General Patton once famously pointed out that no bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor, dumb bastard die for HIS country.

It appears the "militia movement" was packing heat at a "gun rally" on the Potomac a mere entire county and a half away from the White House. Given the way all those stalwart beltway warriors were hyperventilating about it this morning, I am relieved there was no bloodshed.

With all respect to the folks who participated, I have to ask: is this smart?

Thomas Jefferson said that when the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. As a nuisance to the regime and as a demonstration of courage on the part of the people, this is a fine gesture.

Unfortunately, Jefferson was no soldier. So instead we turn to renowned military theorist Carl vol Clausewitz, who remarked that the backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.

I'll just leave it at that.