OKLAHOMA CITY — Frustrated by recent political setbacks, tea party leaders and some conservative members of the Oklahoma Legislature say they would like to create a new volunteer militia to help defend against what they believe are improper federal infringements on state sovereignty.

Eric Boehlart at Mediamatters has taken Fox News and Glenn Beck to task for their promotion of militia activity. He uses the recently arrested Hutaree Militia as a case study for Fox’s influence.

Nine members of the Hutatree, a  Christian based Milita, were arrested this weekend for preparing to start a war against the government. The militia, based in Michigan, was charged with plotting to kill police officers and then ambush the funeral for those police officers. According to the indictment: