Thu Sep 19 08:56:09 UTC 2024: ## Sheriffs, Conspiracy Theories, and the Rise of the ‘Unrig’ Movement

**A new book explores the appeal of the “constitutional sheriff” movement and its connection to right-wing ideology and the rise of Donald Trump.**

Jessica Pishko, author of “The Highest Law in the Land,” delves into the origins and ideology behind the “constitutional sheriff” movement, which claims county sheriffs have the power to decide which laws are constitutional. Pishko argues that the movement’s appeal lies in its promise to “unrig” a system perceived as corrupt and unjust by a segment of the population, many of whom became staunch supporters of Donald Trump.

Pishko’s research, rooted in her encounters with sheriffs at a “Patriotic Social Gathering” in Nevada, reveals the movement’s deep connection to right-wing ideology and a historical narrative that emphasizes white power and anti-government sentiment.

Drawing on the work of scholars like Daniel Levitas, James Aho, and Amy Cooter, Pishko demonstrates how the movement’s roots lie in groups like Posse Comitatus, which believed the sheriff was the sole legitimate law enforcement officer. These groups, often fueled by feelings of social upheaval and a distrust of experts, preyed on a sense of nostalgia and a desire for inclusion in a romanticized version of American history.

The book explores the interplay between historical narratives, conspiracy theories, and the role of guns in the movement’s ideology. Pishko highlights how the movement’s interpretation of the Second Amendment, often centered on white gun ownership and a rejection of federal authority, intersects with a history of racialized violence and the denial of full citizenship to Black Americans.

Drawing on works like “The Second” by Carol Anderson and “Loaded” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Pishko analyzes the deep-seated racial biases within the movement and the ways in which the desire for “self-protection” often masks a fear of racial equality and a yearning for a white-dominated past.

Pishko’s research provides a critical lens through which to understand the movement’s appeal, its connection to broader right-wing trends, and the enduring influence of historical narratives and conspiracy theories on American politics. Her book offers a nuanced and timely exploration of the “unrig” movement and its potential to undermine democratic institutions and exacerbate societal divisions.

Read More