* From the Anti-Defamation League…
Extremists and conspiracy theorists often use protests or rallies to spread their beliefs, but the pervasiveness and extensive media coverage of lockdown protests – which actually represent a minority opinion – has created an irresistible public platform.
There is ample evidence of extremists using these rallies to broadcast their beliefs. Members of the Three Percenters, a wing of the anti-government movement, attended events in Michigan, Oregon, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois and California
* What are Three Percenters?…
A wing of the militia movement that arose as part of a resurgence of the militia movement in 2009. The term “Three Percenter” refers to the erroneous belief that only 3% of colonists fought against the British during the Revolutionary War—but achieved liberty for everybody. Three Percenters view themselves as modern day versions of those revolutionaries, fighting against a tyrannical U.S. government rather than the British. With anyone able to declare themselves a Three Percenter, the concept allowed many people to join who were not suited, physically or by inclination, to engage in paramilitary activities. The Three Percenter logo—the Roman numeral III—has become very popular among anti-government extremists.
* So I asked the ADL what evidence they had that those folks were at an Illinois rally. They referred me to this tweet. Check out the Roman numeral III on the rally sponsor’s sign…
Every politician who spoke at the rally stood in front of that sign, including Kendall County GOP Chair James Marter, Rep. Dan Caulkins and Rep. Darren Bailey.
* Orphans of the American Dream has a podcast and a Facebook site. Here’s its logo…
* From April 27th…
The Reopen Illinois rally was organized on Facebook by Orphans of the American Dream. Participants want their voices heard as Governor JB Pritzker extends the stay-at-home order on May 1. Pritzker announced changes coming to his executive order during a press conference Thursday afternoon.
“We’ve honestly been watching the press conferences from President Trump and Governor JB Pritzker and just been getting more and more infuriated every time we watch them,” said Matthew Walder who organized the rally. Walder was happy with the turnout, despite the rain. “I can’t even imagine if it was nice out, how many people would be here.” A similar protest took place at the Capitol on April 19 as part of the national Operation Gridlock.
Walder hosts a podcast for Orphans of the American Dream, but he says this isn’t a partisan issue. “I think this is medical tyranny and our economy is about to crash, let’s be frank. That’s what we’re worried about. There are businesses that are probably closed off now that probably won’t open again, and that’s a travesty,” Walder said.
I’ve reached out to the group via Facebook. I’ll let you know what they say.
…Adding… From comments…
I’m one of the hosts of that podcast you speak of. We are not actually associated with any militia groups whatsoever. We are a news podcast and social media page. Just 3 guys who like to talk about politics. Listen to our show and you will find the facts. Thank you
Just III guys.
- Thereal - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:32 pm:
That explains why I saw “resist like its 1776” painted on more than one car that day.
- Da Big Bad Wolf - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:33 pm:
As long as they’re not invading Venezuela.
- Shytown - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:34 pm:
Wow. These facts need to be screamed from the rooftops.
- @misterjayem - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:39 pm:
“I’ll let you know what they say.”
I’m guessing it’ll be 14 Words.
– MrJM
- anonamoose - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:40 pm:
“Medical tyranny.” If that’s what helps keep me and others alive, so be it.
- Huh? - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:40 pm:
There has been some research that when 3% of a population rebels against a regime, that the regime will change governments.
- Graduated College Student - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:47 pm:
===There has been some research that when 3% of a population rebels against a regime, that the regime will change governments.===
Indigenous populations around the world beg to differ.
- bhartbanjo - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:50 pm:
I’m learning things that I don’t want to learn about.
- Nick Name - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:54 pm:
None of these rallies were spontaneous or grassroots. All were organized by fringe militia groups.
- Anyone Remember - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:57 pm:
“There has been some research that when 3% of a population rebels against a regime, that the regime will change governments.
The IRA & ETA would beg to differ.
- Frank talks - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 1:59 pm:
There is an NFL draft pick who had the 3% logo tattoo that’s been taking big heat for it. Kicker for the Patriots played ignorant. To the meaning.
- The monster - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:03 pm:
Shocked, just shocked that the modern GOP hangs out with armed right wing extremists.
- Cubs in '16 - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:04 pm:
===I’m guessing it’ll be 14 Words.===
Of which three percent will be used properly.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:07 pm:
=== Every politician who spoke at the rally stood in front of that sign, including Kendall County GOP Chair James Marter, Rep. Dan Caulkins and Rep. Darren Bailey.===
Fools find foolish folks to speak to give them credibility.
- Justin Rogers - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:14 pm:
I’m one of the hosts of that podcast you speak of. We are not actually associated with any militia groups whatsoever. We are a news podcast and social media page. Just 3 guys who like to talk about politics. Listen to our show and you will find the facts. Thank you
- Demoralized - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:25 pm:
==We are a news podcast==
Uh huh. I’m sure it’s “news.”
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:25 pm:
Can they explain the logo?
- Flapdoodle - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:26 pm:
–that the regime will change governments.–
What does this even mean?
- 17% Solution - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:45 pm:
“1776” and “No taxation without representation.”
So these people are for statehood for Washington D.C. I take it? That must keep them busy.
- Spaulding’s Cheesburger - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:46 pm:
Dems have antifa and the R’s got the III … everybody’s gotta have somebody.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:47 pm:
=== Dems have…===
Both sides excuses… both sides.
Not a great take.
- Graduated College Student - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:51 pm:
===I’m one of the hosts of that podcast you speak of. We are not actually associated with any militia groups whatsoever. We are a news podcast and social media page. Just 3 guys who like to talk about politics. Listen to our show and you will find the facts. Thank you===
That dog didn’t hunt for the IPI either and at least they were sort of local.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:52 pm:
“We are not actually associated with any militia groups whatsoever.”
And if you wore a swastika pin, I wouldn’t assume you were affiliated with the 1933-1945 German government. You don’t have to be affiliated to be a sympathizer or agitator.
- Rich Hill - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 2:53 pm:
==Shocked, just shocked that the modern GOP hangs out with armed right wing extremists.==
Hangs out with?
Are.
- FormerParatrooper - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 3:23 pm:
What bothers me about the photo is the lack of proper flag display. That is disrespectful to display the flag that way unless there is a imminent threat. That threat does not exist.
Real patriots would fly the flag properly.
- Lynn S. - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 3:32 pm:
I’m descended from at least 2 men who fought on the American side during the Revolutionary War, so to hear some people say
“Only 3 percent of the colonists fought against the British”
I’m so gobsmacked by the level of stupid, both in the person who says it, and the person who believes the person saying it, that I don’t know where to begin.
Is this the failure of the American education system, writ large?
Where did they even come up with that 3 percent statistic? What kind of drugs were they on?
- Grayson Jackson - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 3:51 pm:
Why did you leave out the other group who organized it; Re-Open Illinois? People in here commenting “armed right wing extremist”. Well 1st of all no one there was armed unless they exercised their right to conceal carry. If they did carry why do you care as it is a right enshrined in the Constitution the same with our right to assemble and seek redress of government. Rights do not cease to exist simply because a group of people thinks they should. I may very well return on the 16th for another protest. Maybe more of the Republican Party can actually make it out and defend their citizens rights.
- Say What? - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 4:08 pm:
=Grayson Jackson=
OR, maybe you are just a nut . . . . .and for the record, anyone who thinks wearing a paper mask to protect others during a pandemic is some kind of sacrifice is categorically unclear on the concept.
Bullying staff paid a paltry wage because they ask you to wear a mask doesn’t make you a Patriot, it reveals you as an inconsiderate, self-absorbed jerk. So there’s that . . . . .
- Jibba - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 4:32 pm:
” If they did carry why do you care…”
Because coming to a demonstration heavily armed is clearly an intimidation tactic. Don’t be obtuse.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 5:07 pm:
== “armed right wing extremist”==
armed? Maybe
right-wing? Most likely
extremist? Definitely
- Huh? - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 7:26 pm:
My bad. Didn’t remember correctly. Should have been 3.5% of population protesting.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190513-it-only-takes-35-of-people-to-change-the-world
- Graduated College Student - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 8:19 pm:
Huh?
The “nonviolent” caveat seems to be an important component there. Militia types/displayed weapons don’t count as “nonviolent”.
- JS Mill - Thursday, May 7, 20 @ 10:25 pm:
=What bothers me about the photo is the lack of proper flag display. That is disrespectful to display the flag that way unless there is a imminent threat. That threat does not exist.
Real patriots would fly the flag properly.=
Absolutely right. This is something that just drives me nuts.
The Flag is not to be used as an article of clothing
or a background for advertising. This happens all of the time and it is actually desecrating the flag.
- Huh? - Friday, May 8, 20 @ 7:11 am:
An upside down American flag can be flown as a symbol of imminent danger or dire distress. However, episodes such as this demonstration of protest, displaying an upside down American flag is illegal.