COLORADO SHERIFF SAYS A MILITARY COUP MIGHT BE NECESSARY?

Well, not right away, so I guess we shouldn't be too upset, but ... well, I'll let World Net Daily tell the story:

A Colorado sheriff ... honored the U.S. Marine Corps on its 234th birthday....

And he implored them to be vigilant now as ever, since their service is not over.

The comments come from Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden....

He said there has been:

* Legislation being proposed that "infringes" on the right to keep and bear arms.
* Legislation being proposed that violates the people's rights to be secure in their homes.
* Legislation that authorizes the government to seize businesses.
* Places in our country that are considering allowing Shariah law.

"I look at the growth of Muslim extremism, even within our borders, most recently demonstrated just a few days ago at Fort Hood, and I fear for our country," he said. "My message to you is simple: be vigilant. 'Once a Marine always a Marine.' Your service is not over."

He quoted from the Marine Corps oath: "I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic."

"Foreign -- and domestic," he said.

Yup -- "Foreign -- and domestic."

I'm looking at the speech (dated 11/11/09 and posted here on the sheriff's county Web site); much of it is about the greatness of the Marines and Alderden's desire to make his sheriff's office "the Marine Corps of law enforcement agencies" -- but the characterization of that "Foreign -- and domestic" bit is accurate. The list of bullet points in Alderden's speech is essentially identical to the one in the WND article. It's preceded by

I fear what is happening in Washington DC, particularly with the over-reach of the federal government, intruding into areas beyond what is authorized in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

and followed by

I look at the growth of Muslim extremism, even within our borders, most recently demonstrated just a few days ago at Fort Hood, and I fear for our country.

My message to you is simple: be vigilant.

"Once a Marine always a Marine." -- Your service is not over.

So is he saying the Marines might need to overthrow the government? Or fight a war on U.S. soil against jihadists? Or is there no real distinction in his mind between those two possibilities?

(Oh, who am I kidding? Obviously, the latter is the correct answer.)

Larimer County is where "Balloon Boy" and his family live, so you may have seen Alderden holding forth about that case -- as well as about gay rights (agin' 'em) and religious celebrations of Christmas on government property (for 'em). Two years ago he defiantly had a Christmas celebration at his office that focused on Jesus -- but also began with a recording of John Wayne reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. To show that this was pro-religion rather than pro-Christianity, he had a menorah on display as well as a Christmas tree -- but the rabbi he'd invited to participate couldn't drive in, given that it was, um, a Saturday.

And now he wants the Marines to fight a civil war -- or at least wants to hold out the possibility. Ooo-rah, indeed.

****

UPDATE: Now, per Talking Points Memo, I see that we have Republican state senator Dave Schultheis of Colorado Springs comparing Obama to a 9/11 hijacker, in a tweet:

"Don't for a second, think Obama wants what is best for U.S. He is flying the U.S. Plane right into the ground at full speed. Let's Roll," the tweet reads.

Is there something in the Colorado water these days?