Editorial Column Submitted to Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Note: On February 27, a press release was issued by Barrett Schroeder, former chair of the Latah County GOP announcing his candidacy for District 5 State Senate. This document was sensational, defamatory and slanderous. This press release from Palouse Liberty Project chairman Jeff Williams is in response to that his statement ONLY, and should not be construed as endorsement of any particular candidate.

As published in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News; 3/7/2012

On 27 February, Barrett Schroeder distributed a press release personally attacking me for my involvement with the local Tea Party, my involvement with Continental Congress 2009, and my involvement with a local militia group. Additionally, he also announces his campaign for Idaho State Senate, District 5. This document was little more than an overt and libelous defamation of my character, and I publicly demand that he immediately issue a formal retraction, and apologize for his wildly inaccurate and unsubstantiated claims.

His ad-hominem attacks can only be described as paranoid and bizarre, especially when you consider that I am not running for political office, nor am I currently involved with any campaign at any level in any jurisdiction; I am not even a resident of Idaho.While Schroeder is publicly stating that I have not responded to his assertions, a detailed (3,000 word) rebuttal to his baseless claims can be found on the Palouse Liberty Project website: palouselibertyproject.com.

I now respond, again.

Let me first state unequivocally that of that the two groups I am actively involved with – the Palouse Liberty Project and the 57/75 Bns. LF – neither endorse candidates. Regarding the militia, it has NO agenda. and is an apolitical entity. My response to Schroeder and others who oddly choose to question this is: while we are all entitled to our own opinions, we are NOT entitled to our own facts. There is no proof with which Schroeder can prove his claims, because none exists. His assertions are patently FALSE.

Today, a follow-up press release dated 29 February was released, entitled “Schroeder to Law Enforcement: Does Militia Have a Place?”

In both his original release and his follow-up, Schroeder seems to demonstrate a chilling disregard for the natural rights of all citizens, including the unalienable, natural rights of speech, association, assembly and self-defense. Furthermore, he seems to infer that under no circumstances should an agent of the Federal Government ever be arrested by local Sheriffs. Really? This shows disdain for the 9th and 10th amendments, disregard for the sovereignty for the State of Idaho, and seems to indicate he has no problem with criminal acts being perpetrated against the citizens he wishes to represent – so long as the crime is committed by the Federal Government.

There are many groups across the Palouse with whom I vehemently disagree, both politically and philosophically. But so long as they behave lawfully and do not violate the rights of others, then I will defend their right to exist with every fiber in my being. Any foolish, prejudiced demand calling into question the right of ANY group to exist is FASCISTIC, and should not be tolerated by any citizen of any political persuasion who truly values their liberty.

In fact, Mr. Schroeder, it is the DUTY of all levels of law enforcement to PROTECT the rights of law abiding citizens; from the likes of you, who would apparently attempt to specifically strip those unalienable rights from the groups with whom you disagree.

Unless Barrett Schroeder is simply fear mongering for political gain – if he truly holds these beliefs as he has expressed them, then he cannot take an oath to preserve, protect and defend either the State or Federal Constitutions. By foolishly expressing such totalitarian opinions, Schroeder has rendered himself largely ineligible for the office he purports to seek.

It should be duly noted that I speak for no person or entity other than myself in these matters.

Jeff Williams

Permission to reprint this press release is APPROVED, provided such reproduction is not modified or edited in any way. Modified or edited reproduction is DENIED. Modified or edited reproduction without express written consent will be considered a violation of copyright and the DCMA, and constitutes infringement under 17 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq. resulting in liability for statutory damages as high as $150,000 as set forth in Section 504(c)(2) therein.