Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Hutaree Ha-Ha

Rather than getting angry I should be laughing at the newspaper these days because the propaganda is so dog-gone ridiculous. 

"Trial begins for 7 in Midwest militia" Associated Press, February 13, 2012

DETROIT - Seven members of a Midwest militia accused of plotting to overthrow the government are set to stand trial, at which jurors will decide whether federal authorities prevented an attack by homegrown extremists or simply made too much of the group’s boasts to “take our nation back.’’

Opening statements are set today once a jury is seated in the trial of members of the Hutaree militia, who are charged with conspiring to commit sedition, or rebellion, as well as weapon crimes.

After the March 2010 arrests in southern Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, US Attorney Barbara McQuade said the time had come for authorities to “take them down.’’ An undercover agent had recorded the group’s leader, David Stone, saying the militia needed to “start hunting’’ police soon.  

Oh, no, not another Fascist Bureau of Instigator!

But since their capture, only one of nine people charged has struck a plea deal, an unusually low number in a case with so many defendants. Their attorneys have maintained a consistent stance: The antigovernment talk was simply colorful yet aimless bluster, akin to frustrated pals drowning sorrows around a campfire.

“I’m going to fight it tooth and nail,’’ said Tina Mae Stone, David Stone’s wife and codefendant, during a break in jury selection last week. “It was just a bunch of good old boys out to have fun. We did survival stuff. I did it mostly to spend time with my husband.’’

The militia prepared for survival in case of domestic chaos or an attack on the United States, attorneys Todd Shanker and Richard Helfrick said in a court filing. They noted the group even had a website and promoted its weekend outings.  

That is wanting to take down the government?

--more--"

Related: Mich. militia members prepared to 'go to war,' prosecutor says

"Informant in militia case got $31,000" Associated Press, February 15, 2012

DETROIT - An undercover informant was paid about $31,000 in cash for his critical role in an investigation that led to charges against members of a Midwest militia accused of plotting rebellion against the United States, an FBI agent testified yesterday.

Agent Leslie Larsen was the first witness at the weekslong trial of seven members of a southern Michigan militia called Hutaree. She answered questions from a federal prosecutor, mostly describing the timeline of the 2008-2010 investigation and certain milestones in the case.

Larsen said informant Dan Murray secretly recorded conversations with the militia while he trained or attended meetings with members, especially leader David Stone.... 

I wonder if he was laughing about it when he checked back in with the FBI.

--more--" 

The coverage coming to a close doesn't make me laugh. 

It's almost as if the newspaper existed just to form an image in your mind. You know, like propaganda.

Also see:

FBI Case File: The Hutaree Hoax

It’s Official; Court Documents Mention “undercover FBI agent” in Hutaree 9 Case