South Carolina lawmakers attending a local legislative delegation meeting in Greenville, SC this week found themselves faced with a “demand” letter from a limited government group – one that threatened the eventual “release” of a “pressurized emotional buildup” unless your conditions are met.
“We have passed the turning point of no return if the government leadership in South Carolina does not act responsibly to protect the rights that God has given us,” warned the group.
The letter – dated 11 January 2021 – was sent by a group that calls itself Veritas Voice and American Reformation. This organization is led by its founder, Jon McMakin.
Several dozen supporters of the group attended the Greenville delegation meeting on the same date and “demanded allegiance” to its agenda, lawmakers in the news said.
“The citizens of Upstate have a pathological inability to be controlled,” McMakin wrote in his letter. “Our cultural and religious heritage will not allow the acceptance of draconian and unconstitutional laws, decrees, mandates, orders or regulations that are contrary to Freedom.”
Fair. His next pass was a little more sinister, however …
“The failure of South Carolina lawmakers, government leadership, agencies and departments to recognize and validate these facts will automatically create an environment that is likely to become a public security risk for all South Carolina residents,” wrote McMakin.
Wait … what?
“Historically, disaffected societies and the government’s rejection of extreme citizen discontent have led to violent conflicts and wars,” continued McMakin. “The pressurized emotional build-up of South Carolinians, over time, will be released or withdrawn, according to the decisions of the South Carolina governments to restore or restrict People’s Freedom.”
The only thing that can “retract” that buildup, according to McMakin? Compliance with the list of “demands” articulated by the group.
Take a look …
(Click to view)
(Via: Provided)
As you can see in the document (above), McMakin’s letter calls for “the rejection of all laws, regulations, orders, mandates and governmental decrees related to Covid restrictions and the control of freedom of personal movement, assembly, commerce, commercial activity and social and religious functions”.
That’s a nod to the ongoing debate about the governor Henry McMasterthe constitutionally dubious use of the emergency authority in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The letter also calls for the “abolition or radical amendment of Title 44”, although it does not specify whether it refers to the federal code governing printing and public documents or the state code governing public health.
The letter also requires the “rejection and rectification of (dis) corruption and non-integrity in state, municipal and municipal bodies and departments”.
Finally, the group demands “complete dismissal, rejection and annulment of Biden’s illegitimate administration in Washington, DC and any and all federal law, regulation, order and mandate that are constitutionally unjustified and illegal”.
In addition to the letter of demand, McMakin was one of the organizers of the “Stop the Steal” rally on January 6, 2021 on the north lawn of SC State House. During the demonstration – which occurred on the same day of a violent attack on the US capital launched by supporters of the US president Donald Trump – McMakin begged those present to organize and “take charge”.
*****
*****
“You stand on the situation,” McMakin instructed his followers. “Affirm yourself and the rights that God has given us and you will have the power.”
“It’s not me speaking, it’s the power of freedom,” added McMakin. “It is time to retake our country. Don’t talk anymore. “
Needless to say, the rhetoric McMakin used in his letter of demand – and in his comments at the State House rally – will likely be examined after the attack on the Capitol building.
Should? yea.
After all, McMakin’s defenders will forgive us for pointing out the similarity between their views on how to obtain political power and the doctrines defended by Mao Zedong – founder of the modern communist party in China.
“Political power is born out of the barrel of a gun,” Mao once wrote.
Everything that comes, goes, doesn’t it?
Do not make mistakes: We support freedom. In fact, we do not consider that our views are very out of line with several of the “demands” articulated by this organization.
Certainly, when it comes to “rejecting and rectifying” corruption, this medium has spent the past 13 years holding local, state and federal elected officials responsible for the ideals of constitutional government – relentlessly exposing hypocrisy, inefficiency, injustice and self-control (although offering common-sense policy ideas designed to correct the usual failure of leaders of both parties in the state of Palmetto).
Furthermore, in the wake of the violence that rocked Washington, DC, we rebuked the efforts of the extreme left to criminalize and censor speech – one of our nation’s fundamental freedoms (although apparently anathema to their new orthodoxy).
Having said that, we limit violence – or threats of violence.
Such acts or threats delegitimize these movements in our eyes … not to mention turning their leaders into hypocrites. After all, no one who argues in the name of freedom can threaten their deprivation for others as part of their agenda.
At least not without losing all credibility …
In the words of Brother Ali, “Try to separate a man from his soul / you just strengthen his and lose yours.”
McMakin’s demand letter did not explicitly threaten lawmakers, but his apocalyptic language and threatening tone strike us as reckless and irresponsible – an unnecessary provocation that will only serve to undermine a tension of populism that needs to be at the front and center during these times turbulent.
-FITSNews
*****
WANT TO TURN OFF THE SOUND?
Is there anything you would like to say in response to one of our stories? We have an open mic policy! Send your own letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Do you have a tip for a story? CLICK HERE. Have a technical question or failure to report? CLICK HERE.
Flag: Travis Bell, Columbia SC photographers
*****
