Attack, attack, attack!

[ehrnst]

34. The ones in the photo?

I don't think they're patriots, either... why would you think I do?

Yes, at least some of those in the photo are members of a militia, the Michigan Liberty Militia, to be specific.

"Kelley, a 38-year-old real estate broker, said he and other organizers are not part of a formal group but represent people who have been harmed by the stay-home order. He said he invited the Michigan Liberty Militia, which is listed as an anti-government group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, to serve as “security." He suggested anyone who had a problem with their presence should read the Constitution and “live life without fear.”

https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2020-05-02/michigan-militia-puts-armed-protest-in-the-spotlight

I don't think that they are all paid by the RNC or anyone, however. They appear to be very enthusiastic about being there on their own, and not simply standing around until they need to go... They're there because they really want to be.

Cash said he plans to attend more protests in Lansing and he likes the national attention they have garnered.

"I love it," he said. "We got the ball rolling."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/05/05/michigan-capitol-building-protest-picture/5172876002/

I think that some wear masks because they don't want to be identified in the media - some of those identified in the Charlottesville white power rally got fired or expelled from their college when identified.

I have heard that various conservative groups, especially gun rights groups, are the ones behind this "grassroots" Vanilla ISIS. Witmer is both female and a Democrat, and that threatens the fragile masculinity of the ammosexuals.

Meshawn Maddock says her phone has been ringing “nonstop” since the Michigan Conservative Coalition organized a massive state Capitol demonstration to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s aggressive stay-at-home order to fight the deadly coronavirus.

https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/meet-trump-loving-group-behind-protest-gov-whitmers-stay-home-order