"Unless the government changes course, sooner or later we may take notice of the loss of our freedom, realize that we may have been pushed too far – and, finally, it may dawn upon us, individually or collectively, that today may be, if necessary, a good day to die for our rights and our liberty."
--Miguel A. Faria Jr., M.D., "The Ballad of Carl Drega - a Review"

Troubling questions were raised by columnist Vin Suprynowicz in his essay about former New Hampshire resident Carl Drega's 1995 slaying of two law enforcement officers, a judge, and a newspaper editor.

Whether Drega was an "extremist" or had been provoked into defending himself against escalating bureaucratic harassment may depend on one's perspective.

"When is it the right time to say, 'Enough, no more. On this spot I stand, and fight, and die'?" writes Suprynowicz. "When they're stacking our luggage and loading us on the box cars? A fat lot of good it will do us, then."

Many Utahns are familiar with the story of John Singer, who resisted the State of Utah's attempts to force his children to attend its indoctrination camps, which ended in similar tragedy.

How should one who adheres to the non-aggression principle act when confronted by an abusive authority figure? And when is the appropriate time to engage in self-defense?

Be mindful that some government employees -- upon committing their latest tyrannical endeavor -- have been known to warn that they will ask obliging prosecutors to file terroristic threat charges against those who express their displeasure too stridently.

So, do without the threats, or at least those that would place a reasonable person in fear of imminent substantial bodily injury. And don't brandish a weapon either, unless you fear for your safety or that of another.

How about resisting arrest even if you think you or someone else is being treated unfairly by one or more law enforcement officers? Again, no (and so says the Utah Supreme Court). Get a lawyer, and sort it out civilly in court.

Turning the other cheek when it's appropriate and safe to do so, and moving away from the conflict, remains sound advice.

But remember that Jesus Christ is known not only as the Prince of Peace, but the Lion of Judah as well.

As I've written before, in this era of preemptive self-defense it's fair game to explore whether one should be taking the fight to those authoritarians waging an undeclared war on freedom.

After all, members of the political class claim to rule with the consent of the governed through elections. But that claim rings hollow when the elections are rigged. And without legitimate authority, little else distinguishes government agents from well-organized gangsters -- other than perhaps their uniforms, insignias, and stationary.

Which is why it's incumbent upon those who aim to preserve their liberty to acquire a firearm and become proficient in its use.

You can purchase a firearm and ammunition at any number of sporting goods or firearms dealers across Utah, such as:

• Gallenson's Gun Shop (166 East 200 South, Salt Lake City)
• Get Some (6651 South State Street, Murray)
• Impact Guns (Ogden and Salt Lake City)

New and used guns can be purchased at the Crossroads of the West Gun Show, which is held every few months in Utah.

The Utah Department of Public Safety maintains a list of certified firearms instructors (PDF file) from whom who can take lessons in handling and shooting a firearm. And the Utah Shooting Sports Council maintains a list of shooting ranges throughout Utah where you can improve and maintain your skills.

One can also help preserve the right of armed self-defense by participating in and supporting organizations such as Gun Owners of America -- but should guard against being co-opted into supporting one of the incumbent political parties responsible for the continuing erosion of your ability to protect yourself and what you value.

Yours in liberty,

Rob Latham, Chairman
Libertarian Party of Utah