The Battle of Athens, Tennessee

Some obscure but fascinating history:

On 2 August 1946, some Americans, brutalized by their county government, used armed force to overturn it. These Americans wanted honest, open elections. For years they had asked for state or Federal election monitors to prevent vote fraud -- forged ballots, secret ballot counts, and intimidation by armed sheriff's deputies -- by the local political boss. They got no help.

These Americans' absolute refusal to knuckle-under had been hardened by service in World War II. Having fought to free other countries from murderous regimes, they rejected vicious abuse by their county government. These Americans had a choice. Their state's Constitution - Article 1, Section 26 - recorded their right to keep and bear arms for the common defense. Few "gun control" laws had been enacted. (snip)

Those who took up arms in Athens, Tennessee:

* wanted honest elections, a cornerstone of our Constitutional order;
* had repeatedly tried to get Federal or State election monitors;
* used armed force so as to minimize harm to the law-breakers;
* showed little malice to the defeated law-breakers;
* restored lawful government.

The Battle of Athens clearly shows:

* how Americans can and should lawfully use armed force;
* why the Rule of Law requires unrestricted access to firearms;
* how civilians with military-type firearms can beat the forces of "law and order".

(via Piglipstick)