IT’S HAPPENING IN KNOXVILLE, TOO: Civilians take their posts outside recruiting centers.

The parking lot at the West Knoxville shopping center was scorching hot Wednesday afternoon, but that didn’t prevent a handful of civilians from standing guard in front of the Armed Forces Career Center.

Most of them were members of the Three Percenter’s Club, an organization whose mission, according to their website, is to restore limited constitutional government to the people of the United States in keeping with the wishes of the founding fathers. Some members are ex-military. All had a permit to carry a handgun.

Kimberly King, a retired Army combat medic from Oakdale, Tenn., arrived with a holstered 9 mm pistol on one hip and a .380 pistol in the other pocket. Because she planned to stay awhile, she also brought a gallon of sweet tea.

“I’m doing my civic duty,” King said. “If I have to be here everyday, I will.”

This is the spirit of America. And so is this: “It shouldn’t come to this. I shouldn’t have to be here.” Doing the job the Commander In Chief won’t do.