One thing they didn't count on with Ruby Ridge and Waco. Their show of force backfired in their face.
Until that time, the militia movement had been a tiny unknown entity. After the fed assaults the movement grew exponentially and people all over the country were arming and forming up in massive numbers. The publicly organized groups sent every atf office in the country a statement that another Waco style incident would be considered an intolerable act and would necessitate a response from the patriot movement.
The first AWB was their response to the militia. But, that had the effect of strengthening our resolve even more.
"The time for war has not yet come, but it will come and that soon, and when it does come, my advice is to draw the sword and throw away the scabbard." Gen. T.J. Jackson, March 1861
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