The Rapid City Journal is reporting today on State Representative Phil Jensen’s activities with the far right “Oath Keepers” militia, with Jensen admitting membership, but claiming it was only for a year.
And Phil points to how it had to be innocent, highlighting his non-violence by reminding people that he was a contentious objector in Vietnam:
“I wish I had a more exciting story for you,” the District 33 representative said. “In 2014 I was sitting at my desk in the Senate chambers and I had read some information about the Oath Keepers. I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the South Dakota Constitution, and it seemed like a good group of guys to belong to.”
and..
Jensen said those activities aren’t part of his nature. He even filed as a conscientious objector when he was drafted during the Vietnam War.
“I was drafted,” Jensen said. “And I filed for conscientious objector and I was going through a process of looking for alternative service. And then Nixon cancelled the drafting power before I got established.”
So, Phil claims he’s not a violent seditionist by pointing out he was a draft-dodger?
There must be something in the water in that District that they keep sending him to Pierre. Because they should not.
“not a violent seditionist by pointing out he was a draft-dodger”
Doesn’t that EXACTLY describe the former president y’all tripped over to support? And that the Oaf Keepers were basically Trump’s militia? You can’t have it both ways.
I’m not sure that revelation works in Phil’s favor.
Phil Jenson wins cause he is a true conservative goon against most of you RINOs.
I’m not a Phil fan at all, but if he was a legitimate conscientious objector (and I don’t know if he was), that is different than a “draft dodger.”
Imagine being associated with an organization like this with such a horrific mantra as this from Utah:
“The Utah OathKeepers are a group of proud patriots, dedicated to upholding the constitution of the United States. Our members have a long history of service to the United States as military, law enforcement and first responder professionals, and continue to serve through OathKeepers programs and service missions.”
We know how these hit jobs are stitched together, now.
there’s no shame in saying you joined a group because you agreed with their stated goals, and then quit when you found out what they were really doing.
I used to be a Democrat, myself.
I am an oath keeper. I served both our country in our Navy…including 22 months in the Mekong Delta of the Republic of Viet Nam AND my community as an elected official for one four-year term. Notice I did not capitalize ‘oath keeper’. Every one of you who either read this article who have worn the uniform or served as elected officials did take that Oath to defend and protect our U.S. and state constitutions. If you broke that oath, then you gave up that title.
Like the good representative, I also joined the “Oath Keepers” in 2014 because of what I was led to believe they were all about. However, after not receiving any follow-up, news letters, bulletins or even a request for membership renewal, I did not make the effort to renew and so I guess I’m no longer a member of that organization, but I still honor those Oaths I took in 1964 and then again in 2008.
If one’s a true “Conscientious Objector”, I have no problem with that. WW1 Medal of Honor recipient SGT Alvin York was one, but ended up in an unusual situation to earn his. WWII Army PFC Desmond Doss was another MoH recipient. The AJ story states that Representative Jensen was in the process of getting his CO status honored when Nixon ended the draft and the congress abandoned our South Vietnamese allies in 1975. I’ve known Phil for years and have found him to be an honorable and ethical person. A draft-dodger would have gone to Canada….like Bill Clinton did!
I don’t know who “SoDakCampaigns” is, but I will tell him or her that I have never witnessed or heard of Phil threatening anyone or speaking of seditious intent. Like most of us who have spoken out against the idiocy of the current and senile White House occupant, speaking out is not seditious.
Perhaps if SoDakCampaigns would speak directly to the people in his district, he or she might get the reason that they keep re-electing this true conservative to office.
I don’t live in District 33, but I stand by Phil Jensen. While we don’t agree on all views, I respect his opinions as he does mine.
Well Said. Remember, what was the major difference between the Federalists vs Anti Federalists? Remember in those days there were no real political party to divide people. THey were pretty much divided on idealogy, principle, and opinion only.
I have had many conversations with Phil Jenson, and never have the thought crossed my mind that he wanted to attack or create il-intent against any one or the government itself.
Speaking out against corruption, bad policy, arrogant politics is a mark of a good conservative, especially one who is bound to the State rather than the Federal Govt itself.
We got to rid ourselves of this “Left-Style” manner of thinking, in both the Democrats and Republican Parties. As Republicans, we must rid ourselves of the RINO’s or NEOCONS.
PJ just wants to kill doctors who perform legal abortions. He keeps getting elected because of stupid votes in 33.
Phil. Jensen does not belong in Pierre. It is surprising he keeps getting elected.
“Conscientious Objector”, interesting double standard as Phil introduced a “justifiable homicide’ bill – SB1171 – for doctors performing abortions.