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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Roundup Group Rallies Against Militias, Freemen

Associated Press

About 70 people gathered in Roundup to help organize opposition to the anti-government militia and freemen movements, shouting down a freeman who appeared to denounce the meeting.

The meeting was sponsored by the Montana Human Rights Network and included speeches from a local pastor, a human rights organizer, a state law enforcement official and Miss Montana - all of whom asked the crowd to combat the freemen movement.

Freemen believe the government is corrupt and illegitimate, and assert their right to renounce any authority it has over them.

A self-declared freeman stood and denounced the speakers’ information about the movement.

“You can’t believe all the garbage you’re getting from this human rights outfit,” said Denton farmer Richard Wilson, 53. “The things they’re trying to cover up here is bull.”

But the crowd packed into the small elementary school cafeteria Tuesday night shouted Wilson down.

“All you guys do is bellyache,” a red-faced Ed Stoudt yelled.

“If you don’t like it, leave!” another man shouted.

Both comments were greeted with vigorous applause from the crowd.

Lynn Davis of the Montana Human Rights Network said her organization called the meeting to give locals a chance to stand up and fight to prevent the movements from robbing citizens of their freedom.

Montana has been targeted by these organizations and local residents are the only people who can stop the intimidation and fear that accompanies hate groups, she said.

“People like you and me are losing our freedom,” she said. “I get real angry when I get targeted.”

The Rev. Jerry Walters of the Zion Lutheran Church in Roundup told the crowd the anti-government groups misuse Scripture. In his visits with members of anti-government groups, he said, a belief in Christian Identity is common among them.

“CI (Christian Identity) pervades in these different groups,” he said. “It’s the racist theory that white Northern Europeans are God’s chosen people.”

Mike Batista, state Law Enforcement Services administrator, likened the current anti-government groups to cults, saying a few people are influencing others to act on their ideals.

Disagreeing with government is not dangerous, but the tactics of the militias and freemen are, he said.

“I work for the government and I bash it from time to time,” Batista said. “But you don’t make good points with fear and intimidation.”

Miss Montana Amanda Granrud joined the condemnation. She has adopted the issue and has been going to schools trying to prevent youngsters from joining the movements.

“Maybe we will never convince them (anti-government group members) that this is a little wacky. But we can prevent it from growing.”

After the meeting, Wilson continued the debate with Batista.

Wilson described the government as corrupt and without the power to tax property. He argued the United States is currently under martial law, and blamed the CIA for the federal building bombing in Oklahoma City.