The term "War on the West" is often used in relation to conflicts over land rights and federal land use in the Western United States. However, it can also be interpreted in a broader sense in the context of [[anti-government]] militias and their activities in the region. Historically, anti-government [[militia]]s have emerged as a response to perceived overreach by the federal government. They have been motivated by a variety of factors, including economic instability, controversial legislation, and incidents involving federal law enforcement. ## Key War on the West groups and movements 1. **Posse Comitatus**: This group, established in 1969, asserted that county sheriffs were the highest law enforcement authority and could ignore federal directives they deemed unlawful. They opposed and encouraged action against federal officials who upheld laws they considered unconstitutional, such as de[[segregation]] or tax laws. Posse Comitatus influenced later white supremacist groups, anti-government militias, and the [[Sovereign Citizen Movement]], which believes their followers are exempt from federal law​[1](https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/interactive/militia-movement/)​. 2. **Militia Movement (1992-2001)**: This movement was a response to perceived government hostility, particularly following incidents at the [[Ruby Ridge standoff]] in Idaho, and the [[Waco Siege]] in Texas. The signing of the Brady Bill, a gun control law, by President Bill Clinton in 1994 further catalyzed the movement. While the movement declined after the [[Oklahoma City bombing]] in 1995 and the Y2K non-event, it had a significant impact on American society and politics​. 3. **Patriot Movement**: In 2007, the [[militia]] movement reemerged, driven by fears of a Democratic president and potential gun control legislation. The election of [[Barack Obama]], the first black president, along with the economic crisis of 2008 (see: [[Great Recession Timeline]]), further exacerbated these concerns. The new movement differs from the old one by explicitly trying to distance itself from white supremacy, focusing more on disaster preparedness and serving their community. This shift has attracted many current and former military and law enforcement members into their ranks​. 4. **The Three Percenters**: Founded by Mike Vanderboegh, this group was the first national militia to emerge in the revived movement. They pledge to resist the federal government if it fails the people, drawing their name from the disputed notion that only three percent of American colonists fought in the [[Revolutionary War]]. 5. **The Oath Keepers**: This group was formed around 2009 and is composed mainly of current and former military, police, and first responders who pledge to uphold the [[Constitution]] against all enemies, foreign and domestic. They were involved in the 2014 standoff with federal agents at [[Cliven Bundy]]'s ranch in Nevada, as well as being intimately involved in the planning of the [January 6 insurrection](https://doctorparadox.net/january-6-attack/) at the Capitol​ The Oath Keepers' leader [Stewart Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years for seditious conspiracy](https://doctorparadox.net/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-18-years/), and many other prominent members were convicted and received prison time. It should be noted that while not all members of these groups are prone to violence, the anti-government sentiment they espouse can potentially incite violent acts, and law enforcement views them as a significant threat​.