Submitted By Nate Criswell | 2/22/2020

A chapter of Oath Keepers will soon be operational in Hood County. “There’s a strong base of patriots here,” according to Constable John Shirley, who has been a dues-paying Oath Keeper for more than a decade. “This isn’t downtown Dallas.”

Oath Keepers describe themselves as “a non-partisan group of veterans, police, and other patriots who pledge to fulfill the oath all military and police take to “defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” In addition to defending the constitution, Oath Keepers have provided armed security during the recent Virginia protests, Ferguson riots, the Bundy Ranch standoff, numerous Trump rallies, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. At meetings and functions, attendees can expect to learn about the Constitution and current events.

Some, however, don’t see the group as benevolent. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describes Oath Keepers as “a growing anti-government extremist group whose avowed purpose is […] to oppose a supposedly “tyrannical” government.” The ADL likens Oath Keepers to a militia, “whose adherents believe that the United States is collaborating with a one-world tyrannical conspiracy called the New World Order to strip Americans of their rights—starting with their right to keep and bear arms.” “I’m already looking at different looks for the bonnet I will be required to wear if Hood County keeps going in this direction,” former Granbury school board trustee Rhonda Rezsofi commented.

Constable John Shirley is leading the efforts for now and plans to step back once the chapter is up and running in the Spring of 2020. Shirley says Hood County Oath Keepers will identify weak spots in how officials adhere to the Constitution and watch for those that break their oath. Oath Keepers have vowed not to obey 10 orders listed on their website.

Retired New Mexico Sheriff Scott London says, “I am excited anytime a group strives to educate the people about our Constitution,” and he is “absolutely” considering membership.

Annual membership starts at $50/year and the funds go towards growing the organization and responding to situations. Shirley says, “We don’t care if you’re a card-carrying member. We care that you adhere to your oath.”

For more information please email OKHood@protonmail.com

Nathan Criswell

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