse now with that little Muslim sh-t-stain in the White House who plans to "fundamentally change" our country.
You elected him - now you will live with the consequences - whatever they are !
People on Welfare will demand more and more as taxes and gas prices rise and the working class gets screwed more and more.
Something is going to break open - no question in my mind !
These Men and Woman are realizing the bleak future of this once great nation and are preparing to survive. I commend their actions...........
longhair, stop it. This is still a great nation and we will survive. Instead of trying to take our country back, why not take our country forward. There are so many things we can do to help our country survive..like stopping the hate. Like giving all people the same rights. Like maybe taxing a group of buildings that are not taxed. We need to look to the future, not back at what was.
I, personally, would not like to live in 1776; nor 1862; or 1920 s and we certainly almost duplicated the 1930s but, was lucky to have the right person in office. Yes, we did dodge a bullet there.
I think I like James T. Kirk's .. where no man has gone before. Or Buzz Lightyear....Infinity and beyond. lol.
Interesting group. Great photography by Matt Mills McKnight.
Interesting group. Great photography by Matt Mills McKnight.
Yep, this little group is going to protect their families, neighbors and the town people, from what invasion. The invasion of another country's. Think what guns they have is going to protect anyone for a very long period of time? If they are going to protect themselves from other Americans, they better get stronger weapons, because there are a whole of people in the United States with guns. Who you gonna call?
You can join a militia or prepare to shelter in place - guns locked and loaded !!
We may be killed, but before we go we will take out a lot of faggots - the ones ruining our country !
Our brave citizens banding together to prepare for the worst while hoping and working for the best. I am really sick of those people who besmirch our soldiers whether they be militias or our regular armed forces. Those that ridicule them will be the first to be crying out for someone to protect them if America is hit with a great natural or war disaster.
we have a military for this type of thing .but i want you to have your rights . but also allow me to live with the same rights.
you have the rights . no one wants your rights . but we do have a military .