The discussion at Monday’s Asotin County commissioners’ meeting centered around a group called the Oath Keepers, a self-described nonpartisan association of current and former military, police and first responders, who were supposed to be in the area performing an emergency survival training this past weekend. The training, scheduled for an Asotin park, was canceled.
The Oath Keepers stand for the U.S. Constitution and not politicians, according to the group’s website. They are about upholding constitutional rights and “will not obey unconstitutional orders,” such as disarming the American people or detaining Americans as “enemy combatants.” The Oath Keepers believe in a jury trial, which they call an ancient right, and are against warrantless searches.
During Monday’s meeting, community member Jill Eckberg said she’s worried about the group having permission to come in and hold training exercises.
“The leader of this group is listed as an extremist,” she said, adding her belief the group could cause trouble in the county. “Yet the sheriff is letting them come here”/ Stacy Thacker , Lewiston Tribune. More here.