Patriot or Loyalist

We are again, in our short history, forced to ask ourselves where do we stand.
Thomas Jefferson in 1775 wrote:
"Believe me, dear Sir: there is not in the British empire a man who more cordially loves a union with Great Britain than I do. But, by the God that made me, I will cease to exist before I yield to a connection on such terms as the British Parliament propose; and in this, I think I speak the sentiments of America."
Shortly after he drafted other words that echo through America:
"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."
"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
At this time the country (colonies) had two parties, with a large percentage of the population not fully believing or trusting either. But the basic mindset could be divided into "loyalist to the crown" or "patriot to the cause." Loyalty has been a guiding ideal in my life, like a dog I can be loyal to a fault. However, by the grace of God, I also have reasoning beyond that of canines. I cannot stay loyal to a master, but will be forever vigilant in my loyalty to a cause. As you lay yourself and your loved ones down, recall our proud history. As you read the news, and hear the words of your elected "leaders", no longer simply granted the title of representatives, remember our proud history. Stand loyal your ideals and mans judgement upon you is irrelevant. I for one cannot stay "loyal" to a government that, at every turn, tries to regulate as many facets of life that they can. Meet up face to face, build a network, expand that network. Share, teach and learn. Become a Patriot, and rally others to the cause. A storm is brewing, find shelter and support.
In the CRISIS No.1 Thomas Paine wrote:
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
To this day his words ring true, I have some more reading to do!
Jason
III

234 Years, True Words Still

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings....

READ THE WHOLE SPEECH
Thanks for the reminder of history from Western Rifle Shooters

Random Math for Liberty

9+12= 21...2+1=3... I Am 3

"9-11 left us all stunned and horrified, but there was a 9-12. That was the day when we decided that we weren't defeated. That was the day when we weren't concerned about Red and Blue states, political parties, or our differences. That was the day we stood up as Americans, united and determined.

We stood with those who mourned. We stood with those who served. We stood against our enemies. We stood up for freedom.

We are faced with yet another attack on our freedoms. This one doesn't come in the form of airplanes, but is an assault on our core freedoms, principles and values. Our Constitution hangs by a thread, our economy has been sold, our rights trampled, our future compromised. So we are faced with a choice: Do we bury our heads in the sand and trust in our leaders to make everything right? Do we sit in stunned silence as our country falls down around us? Or do we rise from the ashes and again resolve to stand together as Americans?"

From Here

For an explanation of 3 read here

"History, for good or ill, is made by determined minorities. We are one such minority. So too are the current enemies of the Founders' Republic. What remains, then, is the test of will and skill to determine who shall shape the future of our nation.The Three Percent today are gun owners who will not disarm, will not compromise and will no longer back up at the passage of the next gun control act. Three Percenters say quite explicitly that we will not obey any further circumscription of our traditional liberties and will defend ourselves if attacked. We intend to maintain our God-given natural rights to liberty and property, and that means most especially the right to keep and bear arms. Thus, we are committed to the restoration of the Founders' Republic, and are willing to fight, die and, if forced by any would-be oppressor, to kill in the defense of ourselves and the Constitution that we all took an oath to uphold against enemies foreign and domestic."

Stand True and Vigilant. Remember who you are and where we come from.

Sic Vis Pacem Para Bellum

Jason

III

H/T Dustin

Contentment vs. Complacency

I was having a discussion the other day about my lack of passion for "corporate advancement", "title", or the normal keeping up with the Jones'. Not that I do not enjoy certain things, or even desire to own them ( a Barrett M82 comes to mind) but I do not have LUST for physical or material things. The above question was posed. My thought is that you can not have one without the other, and neither is bad as long as they are not taken to excess. When the follow up question was asked "Then what do you want out of life?"

I could not help but grin and respond "To be left alone." I wonder if I should have been more detailed, but I do not believe so. However this is not a statement of non-emotion, I still need to search for Liberty, Freedom, and choice. Once again you cannot have one without the other.

Jason

III

**Addition** Was having the Sunday talk with my father and general discussion led to the economy and politics. He is considering buying ammo so that the "new" Indiana law designed to "save" him will turn him into a criminal. More improtant though, we were talking about the personal budget being tight, not alone there, and he mentioned that with my salary and a family of 4 I am "entitled" to gov't access med care for my kids. That turned a pleasant conversation to the son preaching to the father that NO ONE is entitled to anything except death, the rest we earn.

Good Drugs vs. Bad Drugs

The "O" has shown us again his infinite, infantile, wisdom, and himself to be a strong supporter of liberty and individual rights. With one of his newest rumored appointments Sanjay Gupta. Here is a quote from the good doctor:

"Perhaps. But I'm here to tell you, as a doctor, that despite all the talk about the medical benefits of marijuana, smoking the stuff is not going to do your health any good. And if you get high before climbing behind the wheel of a car, you will be putting yourself and those around you in danger."

Now, that is not surprising. But it does piss me off coming after this cut:

"Several recent studies, including a new one from the Scripps Research Institute, show that THC, the chemical in marijuana responsible for the high, can help slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease. (In fact, it seems to block the formation of disease-causing plaques better than several mainstream drugs.) Other studies have shown THC to be a very effective antinausea treatment for people--cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, for example--for whom conventional medications aren't working. And medical cannabis has shown promise relieving pain in patients with multiple sclerosis and reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients."

So even though he acknowledges that there are many benefits medically, the chance that it would be abused is reason to make it illegal for anyone.

His full article is here

More can be read on part of the studies here

I am not pro marijuana per say, just anti legislation. Those that know me know that I am ANTI drug. That is my choice, if you want to IV drip heroin into your brain, I do not care. If you get sick from it, I will not help. I wonder if his "litmus test" would allow these to be legal
-Vicodin

-OxyContin

Here is another little tidbit

-"Five of the top six drugs abused by 12th graders
in the past year were prescription drugs or
cough and cold medicines." from here

The "war on drugs" is equal to the "war on guns" and the "war on poverty." All of these are simply WARS ON LIBERTY. War of control, for control over you and your choices. Benjamin Franklin said "We must all hang together or most assuredly we will all hang separately." This is not to say expect the local NORML chapter to hang with the local Threepers but gentleman we are all in the same fight. Tolerance and Liberty are not just catch phrases. We must not allow legislation of things we would not do ourselves, or things we do will be legislated from us by others.

Stand true, stand hard,

Jason

III

Free Market Lessons

Not only was this a kick ass show, but the real stories can be even more intriguing. Here are some of the basics:

-November 6, 1868- Lakota and white leaders sign the Fort Laramie Treaty, requiring the U.S. government to protect Lakota lands from white intruders.

-1874- August - Gold in the "Black Hills"-Upon hearing the news, the government attempts to buy back the land from the Sioux Nation, but their offer is refused because the Black Hills, referred to by the Sioux as Paha Sapa, is considered holy land.

-1875- John B. Pearson discovers gold in Deadwood Creek and as word spreads quickly a mining camp is established.

-1876-A Miners' Court was established in August, to establish a provisional government in the city. (of the people by the people)

Now at this time everyone in the camp is an "outlaw" living in the wild territory. There has been little to no actual influence by the Federal government, and there is NO STATE. There is a booming support industry, saloons, prostitutes, laundry, medical care, newspaper etc... This is almost instantaneous as the miners start moving in.

Also in 1876-

The stagecoach arrives

Theatre came to camp

Platting of sidewalks begins

Smallpox hits the town, within 7 days and care center and treatment is established.

U.S. Congress repeals the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty- Tries to annex Deadwood.

During the annexation American government is busy at war with the Indians throughout the West and issues many declarations, most ignored by the citizens. There was no active threat of the gun from Uncle Sam. Somehow this muddy mountain mining town still manages to accomplish-

-The hanging of Jack McCall for the murder of Wild Bill Hickok.

-Education funds are raised and a School is built for the children, and residents.

-Cattle Ranching begins

-Local regulations are created for the "cleanliness of working girls"

-Telephone service begins in 1878.

-1888-The Chinese minority, mined, opened shops and laundries and worked as domestic servants in the white community. They developed a city within a city, electing their own mayor and council and founding independent police and fire departments.

-November 02, 1889 North Dakota (including Deadwood) becomes a State and finally has to start bowing to an ever increasing "State/Federal" presence.

Now I believe it could go without saying that Deadwood was at times a "take no shit, rough and tumble" town that had to be gritty, to say the least. My main point is that "outlaws," with little to no oversight, built a successful community outside the established law. Not only successful but advanced, extremely advanced taking into account their geography. Health care, news, transportation, and a variety of jobs were available, for the cost of the responsibility to do it well. The had telephone lines in 1878! Can people do the "right thing" without a Presidential platform telling them to? Yes we can.

Liberty, and the free market. Gotta love this country, especially when the story is as good as gold.

Jason

III

Give Me Liberty, or Give Me...Just Give Me Liberty

"The basic axiom of libertarian political theory holds that every man is a self owner, having absolute jurisdiction over his own body. In effect, this means that no one else may justly invade, or aggress against, another's person. " Buried in Here
I have covered what "I Believe", now I will try to explain some of why.
I am a "student" of history, maybe a "fan" would be a better term. Growing up I watched the sacrifice of a single mother and felt the sting of an absentee father, watched the "growth"of the 80's, and the progression of modern politics. Nixon was President the day I was born. Soon to follow were Ford, Carter, Reagan, H.W. Bush, Clinton, W. Bush, and now Obama. I loved education, it was breath to my mind. History and mathematics were the subjects I looked forward to the most. This put me on a path to meet many great teachers, in particular "history" teachers. I wanted to become a teacher, until I "worked" in a school. I saw first hand the bias and absurdity that can be fostered in the public school system. It was at that point I started aggressive "self-education." There have been many lessons learned the hard way, and many learned the wrong way. Here in my mid thirties I have found that breath again. Striving to learn about how history applies to today. As I discover and attempt to understand the writings of Mises (Rothbard in particular), the Cato Institute, more books these past 24 months then I care to write, conversations with friends, blogging from:
-D. Martyn
-D Codrea
-C Horton
-M. Vanderboegh
-And Many More (Dailies listed on blogroll)
I feel that breath building in me again. For that I say thank you all who read this, and all who write so I can read. That breath is giving me a vigor to educate my children, and having this support for that is indispensable. Seeing the equation of liberty for the individual, equaling success for the community. I am finding my way again, and in what I believe is a positive manner. Our world is constantly changing, and I know "we can never go back." However we can move forward, and remain true to parts of the past we admire, improving the areas we do not. As we look to "the coming" storm (?) look to your friends, build a network. Start building a "community" and the bigger picture should start to develop. I personally feel that all laws I have not expressly agreed to do not apply to me, save the "golden rule." I will choose day by day what to follow, and what to ignore. But will always believe what I believe.
pro libertate eos occubuisse,
Jason
III

Constitution

I have spent the past few weeks, years basically, but much more recently, in debate with friends, family and strangers. I believe I was either to ignorant or just unable to convey a basic point.

On the United States Constitution, and those of the free and independent states:
NO part of them should be used to restrict an individual. They are by design, to RESTRICT the governments they "empower."

Think about this, especially the next time "they" try to legislate the choice of your fellow citizens. Whether you agree with the "moral" message of an amendment or law is irrelevant, we have NO RIGHT to legislate in or out the choices of others.I honestly believe the recent election was a terrible movement for civil rights. I am speaking on my States level. I have never been overly concerned with the "president". I am growing that concern due mainly to the powers that have been granted/seized over the past decade. The temptation(s) to abuse that power will not be held back for long. I am not saying it will be the current president-elect, but it will happen. The best example I can sight of this temptation, is President John Quincy Adams. A man who was raised among the Revolution, with none other than John Adams as a father, and Thomas Jefferson as a family consult.

"During his term, he worked on developing the American System, consisting of a high tariff to support internal improvements such as road-building, and a national bank to encourage productive enterprise and form a national currency. In his first annual message to Congress, Adams presented an ambitious program for modernization that included roads, canals, a national university, an astronomical observatory, and other initiatives."

He showed an arrogance of office, he thought he knew better than those he represented. Sounds like an accurate parallel to today's financial crisis. He also spoke of a pending civil war, and how its existence could prove an opportunity to gain power over the Legislature through "war powers." Sadly, that was exactly what happened, at the cost of individual states rights. Once again this sounds eerily familiar.

Now, I also know that President John Quincy Adams made MANY speeches and took an unpopular stance on slavery, it's abolishment. He was not a bad President per se, but I choose him to illustrate that good men and women can cause many bad things to happen, even when they are working towards envisioned utopia.

Once again what do I know, I am just a carpenter who can't get a job swinging a hammer.

Jason

III

(for another POV watch this)Remember, after you ban them, you are next.

I Believe

I believe whenever there is a doubt, error on the side of Liberty, at any cost.
I believe "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is a natural right, and cannot be granted.
I believe taking anothers "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" should not be done through legislation of lifestyle, yet can be justified as a reaction to immediate threats.
I believe in all persons right to do what they want without causing harm to others.
I believe if you violate my rights, I can kill you.
I believe few are elite, and they do exist. That alone grants them nothing.
I believe in JUDGEMENT, act and you will be judged on your actions, nothing else.
I believe my children are the responsibility of my family alone, not the communities.
I believe there are some out to "control" others, and they must be fought.
I believe the States should govern themselves, and be accountable only to their citizens.
I believe the "federal government" should be nothing more then a mediator between the States.
I believe the current elections of regimes are rigged and a joke, we are granted the choice of paper or plastic, either way is an empty bag.
I believe one man can make a difference.
I believe the pen is only mighty when backed by swords.
I believe action is our payment for Liberty, and inaction is the price of yours.
I believe in the 3%.
I believe in you.
I hope I am right.

Jason
III

Freedom Under Siege

In reading and commenting on some posts lately, I realized I have some views I need to verbalize before I can sleep. Our freedom is under attack, a wolf in sheeps clothing, as it usually is. I am not one for compromise or tolerance, call it a character flaw. There are many things in this world I see and do not hesitate to "judge" others. However for those who don't know me, allow me some background.

- I do not use alcohol or any drugs, "legal" or not. That is my choice. I do not support ANY legislation that restricts YOU from doing any drug YOU choose, but I do hold YOU responsible for your actions. Drink all you want, hit a family with your car in the process and I'll bring the rope to your final tree.

- I do own and carry firearms. Out of respect to you, if I choose to go to your home/business and you ask I do not bring them, I won't. But I will not tolerate you requesting me to remove them in my home/business.

- I do not care who or how many people you are intimate with, as long as it involves consent. If you flaunt your choices, I will not stop others from calling you whore, faggot, bitch, etc.. If you keep a low profile, so should others. However if they move beyond words I will stand by your side, and if needed crush them without apology or acceptance of your lifestyle.

These are but a few points, you get the general idea. I believe in three rights : Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Period. All other ideas flow from these.

Everything else we are told by politicians are a lie. It is your life, take some accountability and shape it to what you want. Crush the small obstacles, study the big ones. Look for an edge and NEVER violate the 3 rights of anyone, they are not yours because you are an American, but because you are human.
A free society guarantees freedom of movement and, above all, absolute
privacy. Moving our wealth in and out of the country would be of no concern to the
government. Complete privacy guarantees individual liberty. Our personal lifestyles,
as well as our religious lifestyles would be our business and ours alone. Instead of
the governments forcing contracts on us and breaking those they make with us, the
government would help enforce the contracts to which we voluntarily agree.
A free society offers the greatest chance for world peace. Free movement of
people, goods, and ideas across borders makes a lot more sense than the uncontrolled
sale and transfer of weapons across borders. A policy of neutrality and friendship to
all makes a lot more sense than subsidies to our sworn enemies and our rich allies.
Financing both sides of all the battles around the world, as we have been doing for
the past forty years, must come to an end.
Free markets, sound money, balanced budgets, no income tax, civil liberties,
and nonintervention in the internal affairs of other nations is the road to peace and
prosperity.
How can the American people reject it?

Freedom Under Siege – Ron Paul, 1988

(emphasis by me)

Vote and live Freedom, first and always. Fight taxation and legislation. Follow your beliefs but do not expect or rely on others to join them.

Jason

III

Liberty?

The other day I had a moment with my son. Most today think that only the educated, politicians of our day under stand the "founding." Yet in the innocence of a 9 year old boy, Liberty was the ONLY thing he could comprehend. Freedom to breathe, freedom to choose, freedom to strike a deal based upon His will, not law. I hope I do not fail him and his brother, in leaving them with a place this is true. At least more true than the day I entered this world. They will be riflemen at a young age, may they never need to use that skill. They will be taught some lessons of Jefferson, Locke, Blackstone, King and others, may that knowledge never be tested. They will be shown that Liberty in any amount is worth fighting for, may they never have to fight for it.

"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." -The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

Jason

III

Perspective (UPDATED)

After listening here to some "opposing" views, and commenting here,and reading here (must read this link), I felt some things were "Lost in Translation."
Most who would read my words know of Mike Vanderboegh, and the 3%. There has also come into the debate the "probable role" of the military against the "alleged 3%." The military is comprised of citizens and would react in direct proportion to a similar percent.
Perspective is defined as a way of regarding situations or topics etc...
Most of us are trying to defend what we believe we would do if it happened.
A song from the Mighty Mighty Bosstones says:

"I'm not a coward,

I've just never been tested

I'd like to think that if I was,

I would pass"

I think that pretty much sums up my argument as to the effectiveness of the letter that began this train(wreck) of thoughts in my mind.

Your perspective is probably not mine. Most of my beliefs are from "fictional" worlds or history. The most defining change in my life was when I was about 17, sitting in a juvenile jail cell reading anything I could to take my mind out of that place. I found my Bible, and hope you find yourself reading it someday. I was raised Roman Catholic with all the guilt it can imply, and as a kid of the punk rock era fought it every step. Here was a book that asked me, or more accurately demanded, that I not only "know" that one day I will die, but to accept and embrace that fact. This single idea, that single grain of knowledge changed my life forever, and for the better. Living the "good life" became a responsibility to myself, for the purpose of my fulfillment, not some higher power or greater good. Since that time I have tried everyday, to know that today might be the true endgame, and I better make it worth it. Some days I succeed, other days I fail. There are others who have lived a warriors life that I can only imagine, others a life of benefits that I cannot comprehend. One life is not worth anymore than another, yet none of us will see the event horizon coming in the same way, nor will we react in what everyone would call a "rational response."

As the man above said "live for nothing, die for something"

We all have an idea of our "threshold" and they are all different, but every discussion has ended and began with 1 of 3 points

1. The govt is doing its job and has a "right" to regulate them.
2. The "right" is god given and a citizen, requires no regulation.
3. A hybrid of the above 2 without passion to jump sides.

Anyone who reads this desires liberty, it is the cost we have a debate over. I am willing to pay a much larger price than others, that is my threshold. Are others willing to pay the price to strip me? That is the root question, equation, we need to be asking ourselves.

Who we are dictates our lives, our lives do NOT dictate who we are.

Thanks for reading my rants,

Jason

III

Vanderboegh hits another proverbial nail

an excerpt from here
"They stood faithful to the oath that our Founders gave us: To bear true faith and allegiance-- not to a man; not to the land; not to a political party, but to an idea. That idea is liberty, God-given, inalienable liberty as codified in the Constitution of the United States. We swear, as did they, an oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And throughout the years they paid in blood and treasure the terrible price of that oath. That was their day. This is ours. The clouds we can see on the horizon may be a simple rain or a vast hurricane, but there is a storm coming. Make no mistake."

I believe with all of my heart that most people do not get it. Day after day i hear and see arguments over skin color, the all mighty dollar, what kind of car some is driving, how they let their kids hair look like, or who has the "beast dressed" plaque for the day. All of these mundane arguments are about "the idea" listed above. These arguments lead to a constriction of the idea of Liberty, and it pisses me off.
Johnny is "black" and Timmy is "white, I don't give a F*(K, they are equal and bland in my eyes.
Ronald is "wasteful" with his money and Sally is too frugal, I don't give a F*(K, it is their money.
Can you believe Joe's son has purple hair, and a tattoo, I don't give a F*(K, it is their family.
My khakis are from the Gap, I don't give a F*(K, mine were on sale and they are MINE.
Liberty is more than a principle it is a way of life, they only life if you ask me. We tend to look at extreme cases of oppression
Taxes
2ND Amendment Violations
Genocide
Don't get me wrong those are large problems, and sadly very real problems. But in our LIFE we can stop the small infringements that lead to the large ones.




"Our war is a Spiritual War, our great Depression is our lives" Tyler Durden Fight Club

With Liberty we have control over our lives, we can win the war and stay off the depression.

Freedom is not only a state of being but a state of mind.
"The Spartans at Thermopolae knew this. The fighting Jews of Masada knew this, when every man, woman and child died rather than submit to Roman tyranny. The Texans who died at the Alamo knew this. The frozen patriots of Valley Forge knew this. The "expendable men" of Bataan and Corregidor knew this. If there is one lesson of Hitlerism and the Holocaust, it is that free men, if they wish to remain free, must resist would-be tyrants at the first opportunity and at every opportunity. Remember that whether they come as conquerors or elected officials, the men who secretly wish to be your murderers must first convince you that you must accept them as your masters. Free men and women must not wait until they are "selected," divided and herded into Warsaw Ghettos, there to finally fight desperately, almost without weapons, and die outnumbered." (Agan the full Text is here)
"Liberty or Death" is more than a Patrick Henry quote, it is a two way street. You ar either living under one or the other, but you are also directing those around you towards one or the other.

Deus meus iudex est,
Jason

Nationalism of facts or fiction?

Americans generally have an appearance of pride nad conviction of our counrty and its citizens. This however cannot be based on the past alone. Is an achievement of your great grand father a reason to salute you? It may provide a path to examine you, but can you stand on your own merits?
http://mises.org/story/2874 a MUST READ article.
"After more than two centuries of "constitutionally limited government," the results are clear and incontrovertible. At the outset of the American "experiment," the tax burden imposed on Americans was light, indeed almost negligible. Money consisted of fixed quantities of gold and silver. The definition of private property was clear and seemingly immutable, and the right to self-defense was regarded as sacrosanct. No standing army existed, and, as expressed in George Washington's Farewell Address, a firm commitment to free trade and a noninterventionist foreign policy appeared to be in place. Two hundred years later, matters have changed dramatically."
"how can we ever succeed in implementing such a fundamental constitutional reform?...Essentially, the answer to this question is the same as that given by the American revolutionaries more than two hundred years ago: through the creation of free territories and by means of secession. "
Thanks to despotic policies and institutions of present day politics, it is arguably illegal to openly discuss secession and secession itself has been declared un-constitutional.
http://epic.org/privacy/terrorism/hr3162.html
http://laws.findlaw.com/us/74/700.html
Even though there is a clear and present history of it in America.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secession_in_the_United_States

Join groups, vote, distribute literature, vote, educate children, vote, and change the structure from within. Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Watch the government, they are surely watching YOU.
Semper Vigilans,
Jason

Listening to the Constitution

On June 12, 2008 the Supreme Court delivered a ruling on the case of Boumediene vs Bush. Read brief contents here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boumediene_v._Bush . This decision has quickly been touted as controversial on several grounds. The most of which are people saying that the origins of the suit are "terrorists", "enemy combatants", or not "American citizens." I have more than one issue with the decision. Read here at http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/06-1195.pdf ...:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
But all of the supposed controversy is not directed correctly. Keep in mind when the initial briefs were filed, some of the Guantanamo detainees had been in custody, without charges, without trial for up to 2 years, which is now 6 years and running. Are some or even all of the detainees "bad people"? That is precisely why I am concerned; NO ONE is answering this question with due process, through the writ of habeas corpus.

The Declaration of Independence:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
(unalienable, inalienable : incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred. Webeters)
The Constitution of the United States Article 1 Section 8:
The Congress shall have Power…To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

The Bill of Rights: Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The Bill of Rights: Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Read the full text of these amazing documents here http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/charters.html

I posted these excerpts for a reason, the Declaration of Independence speaks of our "unalienable Rights" that are NOT granted by the government of ANY nation, but by birth itself. People speak of our "constitutional rights", my rights are NOT GRANTED by the Constitution, but by the Creator. The Constitution is a list of what the government CANNOT do, against rights that are natural, not granted. There is no citizenship to any Nation required for Liberty, we only have a set of rules that our representatives must work within so that we can be a leading example to the world, the "shining light" Ronal Reagan spoke of. Even Chief Justice Roberts wrote in his dissent "The important point for me, however, is that the Court should have resolved these cases on other grounds. Habeas is most fundamentally a procedural right, a mechanism for contesting the legality of executive detention. The critical threshold question in these cases, prior to any inquiry about the writ's scope, is whether the system the political branches designed protects whatever rights the detainees may possess. If so, there is no need for any additional process, whether called "habeas" or something else."

The Constitution is not a granting of rights by the government, but a set of rules by the People for the government. "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed," (The Declaration of Independence 1776)

Some people also want to claim that this "is a military issue." If that is the case lets look at the Uniform Code of Military Justice. http://www.constitution.org/mil/ucmj19970615.htm

802. ART. 2. PERSONS SUBJECT TO THIS CHAPTER
(a) The following persons are subject to this chapter:
(9) Prisoners of war in custody of the armed forces.
(10) In time of war, persons serving with or accompanying an armed force in the field.
805. ART. 5. TERRITORIAL APPLICABILITY OF THIS CHAPTER
This chapter applies in all places.
807. ART. 7. APPREHENSION
a) Apprehension is the taking of a person into custody.
830. ART. 30. CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS
(a) Charges and specifications shall be signed by a person subject to this chapter under oath before a commissioned officer of the armed forces authorized to administer oaths and shall state--
(1) that the signer has personal knowledge of, or has investigated, the matters set forth therein; and
(2) that they are true in fact to the best of his knowledge and belief.
(b) Upon the preferring of charges, the proper authority shall take immediate steps to determine what disposition should be made thereof in the interest of justice and discipline, and the person accused shall be informed of the charges against him as soon as practicable.
831 ART. 31. COMPULSORY SELF-INCRIMINATION PROHIBITED
(a) No person subject to this chapter may compel any person to incriminate himself or to answer any questions the answer to which may tend to incriminate him.
(b) No person subject to this chapter may interrogate, or request any statement from an accused or a person suspected of an offense without first informing him of the nature of the accusation and advising him that he does not have to make any statement regarding the offense of which he is accused or suspected and that any statement made by him may be used as evidence against him in a trial by court-martial.
(c) No person subject to this chapter may compel any person to make a statement or produce evidence before any military tribunal if the statement or evidence in not material to the issue and may tend to degrade him.
(d) No statement obtained from any person in violation of this article, or through the use of coercion, unlawful influence, or unlawful inducement may be received in evidence against him in a trial by court-martial.
846. ART. 46. OPPORTUNITY TO OBTAIN WITNESSES AND OTHER EVIDENCE
The trial counsel, the defense counsel, and the court-martial shall have equal opportunity to obtain witnesses and other evidence in accordance with such regulations as the President may prescribe. Process issued in court-martial cases to compel witnesses to appear and testify and to compel the production of other evidence shall be similar to that which courts of the Unites States having criminal jurisdiction may lawfully issue and shall run to any part of the United States, or the Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions.

I am not saying that the "prisoners" are innocent or should be set free. I am NOT criticizing the men and women involved in the actions of their commanders. However I believe is evident in the above we have the tools, text, and historical proof that our rights are not granted nor guaranteed by anyone but ourselves, we must choose to not strip these rights we hold so dear from others. We have the debate and the teachings, now comes the hard part, we need to listen.

Thank you,
Jason

Listening to the Constitution