I almost did, but realized that the usual objections would be made.

You could probably add joined the Army to that list.

I almost did, but realized that the usual objections would be made. Some variation of "well, not to imply that I don't have the highest regard for our dedicated men and women in uniform (etc. etc.) but the armed forces aren't a good example of an organic community...and in answering to federal authority, it's part of Leviathan, etc. etc."

Plus there's that whole going into harm's way hurdle.

Paleos: okay, you say you believe in being part of a community of free men that take responsibility for their own defense, but you don't want to join the National Guard?

Fine, then join the State Guard. (Rod: and Daniel: ) No foreign deployments to worry about.

Or join the Civil Air Patrol. Or the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Be an adult leader of Naval Sea Cadets, or, if you live in AK, OH, NY, or NJ, join the state Naval Militia. Study and get an amateur radio license and join a civil defense RACES/ARES network. Heck, learn to shoot in a club affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

There are a million ways to make a worthwhile contribution without having to worry that you are a 21st century Kantorek (Paul Bäumer's teacher).

But in my experience most paleocons aren't "joiners." Neither are libertarians, but the point is that neither position absolves one from the responsibility of being part of organizations for the common good--if anything the positions give a greater responsibility to someone to make themselves of service, since they so loudly want the federal leviathan to not assume duties that they should shoulder themselves.

Context.