There are several modern groups which, arguably, claim a direct legacy from the Templar’s. I am about to add one more to that list; the Ordo Dei Imperceptus. I am adding this group to that list, not because they have been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. Not because they knew someone, who knew someone, who knew someone else who's ancient ancestor was a Templar, and certainly not because I wish to ascribe false accolades to an organization who is not very willing to earn those honours the hard way...by earning them. I am adding this group to the list because it is my determined belief that the legacy of the Templar’s is better served by the actions of individuals who remember what it means to do something for someone other than themselves. The Templars were fighting men, knights, who gave up their lives of privilege to dedicate themselves to the purpose of helping pilgrims cross the holy land without being robbed and/or killed. They believed in their cause so much that they took the vows of a monk; poverty, obedience, and chastity, so that the bonds of their former lives would forever be severed and there would be no temptation to stand between them and their sworn duties. These were men who took incredible vows and stood by them no matter what the consequences. These were men who refused to live in fear despite the fact that they were almost always out numbered and that the odds were almost always against them. These were men who recognized that the government, as is the way with all governments, does not care about the common man, and only cared about it's own self interests. The need to protect pilgrims was created because the King of Jerusalem refused to spare men to protect the roads, despite the fact that the pilgrims were necessary for the growth of the Jerusalem both in terms of manpower and finances. Most of all these were men of faith. Seven men of faith changed the course of history in such a way that a thousand years later the world still hears the echoes of their voices. Their legacy is not dead. If you can sit still for a few minutes and listen closely enough, you can hear it in the beats of your heart, you know, that thing that sits in your chest that people use to claim gave us courage? Listen! Do you hear it? Do you hear the cries of the women who are afraid to go out of their house because an ex- boyfriend/husband, or complete stranger is stalking them? Do you hear the cries of the children, can you see their tears or smell the fear coming off of them because Mommy or Daddy is drinking and/or smoking crack? Do you believe that the government has a handle on the situation? If you do believe that then you need not read any further, but if you can hear the cries as I do, then I invite you to do something about it. Cops are not the only ones who are allowed to investigate a crime, nor are they the only ones who are allowed to collect information, and they are certainly not the only ones who are allowed to serve and protect the community. A modern example of how volunteering can make a difference is to look at the Minutemen, regardless of where you stand on the issue of immigration their effectiveness in stopping illegal immigration in the areas that they patrol is impressive. So what if they are controversial, they are effective! What I propose is a volunteer organization who acts as bodyguards to abused women and families as well as a separate investigative arm to investigate not just the criminals, but the government as well. Of course some people will recognize that I just repeated myself. Those are the people that I want. Tired of the same ole thing? Great, here's your chance to do something about it!
