In the American colonies and prior to the Revolutionary War colonial leaders were struggling with a number of issues in cultivating an orderly society and productive economy. Save that survival alone was often the challenge, governors often found that interference from the British Crown posed severe obstacles, and with those accompanied injustices.
Recognizing their freedoms were diminishing, that tyranny was afoot, and that with a growing discontent in all of it, Americans began to plan separation. British authority in America was pressing harder to restrict and reduce the threat of rebellion.
Soon, both parties recognized the scales would soon tip. For Americans, it became a matter of establishing independence while they had the ability to do so. For the British, it was a matter of removing the ability of colonists to disengage from the Crown.
In 1776, the words of the Declaration of Independence set forth the foundation and justification for separation from the Crown. This was preemptive and necessary. Otherwise the British Crown would have ultimately reduced every advantage and power held among the American colonies and its leadership.
As readers of this blog, you know I propose that states are sovereign and retain their own authority in most matters, as is the rights and freedoms of the people of the United States.
Like the British Crown, when the federal authority does not respect the freedoms and rights granted in the U.S. Constitution, states have a recourse, that of secession.
So, some will rightly say, I advocate secession. However, that goes with one point of distinction. Secession is the last thing I want to see happen. Yet, I am compelled to have the conversation with people, as a reminder or our origins, and as a refresher on this great nation’s achievements under a revolutionary and new form of government, a constitutional republic.
Like many I am compelled by a great sense of urgency, and even passion for freedom and life as an American. For me, it goes even deeper. I’ve committed my life to serving the purposes of God, the Almighty Creator. That means, I strive to live by His Word, and I pray for guidance in doing his work.
My wife and I have a great relationship, in the same ways most happy families do. We also have a strong commitment as a couple to serving God. Our spiritual partnership is remarkable, and we recently shared in His signs and wonders.
Over the past 8 months, my wife continued to see the numbers 9:11. Perplexing, and at times annoying to her (somewhat amusing to me) was this revelation. Some days, 2-3 times each day, she’d see the numbers 9:11. Often it was the time, 9:11.
At first, I thought she was just imagining things (as many husbands might), and I think she sensed it. I was trying to rationalize it, to calculate the odds of that happening randomly. So every time she noticed it, she began to point it out.
Nine months later, I too was certain there was nothing random about it. Then, yesterday morning, I received the revelation; Ninth book, eleventh chapter.
Spirit-filled believers will appreciate this, as we are often perplexed by signs and wonders, and are diligent to find the revelation.
There is not an eleventh chapter in the ninth book of the New Testament. Yet there is an eleventh chapter in the ninth book of the Old Testament; 1 Samuel 11.
In this Chapter, Saul, the King of Israel is working in the fields when he receives news the Ammonites have agreed to spare besieged Jabesh Gilead, only if the nation of Israel will agree to have their right eyes gouged out.
“When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger.” — 1 Samuel 11, verse 6
Nahash the Ammonite was a clever leader. His demand was in part an effort to bring disgrace to Israel. It was also a strategic strike against the nation. The right eye was essential in battle. Without it, armies couldn’t properly aim and guide arrows to their targets.
Clearly, Saul was offended. This was a clear insult and insidious tactic. The Ammorite had set out to rob them of their honor and permanently remove their power to rise up and fight against injustice.
We too must take great offense when our power to defend our freedoms and rights fall under attack.
When we are chastised, vilified for speaking out against healthcare, or any other issue, our first amendment rights are under attack. So is it when courts and lawmakers attempt to limit or remove our rights to keep and bear arms.
The Constitution is our shield. We must be vigilant in our watch, and in our defenses. When we allow anyone to gouge out our right eye, we are losing more than partial sight. We’re losing our ability to defend our freedoms and rights.
Stand up for God and Country. Do it with respect for others, their views and their rights. Do it with a passionate, yet peaceful vigilance.
So, is there a reasonable case for peaceful secession? Is separation a reasonable means to an end, whereas that end is; the revival of freedom; a firm rejection of a tyrannical, corrupt and complex Federal system; a return to the founding principles and Constitution; and revival of the world’s most prosperous nation?
Does virtue in public service matter? I contend that it does. Freedom is a God-given right. What is of God, is good. Therefore, a country led by virtuous and moral men and women is the only way this nation will survive.
If we don’t have this conversation about secession, we don’t renew our understanding of freedom, nor do we understand how our republic will survive without adherence to the truth by the Word of God, nor law by virtue of the constitution. Both are intertwined, inseparable. At the risk of losing everything that is good, we must not avoid this conversation.
Be prepared for a fight. Simply opposing Washington on health care reform has stirred the ire of the elite political class. Americans exercising their freedom of speech and right to assemble, the most fundamental of American traditions, are being demonized. They are accused of false protest and berated as puppets of the political right.
THE OPPOSITION
Some will say secession is un-American. Some will say secession is illegal, treasonous. Some will argue that Louisiana couldn’t sustain itself as an independent nation. For most of us, as the president dubs us, “regular folk,” that part of our identity which is “American” is inseparable from the rest.
We are American’s patriots. We are committed to protecting a sacred right that many generations of Americans have worked for and died for to made this nation great.
Un-American is what has become of our government and their current views of freedom. Washington D.C. has toppled our Union of States in a coup and is systematically rebuilding a socialist system, removing power and freedoms from the people and the states.
Politicians and national leaders will balk, because secession strikes at the very foundation of their livelihood, their beliefs, that power does not rest in the people, but rather in government.
Some businesses and institutions, nicely nestled into Federal flocks are also likely to balk about leaving the comfort of their Federally feathered nests. Unions, insiders and benefactors will defend their lifeblood.
I challenge those of you who at first oppose secession; yield for just a moment. Look at what’s happening in Washington and try on secession for a few minutes. Really. It’s liberating.
Think through the idea of new Louisiana. If you had to adjust to an independent Republic of Louisiana, could you resolve to make changes, to make concessions in exchange for excessive and corrupt Federal infringements?
Such an exercise might serve well to reveal an alternate design, one likely to offer greater rewards for your business, your job, even provide for more control and liberties in your future. You might be surprised to find that not much would change.
A “tyrannical government” is un-American. Secession is not illegal or treasonous. It is wholly American, as the United States began with secession from the tyranny of the British Empire.
Louisiana has a rich trove of natural resources, including oil, gas and control of North America’s most important commercial waterway, the Mississippi River. Louisiana has a wealth of human capital as well, and would not suffer as an independent republic.
Read the Declaration of Independence again. Revisit the Constitution.
Take a close look at passed and proposed legislation in this Congress. You’ll find irresponsible spending, costly and expansive programs that threaten our freedoms. The current direction promises massive tax burdens for every American and future generations.
As the veil of deception falls away, more of us understand what’s actually happening in Washington. Our ranks are growing.
Yet, it won’t come without a fight from those in power.
The emerging political class, entrenched in their arrogance and greed, will defend their growing empire shamelessly. In fact, they already behave with belligerent arrogance. One only has to consider the Congressman Barbara Boxer’s dressing down of Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh.
Sen. Boxer Dresses Down General for Calling Her Ma’am
Inspired by power and wealth and perhaps even more important, by their royal status on an international stage, the elite political class has launched a massive, aggressive, and expansive federal administration, intent on grabbing power, wealth and freedom in a whirlwind of unconstitutional legislation.
Forget consent of the people, for a moment. Complexity and expedience in legislation has left most people baffled by a deceitful shell game. Add to that how members of Congress distance themselves from constituents, and we find what appears to be an unstoppable force in Washington.
I am so proud of America at the moment. Constituents have become wise to these methods. The following videos demonstrate the shock and bewilderment of Congressmen, when confronted with Americans that are wise to their game, even shocked that they dissent.
Kathleen Sebelius & Arlen Specter called out!
Failure to read the text of bills. Failure to respect the opinions of their constituents. These are tactics that constitute a full federal assault on freedom.
I’m not a political analyst, but I found that with a little research and analysis of past and current events, along with experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner, I can see clearly we have a lawless, reckless and renegade Federal government on the loose. Much of what they do is criminal, unethical and downright tyranny.
DEFINING THE PROBLEM
I find it unproductive to distract the conversation about secession by assigning blame and attacking any man or woman…not Democrat nor Republican, not this president nor that one. Focusing on the sins of our governors, simply distracts from the broader, underlying offenses and the damage done to the foundation of our nation.
It’s not that I don’t feel crimes should go unpunished. Nor will I refrain from providing examples to support an argument.
However, I don’t feel a need to get caught up in the details. They provide no benefit to the conversation, and the debate is more likely to move away from the fundamentals of the argument.
For instance, if we’re going to prosecute a liar, why fret with the lies, until we set forth a foundation that telling a lie represents corruption and that it does great harm to society. Then, if the system that prosecutes crimes refuses to recognize the lie or dismisses the lie despite the law, the lie is the least of the problem, isn’t it? So where do we begin? With the liar or the failing system? When the system accommodates lawlessness, then there is no recourse until the law and justice are restored.
We begin with the system, naturally.
It is my position that a league of tyrants have crafted a system that represents an assault on the very nature of the law, a lost public virtue and morality in public service.
The Founders warned of this day. They could not know of any one man or woman, or any political device that would offend us. Yet they clearly recognized and warned of a greater threat to the Republic; mankind itself.
Ultimately, it was the nature of man that most concerned the Founders. At the end of the Revolutionary War, Samuel Adams wrote:
“I thank God that I have lived to see my country independent and free. She may long enjoy her independence and freedom if she will. It depends on her virtue.”
John Adams also believed virtue and morality was the key to a successful republic;
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
THREE WAVES OF ATTACK
To destroy freedom, to sink the Constitution, to uproot history’s wealthiest and most powerful nation, would it not require a smart strategy?
A very well organized, quite ingenious strategic attack on American’s freedom is entering the final stages. I submit, these are those battles that define an assault on freedom: Undermine the economy. Undermine the Constitution. Transition freedom and power from the people into the hands of the new political class. Transition a sovereign United States to International Law.
These objectives are achieved through a strategy structured in three tiers or waves of attack. First are the skirmishes; the corruption and immorality of the political class. Next are attacks on the support system, infrastructure; the Constitution, laws and policy, the sources of our freedom and liberties. Finally, the death blow is delivered as tyrants surrender a helpless American nation unto an emerging international law and rule.
Conspiracy theory? Do the homework. Then, you make that call. In your study, if you look closely, there is plenty of evidence to support these arguments. Conspiracy theory or not, are you willing to write it off, at the risk of the consequences?
CORRUPTION – 1ST WAVE
The first wave of attacks arrive uniformed in corruption, and erupts in widespread skirmishes designed to daze and confuse the American public. Politicians line their pockets, and offend the public until we just surrender to the plunder and pillage, accepting it as the “nature of politics.”
In arrogance and lawlessness, they’ve redefined their position in government, promoting themselves to the political class, an elite status in society with an excessive and growing assumption of power, privilege and wealth.
Nothing says “elite political class” more than 8 new private jets!
“Congress Plans To Spend $550 Million On Private Jets” – 08/07/09
Politicians find little resistance in these battles. They cover for one another. Dismiss their crimes. And we have simply turned a blind eye to the offenses. We’ve surrendered in a sense of helplessness.
This corrupt political class has divorced themselves from the people, their consent, and have surely disposed of their roles as public servants.
In the process, they’ve achieved much. Transition of power from the people. Transition of wealth from the people. Disarmament, by removing or limiting the rights of people, and concealing the activities of government.
Further damaging freedom, partisan political machines have stripped power from the people by removing their consent. Politicians will contend the people provide consent through their vote. That might be true, but political parties control the candidates. Political machines determine the candidates and when elected, how they govern.
Once in office, subscribing to their elite political class status, they continue to set themselves above the laws they make and the programs they create.
Congressmen, left and right, are evading their tax responsibilities. Charlie Rangle’s tax evasion amounted to $75,000.00.
Oops. Chairman of House Ways and Means Committee Charles Rangle didn’t understand tax law, failed to pay $75,000 in taxes. Jay Leno weighs in on the issue.
Congressmen are profiting from insider stock trades, executed on insider information they have access to through congressional proceedings and other privileged relationships. Martha Stewart must be stewing!
Politicians, even President Obama himself, is engaged in blatant dismissal of oversight in government operations. Inspector General Gerald Walpin, the Inspector General at AmeriCorps was fired by President Obama while he was investigating one of the president’s friends and supporters, Mayor Kevin Johnson. The president fired Walpin without providing the 30-day notice or justification to congress, breaking a law he co-sponsored in while serving in Congress.
President Obama Fires Inspector General for “Doing My Job”
The Federal Reserve has absolutely no Congressional oversight and is involved in a bitter fight to keep it that way. Considering the failings and corruption surrounding other government organizations (Fannie Mae, Fannie Mac), there’s no telling what horrors are to be found behind the closed doors of the Federal Reserve.
Further separating politicians from oversight, the President has also sidestepped Constitutional checks by creating a cabinet of czar’s that operate outside of Congressional oversight and within the purview of the executive branch. In the case of GM, czars are ignoring the law and have undermined the free market, and violated individuals’ right to property.
The President’s Czars Violating the Constitution
These are visible testaments to a blossoming culture of corruption and Constitutional disregard. These assaults go on without contention, and often without any prosecution. One can’t help but wonder what lies beneath. If this is what we can see, what goes on shamelessly in plain sight, then what can we expect to find in the shadows?
Still, we do nothing. Where’s the outrage? Why do we stand by helplessly?
Consider, from the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson’s recognition of how people tend to tolerate abuses and corruption:
“…all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”
ASSAULT ON FREEDOM – 2nd Wave
In a second wave of attacks, a larger assault is designed to undermine our defenses, to further weaken our will and diminish our capacity to reclaim lost territory.
With a disregard of the Constitution, and a disregard of the basic rights of the people, freedoms are inevitably eroded to a degree where we find ourselves indefensible. The Constitution is the only weapon we have to defend freedom.
Cap-and-Trade legislation for example, is an affront on private property, state sovereignty and a noose around the neck of domestic energy production. It’s also a tax dressed up as a fix for global warming. Most disturbing, the bill has been propped up and justified by a lie, a deception by politicians supporting the bill.
EPA Suppresses EPA Scientist Carlin’s Report About the Global Warming Nonsense and Cap-and-Trade
If Cap-and-Trade is not about global warming, then what is it about?
Ultimately, whether intended or not, cap-and-trade will lead to; control over domestic production of energy and as a result control over pricing; a hostile government takeover of people’s homes; and an unjust burden on state and local governments with excessive regulatory duties.
Public health care legislation is nothing more than a sinister deception. While it promises health care for everyone, it’s nothing more than a smoke screen to a massive assault and takeover of the entire health care industry.
The plan will force the private insurance industry out of business, and lead to a government takeover of hospitals, from which the government would have control over all components of the health care industry, including the decisions we now make about our own health care.
Public Option is Single Player plan, disguised
There is also a full frontal attack on the free market. It started with Federal banking bailouts, or takeovers, establishing Federal control of the lifeblood of the free market, the banking industry.
The automobile industry was next to fall into Federal hands. Soon to follow will be health insurance, hospitals and ultimately health care.
[Refer to video, "The President's Czars Violating the Constitution" previously.]
The value of the dollar is crashing, arguably connected to Federal Reserve practices. We can’t be certain, since there is no transparency at the Federal Reserve.
Consider trends in the amount of U.S. currency in the marketplace and the value of the dollar. They trend in opposite directions, suggesting a direct cause and effect relationship.
Is the Federal Reserve printing money to cover the massive U.S. deficit and growing debt, further compounding problems with the dollar?
It’s difficult, aside from speculation, to know what the Federal Reserve is doing. There is absolutely no transparency or Congressional oversight. Many believe the Federal Reserve is printing too much money, often to buy our own treasury bonds, compounding the downward spiral of the dollar.
Add the housing market crash and subsequent recession to this equation, and one must wonder, could market problems be the result of government manipulation? After all, irresponsible lending policy and practices at Fannie and Freddie were encouraged, if not bullied, by Congress. Despite repeated warnings by the Bush administration, Alan Greenspan and others, ultimately lack of oversight, regulation and prudence, led to the housing crash.
Economic Demise, at the hands of Fannie and Freddie
Also, expect a gunfight on the Supreme Court, now that Judge Sonia Sotomayor has been approved by Congress to the Supreme Court. At some point there will be a showdown between the high court and the second amendment.
CNN’s Lou Dobbs: Sotomayor on the 2nd Amendment
Overlooked by the media, national security is a victim of an ailing U.S. economy and our massive debt problem. Consider that many politically influential nations own our debt. With current legislation and massive spending, more is expected and we hope our debtors will continue to buy our debt.
This situation weakens our position and our effectiveness in diplomatic efforts, as we to work to maintain favor with U.S. debt holders. For instance, handling national security threats such as North Korea using diplomacy, becomes more difficult for the U.S. where indirect pressure is necessary.
In the case of North Korea, the U.S. had hoped China would help squash North Korea’s nuclear program and outright defiance with its missile and nuclear tests. Could the U.S. persuade China to exert pressure with economic sanctions on North Korea? It seems U.S. diplomacy has had little influence over China (who owns the largest portion of our debt) and North Korea’s defiance still is menacing U.S. diplomatic efforts.
ONE WORLD ORDER – 3rd Wave
Entering into the territory of conspiracy theorists, we find the most insidious level, the third wave. It’s the surrender of the U.S. unto international rule and dominion. Before rejecting this, finish reading. Please. It’s not so far from reality, when you consider three things.
First, consider the turn from the constitution by lawmakers, in philosophy as well as in deed. Second, trans-nationalism or international law is being introduced into American rule of law, and takes an opposing position to the constitution. Third, America is more often operating under the influence of international authority, particularly in the proceedings of the G8 and United Nations.
Judge Sotomayor, soon to sit on the Supreme Court, and President Obama’s Senior State Department Lawyer Harold Koh, have embraced transnational jurisprudence, foreign rules of law introduced into that of American jurisprudence. If you do nothing else, watch this next video from the Center for Security Policy. If afterward, you’re not persuaded, not frightened, by the prospects of a new world order, nothing will persuade you.
Judging the Truth: Sotomayor & International Law
Such a transformation is most difficult to recognize by us “regular folk,” as it is subtle, mostly a matter of building a case on circumstantial evidence. It also requires following policy-makers around the world and watching the distant proceedings of international affairs.
Do a little homework on the International level. The EU, and others outside of the U.S. are calling for world governance, starting with international environmental governance. Global leaders are also are calling for one world currency. Energy, environment, commerce and stock exchanges have all gone global.
Even President Obama’s rhetoric overseas embraces one world order, sounding almost as if it were a campaign speech for President of the World.
President Obama’s Speech in Moscow
Consider the magnitude and speed of legislation passed in the past 6 months and those currently proposed; federal takeover of Fannie and Freddie, Economic Recovery Act (Stimulus), GM takeover, banking industry bailout, cap-and-trade and the health care plan. It’s only been 8 months.
The question begs; “Why, so much, so fast, and with such abandon and disregard? What is the motive? Is the elite political class so inept, clueless and hapless that they are just bumbling around in the dark trying to fix a faltering economy? Or, is there something much more ingenious, insidious happening?
Can we really be so far from one world order?
If legislation designed to submit the U.S. under an international body of government arrived in Congress today, could we stop it? Whether it’s happening or not, whether its conspiracy theory or not, that is the question that matters!
SOLUTION: RETURN TO SIMPLICITY
I do have keen ideas as to a solution, and it goes beyond the idea of simplicity. But I believe simplification is a good starting point. The process of government should not be so complicated. If in fact, the staffers of lawmakers are reading legislation and advising our Congressmen, is it beyond the reach of “regular folk?”
The Constitution is not complicated. You’ll find that lawmaking is a matter of creating rules and policy within the bounds of the Constitution and formed based on universal principles.
Watch law makers as they work in session. Listen to both sides of the mainstream media (Left and Right). Measure everything against the Constitution and you’ll recognize when laws exceed their authority. Use your instincts and intuition.
Sure, it may require a little work, but once you consider the basics of the Constitution, the fundamental principles of freedom, apply a standard of virtue and morality, you’ll soon peel away the deception presented by our politicians and bureaucrats.
A Constitutional Republic is not complicated. Government can and should be user-friendly and accessible by the people. Yet, if we cannot understand the basic premise of our laws and the process of our government, then how can we be sure our freedoms and liberties are secure? Simply by the complex nature of certain laws (1,100+ pages for Cap-and-Trade, 1,000+ pages for health care), suggests an unmanageable system.
How can we ensure lawmakers are working in our best interest, particularly when they shamelessly lie, steal, deceive us and legislate law without reading the legislation?
Such corruption is exhibited in plain view, and yet fellow congressmen refuse to even investigate or police themselves. Lawmakers continue to defy the constitution and operate without oversight.
How do we, the people, recover our rights, freedoms, and fight these crimes?
One answer: We divorce ourselves from the federal system. Secession is the right of sovereign states.
The economy may be improving now, and some lawmakers are showing some restraint and even prudence. However, within the next 24 months, our demise will be far worse than the past 12 months, particularly if Cap-and-Trade or if the current health care reform legislation is passed.
Secession may be the only peaceful option to escape tyranny, corruption, decades of debt and socialism.
For me, the time is now. I sense we are dangerously close to a point of no return. For many of you, the day is quickly approaching on which you’ll discover what I have discovered.
We, the people, are still a free people, not by the laws of man, but the laws of the Creator. Freedom and liberty are unalienable rights provided by God. It’s no mistake the United States has grown to be the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world.
If you were to ask our Founding Fathers, they’d tell you it was nothing short of divine providence.
It’s time to take back our country. To simplify. To remove the complexity. To dismiss a culture of corruption and usher in public virtue and morality. To oppose tyranny.
It’s time to raise up a new generation of statesmen to lead this great nation. We must recognize and encourage men and women of virtue to pick up the mantle of governance.
Louisiana secede from the U.S.? Crazy idea, isn’t it? I’m challenging readers to consider the idea of peaceful secession as a response to Washington’s irresponsible spending, hasty and complex legislation and reckless economic policy-making…in short — tyranny.
Secession does seem like a crazy idea. I felt that way when I first considered it. However, as a matter of reasoning, a product of problem solving, and after long and tedious analysis I’ve come to know peaceful secession as a reasonable solution to restore freedom.
I’m not the revolutionary kind, really…and I’m not calling for secession (at least not yet). I only petition your consideration, and encourage a reasonable discussion of the right to secession.
I recognize there may be alternate solutions to right a failing government. What’s important at the moment is the discussion; identifying problems, assessing consequences, defining our rights and formulating conclusions.
A REPUBLIC
The U.S. Constitution is a federal compact designed to support the common needs of a Union of States, not specifically to govern States and their people, especially regarding matters unrelated to the common needs of the union.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” — U.S. Constitution
Since ratification of the Constitution, the federal government has drifted from these purposes. Quietly it has diminished state sovereignty, extending its authority far beyond the bounds of the Constitution and the Founders intention. The Founders were concerned a common government would overstep its bounds, and in their writings, reinforced that power resided in the people.
Alexander Hamilton
“The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE. The streams of national power ought to flow immediately from that pure, original foundation of all legitimate authority.” — Federalist Papers, No. 22
James Madison
“The adversaries of the Constitution seemed to have lost sight of the PEOPLE altogether in their reasonings on the subject; and to have viewed these different establishments not only as mutual rivals and enemies, but as uncontrolled by any common superior in their efforts to usurp the authorities of each other. These gentlemen must here be reminded of their error. They must be told that the ULTIMATE AUTHORITY, whatever the derivative may be found, RESIDES IN THE PEOPLE ALONE. – Federalist Papers, no 46
The U.S. is not a democracy, a label often used in error. The United States was established as a republic, » a representative form of government, bound by the principles and rules of the U.S. Constitution. It is a union of States, where every state maintained itself as an independent and sovereign entity. The Founders were opposed to a democracy. James Madison contended;
“Democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths…
A republic, by which I mean a government in which a scheme of representation takes place, opens a different prospect and promises the cure for which we are seeking.” — Federalist Papers, No. 10
Once the Constitution was completed it was circulated among the 13 Colonies for review and ratification. Before ratification, the States set forth 10 amendments and called it the Bill of Rights.
Naturally, there was hesitation in subscribing to a higher authority. Specifically regarding rights and powers of the States, the 10th Amendment was to guard the sovereignty of States:
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” — U.S. Constitution, 10th Amendment
Today, victims of excessive legislation and taxation, States are merely pawns of the federal establishment. States are dependent on Federal programs and handouts, with little power to balk, even when administered with prejudice, stringent requirements and often administered as a reward for political servitude.
FOUNDATION
The Declaration of Independence is both the foundation and justification for separation from the British Crown.
At it’s foundation rests on the “Laws of Nature and Nature’s God:”
“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.
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.–That to secure these rights…”
Regarding the legitimacy of secession, I argue that if you believe in freedom, you cannot be against secession. While it may not be explicitly provided for in the Constitution, it is implicit.
Consider two points that reinforce this argument: the Declaration of Independence, and Consent of the People.
The U.S. was born in 1776 when it announced its secession from the British Crown and the Declaration of Independence as a remedy to a tyrannical government and ruling class. Would the Founders contradict the very principles from which it was born by forbidding secession? If the U.S. Government were to condemn secession for just cause, wouldn’t it reveal itself as a hypocrite?
The very lifeblood of the Federal Government, it’s power, it’s authority, is derived from consent of the people. Consent is at the very root of the Constitution. Then, by consent of the people, isn’t secession by a majority the right of the people?
Since the Civil war, many would argue secession is prohibited. Yet, no laws forbid it. If we consider the 13 Colonies dissolved their connections with the British Crown in 1776 by the Declaration of Independence, and if we look closely at the early concern for state sovereignty, we can conclude the right to separate is an inalienable right.
The Virginia assembly took very seriously their right to protect their own welfare and sovereignty in 1776 by its own Declaration of Rights:
“That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people…and that, when any government be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, A MAJORITY of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter or abolish it, in such a manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.”
Let’s pretend for a moment, we agree that secession is a reasonable option. Then we must next consider, “When is secession justified?”
JUSTIFICATION
When secession is a response to tyranny and a means for self preservation, I believe it is justifiable. Simply by means of the Declaration of Independence, this point is validated, wherein it specifies justification in broad terms, and then in further detail. Broadly, it clearly sets forth the justification:
“The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”
Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, goes on to define “tyranny” as further justification: He has refused in his Assent... »
THE AWAKENING
To many of us it’s not obvious what’s happening at the Federal level. Tumultuous, adversarial, partisan chaos is “business as usual” in Washington. It’s more than petty nonsense.
These are the sins of tyrants and however disturbing, they merely distract us from an even greater threat.
As you look closely you’ll find that something just doesn’t seem right about how Washington is doing business.
For a while, look past the daily demands of your jobs, families, bills, and other parts of everyday life. Study the recent and current legislation in Congress and you’re likely to find what I found; freedom in jeopardy.
These very issues still keep me up at night. Yet, I sleep much better, now that I understand the root cause of my distress. I sleep even better now that I’ve am engaged in finding a solution.
While I’ve been awakened, I’ve found others, like me, who’ve been awakened. These problems with our government, their severity and the consequence of inaction are nothing short of a surrender of our freedom and liberties.
Read this letter. It will inspire you as well. It was written to legislators in Washington. It is a bold reprimand by a mother and grandmother that’s set aside her life and dipped into her savings to address the offenses of a wayward government. It is what inspired me to engage to do the same.
In closing, she writes:
“We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming.”
I once thought a change of guard in Washington promised recourse to previous assaults on the Constitution and partisan grandstanding. But in reality I’ve found little recourse, amounting to nothing more partisan tug-of-war that’s raged on for years.
Among the wreckage we find collateral damage, such as: absurdly complicated legislation; a massive, convoluted and inefficient bureaucracy with no effective oversight; and a growing legacy of unconstitutional lawmaking.
Yet, these are mild consequences compared to what I see on the horizon. Programs and policies proposed by this government will have profound affects on American life for decades, our posterity.
Quietly folded into the fabric of current and recent legislation are; massive national debt, reckless spending and deficits, a culture of corruption, takeover of the free market, attacks on private property, attacks on state sovereignty, and emerging challenges to personal liberties, a weakening national security and emerging assaults on religion and the right to bear arms.
What if secession is the only way to protect ourselves from a tyrannical Federal machine? And what if the end game was to reunite the Union under a new Federal government, one that respected the Constitution, that was more user friendly to “we the people,” one that was less complicated and overbearing?
What if the only way to fix a broken Federal system is to reboot, and to rebuild it, on it’s original foundation?
What if secession meant “restoring freedom to America, one star at a time?
A REASONABLE CASE?
So, does a reasonable case for peaceful secession exist? Is separation a reasonable means an end: the revival of freedom; a firm rejection of a tyrannical, corrupt and convoluted Federal system; a return to the founding principles and Constitution; and revival of the world’s most prosperous nation?
We’ve looked at secession as a solution to an assault on freedom, a right reserved to the people and the States. In Part 2, we’ll examine the evidence of tyranny and we’ll consider the motives.
“…a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during a pleasure for a limited period, or during good behavior. It is essential to such a government that it be derived from the great body of society, not from an inconsiderable proportion or a favored class of it; otherwise a handful of tyrannical nobles, exercising their oppressions by delegation of their powers, might aspire to the rank of republicans and claim for their government the honorable title of republic.” — Federalist Papers, No. 39.
“…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. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. 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.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States…”
…to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.
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