The 3%: The Modern Day "Patriots"

The Three Percenters (or 3%ers) are arguably the largest element of the modern militia movement.  Their mission is claimed to be to defend against an impending tyrannical government that would infringe on constitutional freedoms.  Unfortunately, perception is not always reality.  What I mean by that it, these groups are a fucking joke.  For starters the term Three Percenter is based on the supposed belief that only 3% of the population actively fought for independence.  In reality, most estimates put it closer to 20%.  Most of these groups don't practice what they preach and are barely able to even defend themselves let alone the country as they have little to no actual tactical knowledge.  I'm all too aware of this for one simple reason.  I used to be one of them.

Upon my leaving the Marines, I still had that itch and was kinda already feeling that whole something going on feeling that we've all had.  Through various surfing of YouTube I came across such groups as the Watchmen and the Oathkeepers (More on them later) but was unable to find anyone local.  I'll admit I had my reservations of them as well given I wasn't completely convinced of certain conspiracies that may or may not be true.  About 2 years after getting out I received a call from my dad regarding meeting with the Three Percenters.  Apparently by dad and brother had someone come across these guys and got themselves involved and given my veteran status I would be a valuable asset.  We met with them at my dad's house and after talking for an hour or 2 we decided to get involved.  A few weeks later we were at a first meeting and I met the majority of the group.  The cracks were showing but I did not see them at the time.  My general consensus was that these were people who had a strong sense of nationalism while also leaning towards the libertarian way of thinking.  Oh was I wrong about that.

In reality, most Three Percenters are just conservative ultra nationalists who are oblivious to their own contradictions.  The most obvious example of this is when you will see their cars covered in bumper stickers like a hippy college student.  They will have a Gasden Flag right next to the Blue Lives Matter Flag.  Meaning they are against tyranny while completely and often blindly defending tyrants.  Their mental gymnastics on that issue is quite comedic to witness.  As for the matter of liberty they are complete fucking hypocrites.  At least when it comes to what political party is in power.  When Obama was in office, most were all about wanting to be free and decrying government tyranny.  When Trump came into office, most of them could not wait to start licking that boot.  They come up with the most convoluted justifications for Trump.  They also have an obsession with George Soros while completely ignoring the fact that the Koch brothers could buy the motherfucker 10 times over.

Even if something were to happen, you can't rely on the majority of these fools anyways.  Most of these guys are nothing more than a bunch of weekend warriors or summer soldiers who just want to play at being a militia on the weekends or most likely once a month if that.  A perfect example of that is my own dad.  He's all for showing up when he can but is just trying to vicariously live a life he never had himself.  Like my dad, most of these people have absolutely know tactical or firearms knowledge.  Wear gear and parts built Ar15's that were comprised of the cheapest components available from Amazon.  Granted it's not like it really mattered since most of them had no idea had to use it anyways.

Although Three Percenters are comprised of veterans, I use that term very loosely.  I say that because most of those who did have military experience, did have any that was recent.  Most of them served in the military during the 90's and during a time either right after Desert Storm and right before the onset of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  One could interpret this as them trying to capture those experiences that they missed out on having not serving in war time.  Essentially they are trying to relive those glory days that they never actually had.

The Three Percenters was meant to harken back to the militia of old.  Instead they are more like a militarized cooptation of the Tea Party.  They're supposed to part of the citizens movement of liberty.  Instead, the moment they feel like they have power like a jack booted thug.  Only good thing in that case is they're a bunch of paper tiger moron in fucking clown shoes.