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The American Crisis
The Crisis These, indeed, are the times that try men's souls. We, like Paine, are confronted with the increasing power, ruthlessness and tyranny of unlimited government. Government at all levels has extended its reach far beyond any authority granted to it, and there are but few who are not affected by it daily. Meaningful exercise of individual liberties is all but totally restricted, not now by a foreign king, but by a government of men who have presumed for themselves the same authority once sought by that old tyrant. Politicians and anonymous power brokers who know no restraint, nor loyalty, find a ready supply of accomplices among other base men eager to do their bidding. Driven by greed or self supposed importance, such men are willing, and think themselves able, to enact any measure whatever into law, without regard to constitutional restraint or care for the effect upon people's lives. These small men seek by these measures, 'to bind us in all cases whatsoever', just as the former tyrant and his minions thought to do. And because they attempt to exercise the same prerogatives with the same object and intent, we find that the same grievances listed against that first American tyrant in the Declaration of Independence, fit the modern tyranny exactly:
American government today distinguishes itself as having the same character as such a king. Obstructing the simplest justice and sending forth 'swarms of officers' whose sole function seems to be to harass us, eat out our substance, destroy our lives and liberties, and to search out new subjects for their 'king'. By international agreements public and secret, United Nations treaties and a host of other arrangements, we are indeed subjected to jurisdictions foreign and repugnant to our constitution. These are enforced by 'large bodies of armed troops', police and military, and laws, so called, which allow for us to be further deprived of property, trials by jury (or any trial at all), and which have already completely altered 'fundamentally the forms of our government'. Innocent, peaceable men are now subject to loss of life, liberty and property at the hands of the very government once established to protect these essentials of free men; and the 'officers' who commit these crimes are indeed protected from punishment by mock trials, in the form of political hearings, without fear of criminal prosecution. Openly, taxation is now imposed without limit or consent. But the more pervasive and hidden 'tax' upon our production, which results from a corrupted and debased currency, is far greater. Because our money only comes into existence in the form of a debt, the more productive we are, the further into 'debt' we go! And if we somehow stopped production and collected all currency in circulation we could never pay such previous 'debt' because the currency to cover the imagined interest has never been printed. The debt is imaginary but the production taken from us to pay it is real and enjoyed with relish by these government sponsored 'banksters'. By this method of profligate debt and usury unborn generations of our children are already enslaved, literally to be born into bonded servitude. 'And if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth'! The clearest of constitutional guarantees is ignored or perverted to meet a desired end. For example, we are told that the plain wording of the Second Amendment, "...the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed", has several interpretations, but it does not mean that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed! Meanwhile, "The Bureau of Internal Revenue of Puerto Rico, hereafter known as The Internal Revenue Service...", continues to collect 'taxes', without any jurisdiction to do so, within the fifty states; and the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of Puerto Rico..." prevents child abuse in Texas, by gassing and burning to death the alleged victims of the alleged abuse! The military has assisted in these crimes in clear violation of our laws, and again, the persons who have committed these abuses are protected from criminal prosecution. Some have even been rewarded for a job well done! While playing out sham displays of the most solemn interest in the public good, holding contrasting positions with great reason and deliberation (in the public eye), politicians of all parties, along with their media accomplices enjoy common membership in private elitist organizations with well defined political agendas. They deftly create and then manipulate 'both sides' in a grand Hegelian synthesis to meet their predetermined end. Regardless of party affiliation and deaf to promises spoken by their own lips, these men of so little honor all pursue the same object. Over a period of many years it has become apparent to even the most ardent believers in our institutions that through all attempts at restraint and redress and through the repeated face changing exercises of elections, 'there exists a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, a design to reduce the American people under absolute despotism'; in our case a much proclaimed 'New World Order'. Many well founded constitutional, jurisdictional and strictly legal arguments have been made against these abuses, but by now most thinking men realize the futility of arguing any point of law with the king who presumes to write the law! No matter how compelling the argument, and no matter what legal foundation upon which it is constructed, it can be altered, abolished or nullified by the next stroke of the pen, if he finds it disagreeable. American government exhibits the character of such a king in this instance also. But far more important than the overt changing of laws, most realize by now that in making any legal defense or petition for redress, we are compelled to present it before people who have limited knowledge of the constitution and law at best, or have utter disregard and contempt for it at worst. If this were not so, they would not now be enforcing such illegal and unconstitutional measures upon us! Cynicism is no longer a requirement for one to grasp the futility of efforts to stop government abuses by reference to the constitution, or to the law. As Paine observed in his pamphlet, Common Sense, "...government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one: for when we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer." This state of affairs is no longer tolerable. The Decision Point But if we acknowledge the abuses of our own government against us as being intolerable, and we also admit the futility of relying upon constitutional or legal authority for its control we find ourselves at a crucial decision point; and decide we must! For if we no longer admit hope of prevailing under the law, yet we remain convinced that our cause is just and right, then we must either submit, abandoning that just and right cause; or, we must establish that just and right cause against the will and power of an abusive government. Recognize clearly that this is the point of departure beyond which, if we proceed, we no longer seek to make government work; we in fact, seek to cast it off and start anew. And in pondering these things we must be mindful that the majority of our fellows either fail to recognize the ominous portent of our times, or when confronted with the knowledge, will find reason to support continuation of the current state of affairs. But most assuredly, as Paine observed, "The period is now arrived, in which either they or we must change our sentiments, or one or both must fall." Defining Our Sentiments Having then, arrived at so important a juncture fraught with such grave implications and consequences, we must settle clearly in our hearts and minds the exact nature of our sentiments. It will not do to proceed on the basis of our feelings of patriotism or right, this theory of government or that, no matter how heartfelt, no matter how long or dearly held. We must be clear as to what that just and right cause is, and what course we must follow. As Paine wrote, "He whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light." Such firmness of heart and clearness of mind and purpose are essential if we are to withstand the trials certain to lie along such a course. For our support, mountains of volumes of patriotism and right are available to us, to guide, animate and inspire us; I do not belittle their value. But when our world is shaken, it will be the single rock on which we place our feet that must support us. We must, therefore, choose our rock from the mountains of reasons, and stand upon it. We must know and understand our reason, be willing and able to act upon it without hesitation or uncertainty and be able to clearly communicate it to anyone at any time. Our Rock For Americans uniquely, and for all men, there can be but one foundation principle upon which to stand in these matters. I say for Americans uniquely because this principle was the single principle cited by the Founders of this nation as being the basis for all legitimate government. No other principle can withstand its rightness or power. This principle was most eloquently stated in 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 - 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..." This principle of Creator endowed unalienable rights, thus stated, must be the rock upon which we stand, just as it is the foundation upon which this nation was built. These words will sound familiar to most of us, but few grasp the meaning and truth expressed by them. To many of us this will sound like a lofty ideal with only vague meaning and little application to 'real life'. Quite the contrary case is the reality. The meaning is very specific and crystal clear, it is in fact 'self evident' to any willing to consider it. Its application is broad, powerful and fundamental to our lives. Consider these things carefully and understand them well. The Principle "We hold these truths to be self evident", that is, the things to follow need no legal interpretation or elaboration, being self evident to all thinking men. "That all men are created equal". Most modern attention has been paid to the 'equal' status of men (and usually for political gain), but the actual emphasis as used by the Founders was on the recognition of the created status of man; explicit recognition of a Creator. "That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights". This is recognition that the Creator grants rights to individual men; no other source of any right is acknowledged. Further, the rights so endowed are not alienable by other men, acting individually or as any organized body, without qualification. "That to secure these rights governments are instituted among men." Note carefully, the sole legitimate function of governments is to secure the pre-existing rights of the individual which were endowed by the Creator. No other function of government is mentioned and no rights are granted by government. "...[D]eriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." Legitimate government has no just authority other than that granted by the governed. Importantly, this 'consent' cannot mean only the consent of the majority as in a democracy, for then the 'unalienable' rights of all others could be subjugated to the will of the majority and would thus not be unalienable. Consent must be as individual as the rights themselves, otherwise they are not rights. So long as any individual does not attempt to materially deny such rights to others, government to which he has not consented can have no just claim upon him. "...[T]hat whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it,". Because all governmental authority originates in the people, the people have the right to reclaim that authority if government causes or allows interference with those rights which it is founded to protect. Government never has the power to abolish rights, but when it tries to do so, men have the right to abolish government. Again, this right exists with each created individual, not in the will of the 'majority'. I did not make this up, and neither did the Founders of this nation produce these principles from thin air! These are timeless principles and ideals, and they form the only foundation and authority of American government. We had better learn that well and we had better learn it quickly. The constitution itself is subordinate to these principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence. The constitution only sets forth the proposed mechanism for meeting the stated goal of securing and preserving the pre-existing unalienable rights of the people. Learn that clearly - all rights are granted by the Creator - there is no such thing as a 'constitutional right'; there are only 'constitutionally protected rights' endowed by the Creator and already belonging to the people! The Alternative Consider the alternative. Either our rights are granted by our Creator and are unalienable by other men; or they are granted by men and are therefore subject to amendment and recall by men&emdash;there are no other alternatives! And if men in any way define our rights, be it by the decree of an absolute monarch or by the referendum of a democracy, then there are no limitations on the power of one individual or group to enslave or oppress another! Under these conditions, the lynch mob, the highest expression of democracy, may form in the heat of passion and decide, by right of numbers alone, the definition of justice for that moment. The lynch mob or the tyrannical king in fact becomes the supreme standard of justice and right. Many will say that they do not believe in a Creator God. I beg them consider what dangerous ground that is to tread. As stated by radio commentator William Cooper, "Whether you believe in God or not, whether you believe in a Creator or not, you had better start...without a Creator, without Creator endowed unalienable rights, you are nothing, this nation is nothing, the Constitution is nothing, the Declaration of Independence is nothing, our forefathers were wackos, and this great nation and the freedom and liberties and opportunities that come with it will crumble around your feet. Because without a Creator and Creator endowed unalienable rights you are no better than the cockroach that lives under your sink. Without God you have no protection... without a Creator man is... on the same footing and the same basis as any other animal any insect any fish or any plant on this earth, and is subject to the laws of the jungle. And anyone who is strong enough or cunning enough to enslave man is entitled to do so under those circumstances. . For it was the statement that there is a Creator and that Creator has given man unalienable rights that set men free for the first time in the history of the world! For that is the cornerstone, that is the foundation upon which the Declaration of Independence - the Constitution - the Bill of Rights - and this nation rests, and without it, it will all crumble to nothing, all of it will crumble into dust beneath your feet and will become as nothing." (William Cooper, from 'The Hour of the Time' radio broadcast; author of the book, Behold, A Pale Horse). It is precisely the loss or abandonment of this valuable cornerstone which has caused the crumbling of our nation today. How We Lost It We might now ask, if our nation was founded on so simple and good a foundation, how is it that we have strayed so far? And it is important, not simply to answer that question, but to understand that there is an answer, that this has not simply 'happened' and that the cause is simple and knowable. For if we understand that it has resulted from a design of men, perhaps our anger directed at those responsible will motivate us to reestablish our foundations, where simple political motivations have failed. Consider for a moment, that this American government, which came into existence only to preserve Creator endowed rights, should enforce so zealously the exclusion of teaching of creation from the educational system and the exclusion of any Creator God from public life. I tell you it cannot! At the instant that American government denied the Creator, it ceased to have any authority to govern! But if effect betrays intent, consider the likely intent of this subtle action: Generations of free men have now been made to 'forget' their Creator and as a direct result have given up voluntarily, if unknowingly, those important Creator endowed rights. In doing so we have also given over the prosperity, power and wealth which result from their exercise to these slave masters (which was their object). Without a strong knowledge of our created status, we have been utterly confused and defenseless against these usurpations of Creator endowed rights. Indeed, for most of us the concept of Creator endowed unalienable rights, is little more than high sounding, hollow words; a familiar but vague and empty echo of something with long forgotten meaning. If you, as you read this, feel confusion or think this an abstract or religious ideal, it is probably due more to these manipulations than to your own thought out conclusions. Consider what you have lost, or rather, what has been stolen from you, by this simple omission from your education. This is, in fact, the reason for the effort over the years to remove prayer from school and the concept of a Creator God from the 'king's' educational system. It was this single concept which was the strength of our nation of free men, and if we were to be brought again into the bondage of 'arbitrary government' we had to be stripped of any meaningful concept of a Creator God. This principle is also simple: no Creator - no Creator endowed rights and the only rights we would recognize would be those granted by men. Thus, these base men, as kings are again free to govern by their own means without this important restraint. They know full well the power of this principle and do not want you to know it! At the same time, we have been taught, by the same educational system, that our form of government is a democracy, which it is not. Toward this end, we are constantly reminded that our most valuable right and solemn obligation is to participate, to vote; and most of us now believe it. We have come to think that those who do not vote have no right to complain about governmental abuses. Stated another way: If government takes away your rights it is because you did not 'participate' enough! So candidate after candidate, issue after issue, we 'participate'. We expend our energies, resources and time like rats in a maze, hoping that the next turn of the voting lever will provide the way out to rest and security. But it always leads only to another; and then another, until we no longer care and simply move along with the most comfortable group of fellow rats! The value of absolute unalienable rights quickly becomes apparent under these conditions, as does the difference between men and rats! Now, in reality under the American Republic, founded upon Creator endowed unalienable rights and strictly limited powers of government, the most solemn and significant right is the right of the people to not participate and yet to remain secure in their liberties and possessions. This is, in fact, the often mentioned and seldom understood difference between our Republic and a democracy. Under our Republic the rights of the individual are secure and of primary importance, requiring no participation on the part of the individual. The power of government is strictly limited. Under a democracy, all things are subject to the will of voters (and not necessarily the majority), there are no absolutes and whomever can best 'work the crowd' can most effectively govern. Yes, it has been by design, by degrees and by consent that we have surrendered our rights. We have been seduced into ceasing from the exercise of those rights voluntarily. Thus, our consent was obtained fraudulently by the calculated concealment of knowledge of those rights and of their source and value. A right that is not exercised and thus, has no effect, is as if it did not exist. Further, by the delusion of democracy, we have confirmed our consent each time we voted and have become conditioned to accept government's authority to commit the abuses and excesses we witness. And we submit to every measure and restrain ourselves from meaningful opposition being ever hopeful that we can effect change by our vote in the next election. By these means, 'the king' has reclaimed his throne. We must understand these things and convince ourselves again of the rightness and power of this principle of Creator endowed unalienable rights. How Do We Reclaim It? How then, do we dethrone these would be kings and reclaim our rights and nation? First, because the only just power that government wields is derived from the consent of the governed, and because the loss of right and all attendant abuses have been done by the authority of our consent, we must rescind our consent to be so governed. Next, the rights previously surrendered by consent must be reclaimed. Rights thus reclaimed, to have effect, must be exercised. These require action and risk on the part of the individual, but there is no more effective strategy. If it is 'dearness only that gives everything it's value', then we must decide what cost would be too dear to free ourselves and generations yet unborn from certain and absolute slavery? Withdrawing Consent Consent may and must be withdrawn on the basis that consent granted without full knowledge of the consequences or worse yet, consent obtained by deception, is not consent at all. In the main, this requires no immediate overt action on the part of the individual, but rather is the settling within one's own mind of his relationship to his Creator, his fellow men and to their government. It is, in fact, to exercise the most basic of rights; the right to not participate, and not to be bound by the actions of those who do. Realize clearly that the most important act of withdrawing one's consent to be so governed is to consciously set one's mind to do so. Many overt acts such as filings of legal documents, claims of jurisdictions and citizenship, etc., can be performed, having as their stated purpose the reclaiming of those rights and 'sovereignty'. But at the root, most of these are actually designed to give the individual some perceived security under the law; that is, they are designed to obtain the king's permission to be sovereign! This must not become a legal wrangling over which government agency or law has or does not have jurisdiction over us. Rather it must be the unqualified assertion that none have jurisdiction unless we grant it, and we do not grant it. All strictly legal arguments are moot and are to be avoided, for if we look again to the law for justification we are not seeking our right, we are seeking permission again from the king. No, the most effective strategy by far is to settle matters within one's own mind, and then to conduct ones self accordingly. Accustom yourself to thinking and acting on this basis, if the king objects let him come to you, and be prepared to withstand him for your part. Withdrawal of consent is to largely ignore 'popular' political debate as of no consequence, and certainly not to participate in it, never to vote, and not to be bound in any way by the outcome of any election. As such, this is a rethinking and repudiation of democracy and will likely be very difficult for some who have erroneously thought democracy to be the foundation of our liberties. But consider that in some of the most oppressive nations on this earth voting is mandatory! If it were not, no legitimate authority could be claimed by those governments, and without the hope, even if false hope, provided by their vote the people might rebel. How often have you felt that you had no real choice in an election and decided to vote for the 'lesser of the evils'. Consider that in doing this you have consented to be governed by an acknowledged evil! If you were playing a card game and discovered it to be rigged against you - it would not be sufficient to complain and continue to play the game - you must leave the table! We have been taught that majority rule is an American tradition, and that our electoral processes constitute majority rule. But in most elections the actual majority of the people do not vote. But instead of counting this as a rejection of all the ballot choices, we are told that it is voter apathy. But picture another American icon - the good sheriff who faces down the lynch mob bent on violence. The object lesson here is that the principle of 'right', and even a single man who recognizes it, must prevail against the will of the majority! This is our true heritage. Neither is withdrawal in this manner lawlessness, as many will claim; when one claims his Creator endowed rights he also submits to his Creator's law for all men, what the Founders called Natural Law; "Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, etc.". They that do these things harm no one. As stated by James Madison in 1788, "We have staked the future... upon the capacity of each and all of us, to govern ourselves, to sustain ourselves, according to the Ten Commandments of God". In claiming the rights endowed by the Creator we also assume the responsibility of conducting ourselves according to His laws, including that of sustaining ourselves materially according to his laws. These are not matters to be trifled with, as any who try will soon learn. Reclaiming Lost Rights Reclaiming those lost rights requires more overt action on the part of the individual. As mentioned previously, these rights were surrendered when we voluntarily ceased to exercise them. For example, our right to be free from taxation to which we have not consented is surrendered at the time we pay the tax! We may protest all we want, but if we pay it we have consented to it and surrendered that right! In order for a right to be reclaimed, it must be exercised. Also as mentioned earlier, there is power and prosperity associated with these rights; the benefit is ours when we exercise them, it is our oppressor's when we do not. Now many will murmur about how this sounds good and is very idealistic and all that, but that I should just try making that argument in front of a judge. But that is exactly the point! Exercise of a Creator endowed, unalienable right requires no prior permission from any officer of any man's government. When we exercise that which is clearly granted by our Creator and protected by our constitution, we are only within our right and cannot cause harm to any of our fellows. If they, and their agents in government, leave us unmolested in these things, which is our desire, then by our actions we establish again that right for ourselves and become the medium through which it is transmitted to our children and all others who will receive it. If, however, they seek to deprive us of that right and 'bind us to their will', it is they who act presumptuously and outside of law, both man's and God's. Do I then expect that those who follow this course will remain unmolested in free exercise of these rights? Unfortunately not. I expect that the modern tyranny which has so craftily enslaved our nation will no more easily release us than the Egyptian Pharaoh was willing to release the enslaved Israelites or the King of England was willing to release the American colonists; and for the same reasons. We are their wealth, we are their merchandise and we are their power. Without us as willing slaves and possessions they are nothing! No, they may tolerate many things and even make certain concessions when necessary to placate those who would oppose them, but they will not, cannot, allow any to survive outside their grasp. They see it as altogether necessary to crush any that attempt such activity, and in the cruelest manner as a warning to others with similar ideas. They are in fact already doing this. Consider two recent examples to convince yourselves that this is true. Most are familiar with the case of Randy Weaver. His only crime was that he withdrew his consent and moved his family to a remote area and became entirely self-sufficient. He had harmed no one; he had threatened to harm no one. He was then besieged by hundreds of officers, military and police, armored vehicles and snipers! His wife and 14 year old only son were murdered. And though he himself survived, his life had been destroyed. A jury subsequently found him innocent of all charges. Of those who murdered his wife and son and so violently assaulted and terrorized him, not one was called to answer for it, several were promoted in their agencies! And the now famous Waco incident in which nearly 100 people, including at least 17 small children, died the most unspeakable deaths after 51 days of public torture on live television, as the media and government 'worked the crowd'. Their only crimes were that they had sustained themselves, recognized their Creator and exercised basic rights. Not one person has been charged in their deaths. Several were promoted. The message was clear. And note how effectively 'the crowd was worked' as indicated by the public reaction to these events. Most look to the media for their daily opinion, not being able to form their own. They were told that these people only got what they deserved. None will now speak the name Randy Weaver without first saying 'White Supremacist', though he never sought supremacy over anyone and was instead the victim of an act of violent governmental supremacy. And some even cheered when the building at Waco burned with the children inside. In a nation of some hundreds of millions, not enough reasoning minds could be found willing to act and stop the murder of those innocent men, women and children! I have often said that if my neighbors were told that the law required them to slash my wrist and drain my life onto the ground, most would be at my door, razor in hand; a few might remain at home; I would be surprised if a single one arrived to question the authority of the law and to defend me. Now I know this to be true. These things and worse will befall some who oppose the king and exercise their rights to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, without permission! Those who look for popular support are destined to be sorely disappointed. How Can We Prevail? With little or no expectation of remaining unmolested, and no real hope of wide popular support, what hope have we of prevailing in these matters? What hope indeed? Are we to take this course with the expectation of failure? Certainly not! If we still have a lack of confidence and resolve, it is because we have not yet actually committed ourselves to this principle of Creator endowed unalienable rights. No, in our minds, maybe even secretly, we still want to rely on the political process or hope for some crafty legal arguments, or the ultimate force of our own arms to prevail - none of these can inspire confidence. But when we have attained good understanding of these things, and have actually committed ourselves to standing on this principle of Creator endowed unalienable rights, we must understand that our true strength in defense of these rights must come from the source of these rights - our Creator. We must be willing to stand as firmly as humanly possible, but we must appeal to our Creator for the rightness of our stand, our defense and success in our endeavor; and we must fully expect to prevail on that basis! Nor would we be the first to take such a position. As stated in a Massachusetts proclamation for a day of prayer, humiliation and fasting, issued by the Provincial Congress and signed by John Hancock just four days before the fateful battles of Lexington and Concord, "In Circumstances dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that, whilst every prudent Measure should be taken to ward off the impending Judgments, or prepare to act a proper Part under them when they come; at the same Time, all Confidence must be with-held from the Means we use; and reposed only on that GOD who rules in the Affairs of Heaven, and without whose blessing the best human counsels are but foolishness - and all created Power Vanity;" We too must prepare ourselves, mentally, spiritually and materially for the calamity which appears unavoidable. If it come, we must be willing and prepared to play a proper part; but all confidence for our success must be placed only with our Creator, the grantor and guarantor of those precious rights which are the subject of this conflict. For those who do not yet know their Creator and may doubt the effectiveness of such an appeal, consider again the historical example of such an appeal to the Creator God for preservation of life and right at the formation of our own nation. In making our own Declaration of Independence, our forefathers included these words:
Now consider that under the law of England which claimed jurisdiction over these men at the time, this was an illegal act! In fact, those who supported this declaration were from that point on under a death sentence from the crown of England and would have been hanged for treason if captured! But we know from what is now history that their appeal to the 'Supreme Judge of the World' and their 'firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence' were not misplaced for the early history of our nation records the success of their efforts, and the self-evident response to their appeal. The peace and prosperity that we enjoy to this day are the result of that appeal made by those men so long ago. Now take note of the confidence these men had in the effectiveness of that appeal. When the Declaration was signed, William Ellery of Rhode Island stood where he could watch each man affix his signature. "I was determined", he wrote, "to see how they all looked as they signed what might be their death warrant. I eyed each closely. Undaunted resolution was displayed on every countenance". These men displayed 'undaunted resolution', not because they were more courageous than any man today, or because they were better armed or prepared or more widely supported by their countrymen - they were not. Rather, it was because they understood the rightness of their position, and they knew their Creator. Their confidence resulted from their appeal to the Supreme Judge of the World and their firm reliance on the Protection of divine Providence. Paine observed, "God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method which wisdom could invent. Neither have I so much of the infidel in me, as to suppose that He has relinquished the government of the world, and given us up to the care of devils; ...if we believe the power of hell to be limited, we must likewise believe that their agents are under some providential control." Events proved his observation to be correct. For a related example let us go to the period from 1296 to 1307 AD. During this time lived one of the greatest figures in Scottish history, and some say in all history: Sir William Wallace. He led a rebellion against the king of England which was ultimately successful after, and partly as a result of, his own death. He has been described as "one of the most complete heroes that ever filled the page of history" (Jane Porter, The Scottish Chiefs, 1809). In the currently popular film, Braveheart (1995), a fictionalized account of his life, William Wallace is depicted as reproving the Nobles and princes of Scotland for seeking terms of peace and title to lands from the King of England by saying, "You've traded your God given rights for something less." While the scene depicted may not be actually historical, it does factually express the sentiment which drove Wallace and his countrymen. His battle cry was 'God arms the patriot' (Porter), and the basis claimed by the Scots for their freedom was that of Creator endowed rights. Not merely coincidentally, in the true account of the life of Sir William Wallace, as is accurately depicted in the film, when captured by the king and charged with treason, his only defense was the very same one of consent. He claimed that he could not be guilty of treason against the king, because he had never sworn allegiance to the king. It Must Be Axiomatic If this idea is at all abstract to you, you must remove the cause of the abstraction. This must be an understood axiom as in mathematics, and not simply a thing to be 'believed in', as a religious teaching. It is real and reliable and must become our guiding beacon, not a distant point of reference. To accomplish this will require on the one hand the making up of an educational deficiency, on the other the making of peace with that Creator, and on His terms. The first will require dedicated individual effort, much thought and probably the rethinking of many things you thought you knew. The second will probably seem more awkward to those who had not previously acknowledged their Creator God, and for many that have. But set your heart and mind with a humility and sincerity suitable for approach to the actual Creator God and seek His guidance and support. You have the assurance that if you seek you will find Him. Expect His response and be willing to act on it. Which God? Importantly, we must address the question: Which God or Creator? As a simple matter of respect even among men, we do not refer to others as 'old what's his name'. And none with pride in his accomplishments and position will long tolerate having his work attributed to others. If we attribute our Founder's success in any measure to the support of that God to whom they appealed, then we should seek out that God. Make no mistake, however incorrect it may be today to refer to any but a generic 'deity' so as not to offend men, the Founders of this nation appealed to only one, the God of the Christian Bible. If this offends your religious beliefs, consider the demonstrated power of this God to your own. I make no religious argument but let the facts of history alone support this claim. Throughout history, no appeal by any people to any other god for deliverance from oppression and for institution of justice, has been answered with any demonstration of power and effect other than by this God. Not only at the beginnings of our own nation, but throughout history, this God has demonstrated both power and interest in the affairs of men's governance. The condition of peoples and nations in the world at any given time demonstrate this fact for those willing to learn. Where does one begin to find knowledge of their Creator? Most would think to look into religion, but, as stated above, this is not a religious argument, and this God is not a mere religious ideal. Modern religion has been as much responsible for the general disillusionment with any concept of a powerful, present Creator God, as has been the educational system. Most organized religions have tailored their teachings to the dictates of government and political correctness so much so that they are nothing more than the religious agents of the king, teaching the doctrines of the official generic, 'neutered' god! No, the Creator God is more to be found recorded in the history of the matters with which we now have to do. Look to the history of nations and peoples. As a starting point I suggest that you look to the writings of the men who participated in the founding of this nation, it seems that they knew the Creator far better than modern religionists. Convince yourself that they appealed to the God of the Christian Bible and then read that Bible. Forget what men have told you is in the Bible and read it, beginning to end. It is a big book and time is short, so you had better get started. In it are many things that you will find difficult of understanding at the first, read these but do not become over concerned with them. Instead, follow the continuity of history, peoples and nations. You will find that it deals with matters of justice, the government of men, and the relationship of the Creator to those men and nations, to the near exclusion of what we would call religion! You will find the source of your right, every principle of good government, and the knowledge that so emboldened our fathers. There is no intent to offend in this matter; neither is any apology given. The important point is this, that there is but one Creator God who can and does reveal himself in the affairs of men, and appeal to any other is ineffectual. Social and religion based prejudices and 'proper politeness' which we have also learned in the king's schools and churches only prevent us from acknowledging that Creator and making effectual appeal to Him for our right. If we cannot or will not name the Creator to whom we appeal, how can we have confidence of His support. As To Arms Finally, any discussion of opposition to governmental tyranny must necessarily include intelligent reference to arms. Arms, on the one hand, are the ultimate force employed by government for purposes of suppressing its opposition. On the other hand, defense of one's person, family and property is among the rights granted by our Creator and it is a Biblical principle that "A strong man armed keepeth his house, and his goods are in peace." As to the matter of arms we must think very clearly. The current efforts by the government to restrict our clear constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms, as already mentioned, is at the very heart of the reasons that we choose the course we do. Let there be no mistaking the purposes of a government which fears arms in the hands of the populace. The methods of all tyrants being similar, we again find Paine's words very helpful. "There are persons, too, who see not the full extent of the evil which threatens them; they solace themselves with hopes that the enemy, if he succeed, will be merciful. It is the madness of folly, to expect mercy from they who have refused to do justice; and even mercy, where conquest is the object, is only a trick of war; the cunning of the fox is as murderous as the violence of the wolf, and we ought to guard equally against both. [The king's] first objective is, partly by threats and partly by promises, to terrify or seduce the people to deliver up their arms and receive mercy." All can see the efforts to terrorize and seduce us for the same cause today. But we will see worse, as did those first Americans: "In a folio general-order book belonging to Col. Rhal's battalion, taken at Trenton... the following barbarous order is frequently repeated, 'His excellency the Commander-in-Chief orders, that all inhabitants who shall be found with arms, not having an officer with them, shall be immediately taken and hung-up'." It will come to seem a great liability to possess arms, and even now is, but if you have them, you must never surrender or dispose of them. If their simple possession is so worrisome to our adversaries then their value, yet unused, is evident. But if conflict comes, or severe social calamity, the value to their owners will be inestimable. And remember, this is a Creator endowed right, recognized and protected by our constitution, which must be exercised. If we so easily surrender this one, we must then surrender all. Do I then advocate armed actions to accomplish our cause? Certainly not. As William Cooper has repeated, and I firmly believe, "Whoever fires the first shot will lose this war." A Biblical principle familiar to most is, "Whosoever shall live by the sword shall die by the sword." There are two swords mentioned, the first in the hand of the aggressor, the second in the hand of the defender. We must hold the second sword should conflict arise. Again, Paine clearly defines the good and right course in these matters, "Not all the treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive war, for I think it murder; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to bind me in all cases whatsoever to his absolute will, am I to suffer it? What signifies it to me, whether he who does it is a king or a common man; my countryman or not my countryman; whether it be done by an individual villain, or an army of them? If we shall reason to the root of things we shall find no difference; neither can just cause be assigned why we should punish in the one case and pardon in the other." Arms are an essential tool, necessary to the defense of ones security in peace or war and should be used as required in that capacity. Conclusion Most men agree that our nation is in great peril. Many who consider themselves 'patriots' have undertaken efforts to prepare and defend themselves, their families and country on what basis and by what means each feels most appropriate. But there is no agreement on what means are best and no clear unifying principle underlying that patriotism. There is in fact a general sense of hopelessness in this cause. My purpose in writing of these things at such length has been to present this concept of Creator endowed unalienable rights to good men who have not previously considered these things. In presenting it at such length, though not nearly in a complete treatment, I hope to have caused some to consider that this is not a silly, vague idealistic or religious argument with little real value; it is instead, a good and right and clear principle, and the only basis on which we can hope to prevail! This is the foundation of our nation and, as such, must be the foundation principle adopted by all that would call themselves 'patriot'. All agree that the unjust taking of individual rights by government is the cause and primary effect of the present crisis. But most of us can see only political or legal means of opposing such tyranny, neither of which have produced meaningful results. We must come to realize that these represent a false hope for us, work only for the advancement of the present tyranny and keep us removed from reliance upon the source of those rights, our Creator. These also constitute participation and therefore, consent to be governed by the present tyranny. We must withdraw that consent. We must reclaim and exercise those rights which have so craftily and subtly been taken from us, or there is no point to our stand. Free exercise of those rights generates great power and prosperity for the individual, removing that same power and wealth from our oppressors. No more effective strategy exists for our cause. For all that do these things there is great risk; for some there will be great consequences; but for all, and for generations to come, there will be great good accomplished. We must each know our risk and consider it lost as the price of admission to this contest. We must be clear of mind as to our reasons and purposes and be resolved to stay the course or not embark upon it at all. We must sever all allegiances and settle all debts for these are the chains of our slavery, and truly, no man can serve two masters. Foremost, we must be at peace with our Creator God at all times, and all our confidence must be upon Him for our success; not each other, not our arms, not our own craftiness - and we must never compromise that position. Finally, just as those men who opposed the first American tyranny did, may all who understand these things stand united in appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our intentions; and, with a firm reliance on the real and present Protection of divine Providence, mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. 'Let them call me rebel, and welcome, I feel no concern from it. But I would suffer the misery of devils, were I to make a whore of my soul by swearing allegiance to a government whose character is that of the deceitful, greedy, abusive and murderous men within it. I would also find horrid the thought of living in a peace purchased at the cost of agreement or compromise with such men, who at the last day shall be shrieking to the rocks and mountains to cover them, and fleeing in terror from the orphan, the widow, and the slain of America.' (Paine, paraphrased).
[Note: This is the version of Holy Scripture which the Pilgrims carried with them and which motivated them to flee to the wilderness from the 'worldly governors'. This understanding eventually led to the 'armour' of the principle of Creator Endowed Unalienable Rights. – Author] |
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