ON THE STREET

This week the Southeast Missourian asked, "Do you think armed militias pose a threat to the U.S. government?"

Cindy Clark, Cape Girardeau

"I hope not. I would hope that the U.S. government has got more control over the situation than that."

John Fesq, Cape Girardeau

"No, not at all. I just think our law enforcement and our military are too well trained."

James P. Wissman, Scott City

"Yes, I think they should be disenfranchised or they should be prohibited. I think they should be prohibited as organizations. I would class them with the racists, the supremacists, the survivalists and the militias...I'm not in favor of them at all."

John Easley, Cape Girardeau

"Somewhat, yes. I think they start posing a threat when they start talking about governing themselves. If you think you're really going to protect the U.S., then join the military. I was in the military and I never worried about a militia taking over, but militias think the government is wrong so instead of running for political office they're vigilantes."

Keith Henderson, Cape Girardeau

"It depends on how they're based. Some have a very anti-government movement and to that extent, yes. But the ones that are based because they believe in forming a group to protect themselves and the country providing that something would happen and they would be needed, that's a different story. I don't view them as a threat."