Liberty Minute January 9 2014

Why would game wardens need to undergo SWAT training?

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has announced the creation of what it calls a ?cadre of specialty teams? that have undergone SWAT-style tactical training.

These new teams will supposedly focus on search-and-rescue operations, which the public understandably supports. It shouldn?t be forgotten, however, that all of the state?s 532 game wardens are commissioned police officers who operate far afield of their expected responsibilities.

The poster child for the department?s tactical program is Game Warden Cullen Stakes, who posed for a photo holding an assault rifle and wearing military garb quite similar to that worn by Special Forces operators overseas.  None of this is necessary or useful in rescuing people stranded by floods, or who have gotten lost in the woods.

Among the Parks and Wildlife Department?s new specialized units is the ?Scout Team,? a group of 45 wardens who ?have received a variety of training and can be used in border operations, dignitary protection, or any form of high-risk law enforcement, such as serving felony arrests or hostage situations,? reports Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine.

When even Parks and Wildlife agencies are becoming militarized, it?s pretty clear we live in a fully operational police state.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.