Hatewatch Tweets
Hatewatch is managed by the staff of the Intelligence Report, an investigative magazine published by the Alabama-based civil rights group Southern Poverty Law Center.
Olson, Michigan Militia Leader in ’90s, Back in Action in Alaska
A key figure of the 1990s antigovernment “Patriot” movement who largely dropped from public view in 2002 has resurfaced in Alaska, where he’s recruiting for his newly formed Alaska Militia.
Norm Olson, who founded the Michigan Militia in 1994, held an organizational meeting last Thursday at a community center in Nikiski, a small town in the Kenai Peninsula region about 170 road miles from Anchorage.
Olson’s message: “Something very evil this way comes.”
“We’re looking at catastrophe just a couple months away — economic collapse, food shortages around the world, prices in stores are gonna go skyrocketing with this inflation,” Olson told the roughly 20 attendees, according to The Redoubt Reporter, a Kenai Peninsula newspaper.
“I’m convinced that times are coming when we are going to have to repel federal aggression, tyrannical oppressive federal aggression. They’re going to want to quell any kind of uprising, because it’s bad for politics,” Olson was quoted as saying.
Presiding over the meeting alongside Olson was Michigan Militia co-founder Ray Southwell. In the 1990s Olson and Southwell together made the Michigan Militia one of the first major antigovernment Patriot groups in the country and helped transform their former home state into a hotbed of Patriot activity.
Olson drew widespread attention to his group when he revealed that Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols had attended a Michigan Militia meeting not long before the terrorist attack.
At the Nikiski meeting, Olson and Southwell were photographed dressed in full camouflage uniforms with “Don’t Tread on Me” coiled-snake patches and Alaska Militia insignia.
Olson told a reporter that he and Southwell moved to the Kenai Peninsula about five years ago, and that he purchased a 20-acre parcel of land that now serves as the base of operations for the Alaska Militia.
A Baptist preacher who previously owned a gun store in Alanson, Mich., Olson was booted from his Michigan Militia leadership post after he alienated his comrades by floating an incredible theory about the Oklahoma City bombing: The Japanese government had bombed the federal building in revenge for the Tokyo sarin gas subway attack that, Olson said, had been carried out by the U.S. government, not a Japanese doomsday cult as the governments of both nations had reported.
Olson’s attempt to fire up the militia movement on the Kenai Peninsula is one of many signs of a resurgence of the Patriot movement, as The Southern Poverty Law Center reported last month.
“It is doubtful that the militia will ever be socially acceptable,” Olson told The Redoubt Reporter. “The central government and the controlled media will paint you as criminals, terrorists, extremists, radicals, anti-government, wing nuts. Are you willing to pay the price?”
on September 16th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
“Something Evil this way comes?” – Sounds like a 80′s horror movie. The guy probably over-charged in his gun store too….”Obama is going to take your guns away!” “Get them while you can!” Oooooooohhhhhh!
Not many people agree with me on this but I believe that the “Militia Movement” petered out due to it’s lack of broad based appeal. Frankly when playing paintball got boring and the beer was all gone, everyone had to go home to mow the lawn or get up early for work the next day.
Kids today have no one to look up to in a comic-book fantasy world. Remember Captain America? There aren’t any super-heroes defending the Constitution in red, white, & blue tights and a cape! What’s left is money grubbing jerks selling over-priced firearms.
on September 16th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Watch out for the possibility of such “patriot militias” perhaps having a “plant” not unlike Philip Galt, a/k/a “The Whisperer” (a Syndicate leader who leads a double life as an attorney to bring down the ranks of Organised Crime, as in the stories of Stetson Humphrey and a short-lived NBC Radio series in the early 1950′s based on said stories, with Carleton Young in the title role).
on September 17th, 2009 at 11:33 am
HOW appropriate that a militia would find Alaska the place to start anew with all the race baiting palin did during the 08 election.
I said from the first time she opened that weapon of hers and offered a foundation to the fringe by using racist speak, that this is the type of people she was talking to.
Now, unfortunately for Alaskans, the slime palin attracted have chosen to set up camp in their home state–all thanks to one very STUPID female who wanted to win an election.
Mccain is 100% responsible as well because he not only did not stop her incitement as he should have and could have because he was in charge of his campaign, but he joined in with the fearmongering.
They are responsible for such fearmongering and generated such hate in this country–a divide, that neither will ever be forgiven.
Thanks to SPLC for their tireless work .
on September 17th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Carter: Your comment is offensive. People like you take these things as some sortof a joke. Racism is no joke, far too many people have died as a result of hate, bigotry, and intolerance, that this should no longer–if ever, be looked at as just a few nutcases out there–racism is deadly.
on September 17th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Ah yes, the apocalyptic “economic collapse/martial law/UN invasion” lark yet again. How many decades have people JUST like this been warning us that it’s all “just around the corner”? HINT: Almost 50 years, give or take.
on September 17th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
“Watch out for the possibility of such “patriot militias” perhaps having a “plant””…
Ya think?
For the last 40 years, there have probably been more “plants” in some of these Reich Wingnut Klan Nazi groups than actual Klan Nazis. They were FULL of FBI agents and informants.
I sincerely hope the Feds take these whacko groups seriously and DO put some “plants” in there, to tip them off when the whackos are about to blow something up.
on September 17th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
In the mid-80′s I attended a Sunday “worship” in a small town outside Bay City Michigan. My then husband was invited by a Baptist preacher he met.
It was one of the creepiest four hours I had ever spent up to that time. The “preacher” did nothing but rail on for over an hour about how the hordes of “others” were taking over the country, how guns and god needed to prevail, then secret “prayer” meetings where men, women and children were segregated and pressured to reveal key components of their lives to eachother to seek redemption.
Not unlike a typical wingnut day of church, but worse, mixed with wild conspiracy theories, talk of violence and guns, secretiveness, pressure to join (are you with us or them?), a secret grade school for kids ( I have no idea how they got away with that or for how long) in which the children were indoctrinated with the leader-preacher’s worldview (christian identity).
The followers were all docile and obedient like sheep, repeating phrases and lines the leader spoke and clamoring for recognition for their subservience.
I saw this leader on a video on hate groups that was circulated in the early 90′s. I don’t know his name, but he was in his late 40′s I’d guess at the time.
These movements have been building for quite awhile, flamed at first by Reagan in the RNC’s efforts to marshal up and broaden the old racist base.
I think that this man chose Alaska is actually a good thing, he apparently didn’t feel comfortable in the lower 48. Maybe someday these morons will have to go as far as Siberia to feel “free”.
They and the libertarian loons who like to associate with them can all go there and build their perfect “tax free” society. I’m waiting to see them show me their utopia.
on September 18th, 2009 at 2:35 am
And now we all know why Palin resigned as governor of Alaska ~ she’s far to busy nurturing the new reich. Perhaps one of them has a son she can pawn her other daughter off to as well.
I’m with you, Snorlax. I’m hoping the Feds take this very seriously too.
on September 18th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Nothing personal or offensive to Alaskans (it’s a beautiful sate with the wildlife, snow, and indigenous tribes), but,
… Come on, it’s Alaska! What are they going to do? Takeover/take down Washington… State? Escape government takeover by taking refuge in Canada? (Bit of irony there)
on September 18th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Dearest Pam:
Why is my comment offensive to you?….If such things outrage you then I apologize about making fun of the militia movement. Frankly I just don’t take them all that seriously.
I seen these folks quite up close & just don’t find them all that scary. I have heard a great deal of commentary about what they propose and pose to do but when the UN troops come marching down Main Street they are nowhere to be seen (Oh, there I go again….).
In fact they OFTEN back-peddle & insist on what they would NOT do or what they DO NOT believe.
No where did I ever imply that racism is not a serious issue, so please don’t put words in my mouth. I did have fun at the expense of apocalyptic fear mongering & the marketing of same to those who follow & are lead so easily.
David Holthouse’s article had depth addressing the above & the commentary followed in those footsteps.
on September 18th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Why is he forming a militia in Alaska? Are the Russians about to invade? Are they supposed to protect Sarah Palin from “death panels”? Is there an Inuit revolt brewing?
Right Wing = ABSURD
on September 19th, 2009 at 3:01 am
SO SIMPLE———————————–
NORM OLSON IS A LIAR————————–
ANOTHER CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF
SELF INDUCED IGNORANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on September 20th, 2009 at 12:02 am
just got done reading about all the hate groups in the usa,why don’t you include all the black hate groups,is this just more black racism.there is a group not far from me called ”uhuru” i’m sure you’ve heard of them,they are the ones who killed 4 cops in oakland,if thats not hatred i don’t know what is.
on September 20th, 2009 at 4:07 am
Maybe they’re gonna stop a North Korean missle warhead with a bootleg AK47. How many “Aggies” does it take to unscrew an ICBM?
on September 20th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Does a “wingnut” mean a “thumbscrew”?
on September 20th, 2009 at 9:31 am
He could have a point about prices and such. 8 years of the Republican’s “pro-business” economics whipped the economy into foam.
I hope the Feds do take their hate speech and indoctrination attempts very seriously.
If Palin becomes their spokesperson that would be, like a good thing, as she is so stupid they SHOULD lose any credibility they have gained.
on September 20th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Unfortunately for some, Palin seems to be like a drug to some folks. I know some fairly intelligent people who were swayed by her (not McCain). Only one that I know of has since seen the error of his ways and realized what a lunatic she is and that was in large part to his wife studying everything she could get her hands on to educate herself before they both voted.
Knowing what even the little bit I know of cults (and hate groups) and their mentalities, Palin is perfect as a leader for one…She goes off half-cocked, with little or no facts, and makes up stuff as she goes along to suit her needs. Cults R Us here we come.
on September 20th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Recent photo of myself and our training/operations officer, Rufus Reed. Reed is ex-marine with 3 black belts in three different martial arts disciplines.
http://i299.photobucket.com/al.....-05-09.jpg
check also http://www.monitor.net:16080/m.....ntion.html
Black Militia Created in Detroit
Abstracted from the Times-Picayune, January 28, 1996.
Michigan, home of the Michigan Militia and Mark Koernke’s more shadowy militia group,
now has Clifford Brookins’ Detroit Constitutional Militia to worry about. But Brookins’ group, unlike the others, consists substantially of African-Americans. Moreover, it eschews paramilitary training in favor of political action.
But much of the rhetoric, including the notion that the United States is being sold out to a socialist world government, is the same. Brookins, a building contractor, admits there may be some racism in the neo-militia
movement, but says, “if all they know is what they see about black people in the media, how can they help it? Once we sit down at the table, we’ll work it out.” Brookins appears to have had help in creating the militia by Ray Southwell and Norman Olson, the former cofounders of the Michigan Militia who were kicked out after their less-than-praiseworthy performance under media fire in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing. Southwell, a nurse who works part-time in Detroit, even stays overnight at Brookins’ house when in the city.
Please give Morris Dees our regards.
on September 21st, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Looks like Cults R Us is having a special…
on September 21st, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Sarah Palin is nothing more than a political celebrity. The hate movement’s Man in Washington is Rep. Ron Paul, who has used the internet to sell his agenda to Gen Y by emphasizing his anti-war/anti-federal drug laws views while masking his racist views as “private property rights.” Paul is the internet’s first political demogague. Compare his website to his 1980′s/90′s newsletters. He went from over hate speech to code talk.
on September 22nd, 2009 at 2:56 am
Lot of decent folks were ready to fall for him though… even some friends of mine. He just didn’t sit right with me and I knew next to nothing about him at the time.
on September 22nd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Last year Justice Scalia stated:
“Constitutional rights are enshrined with the scope they were understood to have when the people adopted them,whether or not future legislatures or (yes) even future judges think that scope too broad”
I would remind all, we are a Constitutional Republic, a limited Democracy.
What other rights would you like to take from me? Perhaps my Baptist belief- My free speech- My privacy with the extension of the Patriot Act?
The economic crisis is real. Our politicians have sold out the future,for short term gains,starting last year. The interest on the national Debt is over 400 billion dollars per year.
Keep you head in the sand and don’t worry,the military and Blackwater will take good care of you as they did in New Orleans.
on September 22nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I take offense to your comments about Blackwater. I have a very good friend who was there for about a year in New Orleans immediately after Katrina. Blackwater employees in his units took gun fire on a daily basis from people who were trying to get back into areas that had been restricted due to instability. He put his life on the line every day he was there and this is how you treat someone who helped? You have the same mentality as everyone who spit on a solider that returned from Vietnam. Shame on you.
on September 22nd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Easier to spit on an enemy or one of your own soldiers than to spit on the wealthy criminals responsible.
on September 23rd, 2009 at 4:33 am
Ray- it was not the politicians that sold out the future, it was their masters, that is the ruling class. Second, Judge Scalia is just plain wrong. Thomas Jefferson said that the Constitution is a living document, and that to insist on its perfection would be to insist that a man wear the same coat from childhood to adulthood.
If anything, the American people, particularly women and minorities, have gained MORE rights as the constitution was amended, not less. Nobody is out there trying to take away your Baptist beliefs, or your free speech. This is simply paranoia. You will feel far more free when you realize that these are irrational fears peddled by people who use the conspiracy world as a source of prophet.
on September 23rd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
To All,
I cannot find any documentation about Blackwater taking gun fire in New Orleans. I can find documentation about what they did and how they got there- Start your research here- from Bill Moyers PBS journal- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnVbulr2Pvw
About spitting on soldiers from Vietnam-I served during the Vietnam war. I am the third of four generations that served our Nation during times of war. Norm Olson is a decorated Vietnam veteran. Friends of mine and my wifes died in Vietnam, including one who rolled on a hand grenade and received the medal of honor postumously.
Politicians did sell us out. They are more frightened of their handlers than the people. There is talk about conspiracy and you acknowledge politicians have “masters” (other than the people). Perhaps we have the same conspiracy thoughts.
The Constitution is a living document in the sense it can be amended. I recoginize all four branches of our government. You reject the Judicial branch who has the final word on Constitutional issues.
on September 23rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Ray ~ I’m sorry for your losses in Vietnam. My friend also served during that era. Being a decorated vet does not make you a sane man; referring to Norm Olson here.
You will not find any documentation about Blackwater taking gunfire in New Orleans or anywhere else that was effected by Katrina. It doesn’t change the fact that it happened. The instability of the areas required more policing than local law enforcement could possible hope to offer. Hence Blackwater’s presence. Yes, there are a few loons in every operation such as Blackwater. There were a lot of loose cannons over in Vietnam too. It doesn’t mean that the majority of those that served were not honourable.
Just because the press doesn’t report it (or distorts it), doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. You should know that. My brother once told me that because he didn’t know I’d been molested it could not have happened. His logic: “I would have known.” I trust my friend’s account over what happened in New Orleans more than any reporter’s words.
on September 25th, 2009 at 8:21 am
MrsCaptJack,
You sound like you are a thoughtful individual. I am confused however, how you make a judgment about a persons sanity without talking to them? Perhaps your clarity is clouded by the distorted press you talk about.
I have been a nurse for over thirty years. One of the things I have learned, is to believe the victim. I am not sure Blackwater was the victim in New Orleans.
on September 25th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Hullo Ray ~ I never said Blackwater was a victim in New Orleans. I said they took gunfire daily while working in certain areas and that I was offended by your previous comments because they implied that Blackwater did more harm than good. Since I have intimate knowledge of some things that happened there, I have the right to stand up for my friend and call your remarks into question. By that same token, you have the right to disagree.
I work with a lot of victims myself. I also know that in all situations there are three sides, each party’s side and the completely impartial truth.
on September 25th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Go Palin! Go Malitia’s! If that is what it takes to get this country back! I’m In !
You lower 48 ers can talk all you want. But when the Bomb goes off don’t run up here to our Maltia ridden part of the extreme world. You stay there in the hell of it all and work out your own problem’s. It’s tougher in Alaska, and it always will be. So stay HOME ! You weak and Tired !
on September 25th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
MrsCaptJack,
Ask your friend how many guns he confiscated from the lawful public who wanted to protect their property. Then ask yourself who these people are on this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot3MH9ypyhI
Remember- Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it. April 19, 1775- the British came to confiscate guns at Lexington Green.
on September 26th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I’ve seen that video before Ray. And I felt the pain of my friend while he was there. No one, least of all someone like him who is so proud to be American wants to patrol an American neighbourhood and tell the people that lived there that they can’t be there because it’s too dangerous. Looting was rampant and the majority of gunfire they took was from that element, not from homeowners.
Ask yourself this: Which would you rather have, people enforcing a neighbourhood wide evacuation to protect you or no evacuation and then not enough man power to go in and rescue everyone who stayed and then were ultimately injured or killed? Either way, the government looses, as does the citizen. NoLo was a war zone while he was there. And since he’s served his country and our area plenty, I’ll take his word and his character on it.
And to answer your question, this type of situation has effected me very personally. I have a gun. I know how to use it. I was involved in a domestic violence situation and my ex went to jail when I was finally able to get to a phone and dial 911. Because statisic show that most women will bail out the idiot, they wanted to take my gun for safekeeping. Their argument was that if I didn’t bail him out, his family would and since he had no fear of returning to jail the chances of him killing me with my own gun were fairly strong. I let them take it because I knew the officers and knew they were right. A week later, after permanent protective orders were in place, I went down and picked up my gun.
on September 29th, 2009 at 11:50 am
MrsCaptJack
As Liberty loving Americans we make choices and must live with those choices. Why is it you want the Government to force people from their homes. Why disarm people who want to defend their home and community?
I live in rural Alaska. The hospital I work at has 50 in-patient beds. The hospital has limited resources and the small population does not have the numbers to support all the technological advances that UCLA Medical Center has. Should I expect the Government to pay for all the medical advances available, at my hospital?
I choose to live here and put my health care needs at risk. I have heart disease. A few years ago when I had my heart attack, I was flown to Anchorage to have my stent placed. The weather was good, so the Helicopter could fly. If the weather was bad, I would have died.
Should the Government, at gun point, make me move closer to a hospital with the care I will need when I have my next heart attack? I recognize the risk I am in. I am a free person and accept the results of my choices.
The protection of the community should come from internal support. This is the historical truth about the Unorganized Militia. I would rather have my neighbors patrolling the streets, than the Military and/or paid Mercenaries.
I am glad you are safe today. You made the choice to give up your gun. The police did not force you to give it up. You knew the police and trusted them. (they are your neighbors) Would you think differently if a stranger took your gun, for your own good?
on September 29th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Ray, You sound like a very reasonable man ~ much more than most. I never said I WANTED the government to force people from their homes or take their guns. I said that it happened for most of these peoples’ own good and the safety of their lives.
If you were to die because a helicopter could not get you to the hospital you needed to be at, can you guarantee that your relatives would not sue someone for wrongful death even though the weather is an act of God? I’ve seen it happen before…
I have worked in both law enforcement and now in the judicial system for the better part of thirty years. Because of that, I have seen criminals sue police departments for personal injury when they resisted arrest and I have seen rapists sue their victims for trumped up allegations or injuries. I’m working on a case like that right now.
If these folks had not been evacuated or had their guns taken and then had been hurt or killed because they chose to stay, trust me, very few of them would be as rational as you are and say “yep, that was my informed decision and I stand by it”. Many of these people would sue the police or anyone they could think of for failure to protect them. I’ve seen it far to often to doubt it and it’s one reason why we have forced evacuations during natural disasters, that and to protect human life above all else ~ including the lives of those that perform said rescues. That said, my neighbourhood has an unoffical watch program. We take care of each other and report suspicious activity to our PD. I think these programs work amazingly well and I support them. I do not think that these people should be carrying arms and patroling the neighbourhood. I think that is best left to the people who are trained to do this and not my neighbour.
And yes, I would have given my gun to any officer at that point because statistics show that more people are killed by their own weapons in domestic violence cases than by any other means.
on September 30th, 2009 at 10:41 am
MrsCaptJack,
Most Militia members are like me. We understand our Constitution and recognize our responsibilities.
Helicopter crews do not fly if they feel the weather is bad. In December of 2007 I lost some friends on a helicopter crash. Our medivac helicopter left the hospital in good weather, on their return; there was an apparent wind gust that threw the helicopter into the water. (speculation on what happened). The Pilot, my nurse friend and a paramedic along with the patient all died. (only one body found) I believe the law suit possibilities are far greater than if they had not been dispatched.
There is much case law on individuals that sue the police, because they did not protect them. Can they win? The police investigate when a crime has been committed. Read this article by author and Lawyer Peter Kasler
http://www.firearmsandliberty......ction.html
The police cannot protect us that is our responsibility. If your neighborhood watch people seen a woman being raped, would they respond or run in fear and call 911? If our neighbors are in a well regulated Unorganized Militia they would respond to the rape victim.
Here in Alaska the people are armed. I carry my firearm everywhere. If a store has a sign that states “no firearms” (most do not) I do not go in. I respect the property owner’s rights. Perhaps we should give up all our guns and hope the police, military and mercenaries will protect us.
Please review the chart from “Jews for the Preservation of Gun Ownership” (JPFO) on the history of government gun control/confiscation.
http://www.jpfo.org/filegen-a-m/deathgc.htm#chart
on September 30th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Ray ~ As you well know, every state is different. I might carry if I lived in Alaska, but I don’t. I live in a populated area where most of us feel safe enough to take a walk at night without that thought. Since I’ve never physically met any of the other people in our unofficial watch program, I have no idea what they’d do. I imagine most would call 911. Since I’m not armed, I would call 911 and try to assist if there was only one attacker and I was on foot. In a vehicle, I have the advantage. No one can actually and honestly answer questions like that unless and until they are put in that situation. We all know what we’d like to believe about ourselves but the truth is, the average citizen doesn’t like to get their hands dirty or be involved. Again, most people won’t even give a witness statement over a pregnant woman falling in a store. (True story.)
You seem to think that I am either for or against in absolutes on the topic of gun carrying. There is NO black and white in this situation. There are numerous shade of gray. Where I live, there are far to many idiots who want to carry guns than there are sane folks with adequate training. If people have adequate training to be armed, that’s great. If not, then they shouldn’t be walking around with a gun. Please read the article about Sheep, Sheepdogs and Wolves. Sorry, I don’t have the link at the moment but it’s easy enough to find.
In most lawsuits where a criminal sues a police department, the insurance company settles before it ever sees trial. Same with the robber suing the homeowner situations when the homeowner shoots and wounds the robber. They settle. So who do you think really wins in that situation?
on October 1st, 2009 at 8:39 pm
All this idiocy goes on just a few miles up the road from me and I’m glad it doesn’t get swept under the rug.
Michigan Militia Norm, who sat on the board of Central Peninsula Hospital, is the same person who tried to plan a raid to kidnap Terri Schiavo from her deathbed.
Schiavo’s parents, who were at least smart enough to know they didn’t want THIS guy on their side, reported the plan to the authorities.
I’m only barely consoled by the fact that in my part of the world, even the progressives are armed.
And btw, don’t bother trying to link Olson to our failed, psycho ex-governor. They are, admittedly, both dangerously mad, but that doesn’t mean they are in league. Her quest is for money and celebrity. Olson and his ilk have a hard on for violence.
on October 1st, 2009 at 10:44 pm
It sounds like we agree. An Unorganized Militia should be visible and well regulated, defined by Justice Scalia as trained and disciplined.
I would encourage you to look with a critical eye, any and all organizations that use fear for their financial gain.
I thank you for the dialog. God Bless you and stay safe.
on October 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 am
You too, Ray. I’ve enjoyed this discussion and, for the record, I think you’d make a great neighbour.
on October 23rd, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Interesting comments from folks in Alaska. Personally I think Ray is lonesome and just needs someone to talk to.
on October 24th, 2009 at 2:17 am
And the harm in intelligent discourse would be what, Susan? This thread has been dead for weeks now, so perhaps you too, would like some keyboard conversation?
on November 15th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
I Ask Ray Southwell and Norm Olson to produce any document, or maybe some old orders, (I still have mine) that shows he (Norm) was in VietNam, and what is this medal was he got there.
I am a Combat Vet,been there done that, in Vietnam, and it really pisses me off when someone says they were there and where not.
I do not believe Olson or Southwell on this issue, lets see the paper work .
How about maybe a picture or two, from the front lines in Vietnam, or did they get lost in the move to Alaska?
on November 16th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Jim Wolf,
I never said I served in Vietnam. I said I served during the Vietnam War.
Also my son served during Gulf War I, my father served during WWII and my grandfather served during WWI. Four generations who served their country in time of war.
I stand and support the Constitution against any who would destroy it, for the sake of my eight grandchildren.
on November 16th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Jim Wolf,
I very disappointed that you so easily and casually would slam a veteran.
I am proud of you for your Combat experience and I know you served with valor. I was just a plain old telecomm specialist, but I spent 2-1/2 years sending in B-52s, F4s, and F111s to support you guys. Hope you appreciate all the support we gave you.
I am sending along a link to my DD214. The DD214 just gives the facts. I’m not going to compare war stories, that is beneath fellow military members. I wasn’t at Khe Sanh nor the battle of Saigon. Those guys did much more than I did, but we were all there behind the guys who fought, bled, and died.
As you know, it is illegal for a veteran to wear ribbons or medals he did not earn. I’ve got 15 ribbons with 13 devices for multiple awards. I’m proud to have served with guys like you… I hope you can say the same.
http://s299.photobucket.com/al.....=008-1.jpg
Also, watch the TV program at:
http://www.vbs.tv/watch/americana
on November 23rd, 2009 at 12:29 am
I didn’t see anything on that DD214 that would qualify you to lead a squad little alone run a militia. I to took the oath to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic and still believe it applies.
Semper Fi!
Former Marine Plt Sgt
Vietnam 1966 – 1968
on November 23rd, 2009 at 1:23 pm
You’re absolutely right. There is nothing in writing that qualifies me (or you) to do anything. You’ve heard the old saying, “show me your scars and not your medals.”
Who knows what a person is capable of until he/she is put in the position. I’m sure that the reality of Vietnam taught you far more than you learned in a classroom here in the states.
You don’t really know how much you can accomplish until you actually step up to the plate and try.
But again, you asked for proof that I was there. I sent you that proof. Now you want to put down a fellow veteran because he doesn’t rise to your level of performance.
Don’t you think you’re being a bit unfair to the tens of thousands of people who supported the frontline soldier?
I’m sorry I can’t measure up to your expectations. We all did our part. If I ever meet you, I’ll buy you a beer in recognition of your service. I hope the second round will be on you.
on November 24th, 2009 at 4:06 am
I might not like what I’ve read about you from the main article, Norm, but I agree with the statement that there is nothing in a DD214 to show the metal of any man or woman.
A diploma is a paper on a wall. It’s what you do with it that counts.
on November 24th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
There were 10s of thousands of us who shared that war.
Some gave more than others, but we all gave a part of ourselves. Many of us who came home have not completely left everything behind.
http://s299.photobucket.com/al.....t=Wall.jpg
on November 25th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
As an longtime Alaskan, I found it very offensive that our perceived lifestyle attracted the “former” Michigan Militia folks to a community near me. We do welcome rugged individuals, don’t care how you folks do it Outside, and happily receive (while complaining loudly about the Feds) more pig per person than at least 48 other states etc. Meanwhile there are more generous, responsive, community-minded people than those of you looking at us from “down below” would ever believe. That is why I think the M.M. remnants (with their Oklahoma City connections and Terry Shivo unrequited plans) will be discouraged. Perhaps they will find a kindred spirit or two and lure them away to the next promised land with the “evil doth cometh…” rhetoric.
Perhaps others would call me Pollyana, but we Alaskans may not be contiguous with you all (Canada being placed so awkwardly between us), but I think my Alaskan statemates are not so easily duped.
I can see ‘em from here. It’s good to be vigilant but paranoia is what they are trying to create and I’m not buying it.
Let the light shine. AC
on November 30th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Alaskancitizen,
I knew a great deal about Alaska before I arrived having spent summers here prospecting. I am actually delighted that not many people seemed interested in forming a militia unit. Why? Simply because Alaskans are by nature fiercely independent and self sufficient. (at least those outside Anchorage) So a small turn-out didn’t overly concern me.
Our objective is two-fold. But build alliances that will help the community when economic disaster hits, and to avoid giving away that “Alaskan Independence” to federal Black Water mercenaries much in the say way that they did in Louisiana during Katrina.
Yes, we are relatively self sufficient and will ride out an economic calamity pretty well. . .at least for a while.
So, let me say again how much I love this place and to all of my independent neighbors, I would simply say, “move over and make room for one more.”
I won’t push myself on anyone, but as a good Alaskan, I will be honored to help anyone who asks. That’s the way we do it here.
on September 22nd, 2012 at 9:20 pm
We’re glad 2 hear that Norm is not quitting!
lt’s the 1st time l looked him up on FB.
l’d be blessed 2 get Ur newsletter!
on November 24th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Uhhh excuse me Norm? Just wanna ask wheres the ex- marine in the photo? As a currently serving Marine, who also happens to be from michigan, i feel no shame in sayin that that man was in army cammy’s not MARPAT. Yes i understand its not ok for us to wear them off base…. But isnt there somethin about us wearing another branches uniforms? And patches for that matter? If he really is a prior marine thats cool and all i just wanna get that cleared up… I take offense when someone claims somethin that isnt theres… Like the title of marine for starters..
on December 6th, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Look at what has happened to America since 2008. 4 million jobs have disappeared, 4 million homes have been taken away, Unelected Czars have been put in charge of most aspects of our existence, and executive orders rule the day. Oil well operations are all but totally shutdown, groceries prices are doubled, home and car fuels are doubled….. and the only Americans paying this horrible price are the ones that own an alarm clock and earn a living. Believe it will just go on forever? Remember people, your government is only able to give you what it has taken from someone else. Running out of that, they have been borrowing from our children and grand childrens working future. And you frolic and laugh as all this comes down because thanks to your government food stamps…your bellies are full. (Remember the story of “The Little Red Hen?”) At a point very nearby, as all this quickly evaporates and “they come for you,” you will be thanklful for our ex-miltaty veterans csuch as Norm Olson, Organizing resistance in the form of a militia, invloves an inordinate amount of work and planning… and setting the wheels in motion for logistical support. Norm Olson will Ultimately be recorded in history as a national hero for taking the arrows. While at this point in my life, I am just an old mostly usless vet, I see the writing on the wall, and…..it is not pretty. Laugh and frolic .for soon you will be very hungry.
on March 12th, 2013 at 9:28 am
hi norm.. I met you at the throwing of the brass at the michigan state capitol. I also met you at your home once in your store.. bought a book i believe.
Sorry you had to leave the general area.. lots of pressure is being put on people who question the governments’ involvement in the many things!!
i count myself as a sleeper right now because i can’t afford the problems that come from trying to educate people about our loss of constitutional rights and even god-given-rights.
Wish you well.. I also met ray once in Lansing on the street briefly.. had a nice talk and wished him well.
gods’ speed SIR!