What constitutes a domestic enemy to the U.S Constiution?

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 16:49:58 -0400

When we solemnly swear to support the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. How do we define a domestic enemy to the constitution. Someone who attacks enumerated rights? Looking for opinions.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 8 at 2018 5:02 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 17:02:54 -0400

Once upon a time it was clearly evident. The Constitution was written in plain language so that every citizen could read it for themselves. (Interestingly, the language is still plain after a couple hundred years plus) Sadly, we have allowed lawyers to read it for us. They have set themselves up like a priesthood and we are not worthy to speak for ourselves. We are ignorant rednecks, deplorables, the unwashed masses living in fly-over country, etc. If you read the Declaration of Independence, you'll see that we have done this to ourselves. The lawyers never would have had this power but that we gave it to them. In our striving to live as free peoples, largely uninterested in government and legalisms, we allowed them to rise above us. We might have voted them out, but didn't. Now we're at a tipping point where enough Americans like being subjects rather than citizens. They like having others take responsibility for them. Freedom and liberty scare them. No, none of this answers your question. It merely shows that your question is irrelevant. Sorry...

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Aug 8 at 2018 5:20 PM

1stSgt Nelson Kerr — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 17:20:19 -0400

Unlawfully attacking enumerated rights would make someone an enemy, doing so though the Constitutional process would not. after all owning people was a right at the founding. and the Constitution has been modified multiple times via methods it provides. for.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 8 at 2018 5:36 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 17:36:14 -0400

I think it applies to those who fight the functions of the government and its processes.

Response by CW2 Kameron Read made Aug 8 at 2018 5:39 PM

CW2 Kameron Read — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 17:39:00 -0400

Those that commit sedition, subversion, and treason. It’s not about fighting ourselves. I can see how some would want to push it in that area. If your rights are taken away or challenged that doesn’t make an enemy of the state, that is an injustice.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 8 at 2018 5:59 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 17:59:00 -0400

Long read, but....

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1404/1404-h/1404-h.htm

The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison

Free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by Project Gutenberg.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Aug 8 at 2018 6:03 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 18:03:43 -0400

I can sum it in really simple terms, home grown terrorist.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 6:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 18:15:33 -0400

Capt Jack says it best. I am enlightened you brought up this question, as I often ponder it myself. In layman's terms anyone who dares goes against the constitution of the USA would fall under this category, as you swear to defend and uphold it... In 2018, I'm doubtful that would fly. Let me know how it works out for you.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Aug 8 at 2018 6:19 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 18:19:43 -0400

I’d say groups, individuals associated with Antifa, new black panthers.. NWO(new world order, the dark state...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 6:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 18:23:09 -0400

So people against ICE agents, people like Rohm Emanuel, antifa, BLM, NWO, and all the other moonbats still running around town.

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Aug 9 at 2018 2:40 AM

1stSgt Nelson Kerr — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 02:40:33 -0400

Deed Scott was superseded by an amendment which made it unconstitutional

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Aug 9 at 2018 7:45 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 07:45:08 -0400

Having had the opportunity to observe the rise and fall of various foreign governments since the 50s, and the civil unrest associated with those events, I am convinced the unwillingness of our military, as an institution, to be involved in the civil process is a primary strength of our nation. We, as individuals, have a responsibility to exercise our civil responsibilities, but, as members of the military service, have no right to allow our individual opinions to color our service to the principles of the Constitution. The Constitution allows for changes to the enumerated rights through defined processes, so, as long as the defined processes are observed, we cannot label the movements as domestic enemies. So the question of when we must act upon our sworn obligation is subject to our individual conscience. Our individual interpretations are then subject to the same consensus building process within the military as is used within the legislative and judicial branches of our government. In my mind, I would have to move to act under two circumstances, both of which have occured in foreign governments during my lifetime. Of course an armed uprising, similiar to our War Between the States, which exceeds the capability of the civil police is one. The second is an action, not a movement, whereby one of the three branches of government neutralizes the ability of another branch to fulfill their Constitutional responsibilities through force.

Response by MSgt Dale Johnson made Aug 9 at 2018 9:01 AM

MSgt Dale Johnson — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 09:01:41 -0400

Unfortunately one of the groups that hasn't been mentioned are the Socialist Democrats. Telling the sheeple vote for me, I want to give everyone free everything, college education, medical, housing etc. They have no clue how to fund it mind you.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Aug 9 at 2018 10:19 AM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 10:19:15 -0400

This very topic challenges the concept of the 1st Amendment.

IMO, if a person or group publicly promote and take action to violently overthrow our established government, they become a "domestic enemy." BUT, those ideas must be actively acted upon, not just talked about. Freedom of speech leaves a lot of room for talk. I believe for legal action to be taken, there must be some actual action taken.

As said, a thin line to walk.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 9 at 2018 6:20 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 18:20:36 -0400

Interesting question. It seems a little difficult to find domestic enemies. Using military force in the CONUS is difficult to justify, but it was done during the Civil War. The States that left the Union represented a domestic enemy. Certainly leaving or attempting to leave the Union, plotting, or planning to do so through violence would constitute a domestic enemy--probably also a crime. However, there appears to be a legal way for a state to leave the Union--some folks in CA are pushing the idea, "CALXIT." That probably isn't illegal nor are they domestic enemies.

Protection of free speech and assembly under the First Amendment covers a wide variety of political activities. As long as the speech and assembly remains peaceful, the participants don't seem likely to be domestic enemies. Unauthorized Militias might be "domestic enemies" if they take up arms against the Government.

Response by Cpl James Sullo made Aug 10 at 2018 2:52 PM

Cpl James Sullo — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 14:52:03 -0400

I would start by calling out the obvious domestic enemies those who aid and abet terrorism, those who practice assault and vandalism under the pretense of protest. Those who invade our country for the sole purpose of selling poison to our children. And those who engage in human trafficking and enslave young women into prostitution. These are some of the evils, that if practiced by someone, I think all Americans can agree constitute oneself to be domestic enemy.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Oct 21 at 2018 1:53 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 13:53:12 -0400

Was taught in the police academy anyone that interferes with your way of life that is legal

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Oct 21 at 2018 2:09 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 14:09:16 -0400

I think a domestic enemy can even be local(I.e.; a city or town council run via constitution guidelines with equally divided group of politically oriented persons and for example a group wants to
Do socialistic rule, no Pledge allegiance, no prayer to open city meeting or committee meetings.. to rip down patriotic reminders, plaques, (remind
You of anybody?). This can go on in our schools(like what is happening now)..
opinions, examples.. not much different?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2018 3:06 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 15:06:51 -0400

Cheeseball answer, but IMO anyone that seeks to change our Constitution through overt or covert means in any manner outside the normal process.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2018 4:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 16:59:48 -0400

Great topic for a discussion sir

Response by PO3 Robert Wallick made Jul 30 at 2020 7:33 PM

PO3 Robert Wallick — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 19:33:20 -0400

It’s a Damn travesty what’s going on today in this country my whole family served in the Defense of this country for More than 4 generations We want to defund and stop supporting our police which is our first line of defense I’m mad as hell I took an oath to defend the constitution and this country against all enemies foreign and Domestic right now the biggest threat is domestic and it don’t take a Genius to figure this one out just look at what’s happening on the left coast with the gutless political hacks running those cities and allowing the hard working Americans to suffer the bull shit going on I may be old but I can still shoot straight the rioters are nothing more than domestic enemies bent on destroying our way of life that so many of us fought and served to defend it’s time to stand up and be counted

Response by SFC James Corona made Nov 16 at 2020 11:55 AM

SFC James Corona — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 11:55:55 -0500

The Constitution has clear definitions to "a certain extent" but unfortunately can be accomodated to a personal political partisanship opinion. Look at the liberal enacted interprertation the Supreme Court nade about same sex marriage's declaration by Supreme Court and is in support if this liberal law.