ambientsummer's weblog
I realize the Campaign For Liberty's efforts have been slow to progress in our great state. Know that this is not the only movement happening around town. Visit www.coloradofreedom.net for events, blogs/feeds, government resources and more. Finally, a central location for Colorado's liberty groups for better coordinated effort!
Poll: Will you use ColoradoFreedom.net in the future?
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Categories: , Campaign For Liberty, Education, Finance, Media, Civil Liberties, Law, Presidential Race, Health Freedom, Election News, Republican Party, Grassroots News, Action Item, Commodities, US Constitution, Ethics, Executive Power, Just For Fun, Current Events, Philosophy, Revolution, Miscellany, Social Issues, State Legislation, Voting, Economy, Congress
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Showing comments 1—2 of 2
Posted 04/30/09
cat052
Burlington, CO | Thanks for the link to coloradofreedom.net a really great site!! |
Posted 05/19/09
DLearn
Lafayette, CO | I had no idea this existed. I have my own group and other resources. How do we get listed? |
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At moments I'm skeptical and at others I'm optimistic. I guess it doesn't matter really at this point.
I've been doing a great deal of self-education of late. Since about mid-september I've read The Mystery of Banking, Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, Letter From Birmingham Prison, and almost finished with The Case Against the Fed. Just purchased Good Money, Courts and Congress, and The Road to Monticello. Also been reading James Madisons Notes on the Constitutional Convention. Plan on reading Carl Mengers Principles of Economics next, then move on to Ludwig Von Mises' Human Action.
I'm encouraged by the philosophy's I've come across so far. Mostly that freedom isn't granted through the works of legislatures or magistrates. For instance, what if tomorrow congress officially declared Article VI of the constitution concerning its legal status as obsolete, and chose to repeal it (and it was ratified by the States). Making all the rights and restrictions mentioned worthless. Would them doing so make you a slave? What would you call yourself then? The oppressed? North Americans of the former United States of America? Unfree? The Founders framed the Bill of Rights so that future officials of this republic would have it spelled out clearly for them that they shall not challenge the unalienable rights of its citizens. It was not and still is not a legal "sanction" or sanctuary of our rights. Our rights are derived from us. Freedom stems from an individual choice, you are free because you choose to be free. I am free because I believe it is my natural right, as is yours. I often wonder if there exists a threshold for freedom vs serfdom. At what point in the collapse of our constitution are we unfree? Is it with the elimination of the Bill of Rights? Or the constitution all together? Its subjective. I think we need to define freedom and tyranny for ourselves, I think when violations against the most basic of human rights are infringed upon is when freedom struggles to hold its definition. A situation we've fallen victim to for sometime now.
I would highly encourage you to read Etienne De La Boeite's "The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude" Though written in the 16th century you'll find it highly relevant to todays predicament. He talks about why and how a society full of thousands if not millions of individuals could embrace their oppression from one or a handful of persons, when they could easily be overcome through the population of the society. So what keeps them subservient? Read it :) I loved his solution though. A society need not flatter its oppressor with needless judicial or legislative proposals for protections. It is not in the character of a tyrant to heed requests from the masses. Instead all that is needed is to withdraw consent. For the tyrant has
"nothing more than the power that you confer upon him to destroy you. Where has he acquired enough eyes to spy upon you, if you do not provide them yourselves? How can he have so many arms to beat you with, if he does not borrow them from you? The feet that trample down your cities, where does he get them if they are not your own? How does he have any power over you except through you? How would he dare assail you if he had no cooperation from you?
Revolution in arms is unnecessary (of course until or unless the tyrant retaliates to try and suppress the movement through fear) because freedom is won "merely by willing to be free"
"Resolve to serve no more, and you are at once freed. I do not ask that you place hands upon the tyrant to topple him over, but simply that you support him no longer; then you will behold him, like a great Colossus whose pedestal has been pulled away, fall of his own weight and break in pieces."
The 10th Amendment 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." First try to empower the local governments, particularly the States to claim their Sovereignty as Oklahoma did recently (HR 1089). If the Federal Government resists or ignores the States' demands (or the States refuse to participate) then we shall use the power reserved to us under the 10th amendment and write our own Declaration of Independence and state our sovereignty and the crimes against the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and abolish them by declaring we no longer empower them or acknowledge them as the powerful entity they see themselves as. It was on July 4, 1776 that our beloved and brave Founders put these proposals into action, and if we have to do it again, then so be it.
"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, 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."
Declaration of Independence
Categories: , Campaign For Liberty, Foreign Policy, Education, Globalism, Civil Liberties, Law, Domestic Policy, Health Freedom, Action Item, US Constitution, Ethics, Executive Power, History, Philosophy, Revolution, Social Issues, Socialism, State Legislation, Voting, War/Military, World Affairs, Economy, Congress
Tags: action, Ron Paul, Constitution, Jefferson, revolution, Declaration of Independence, founders, ideas, madison
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Original Question Posted by hrdman2luvThe following is a response from member nayjevin. Note this is not to create tension but to initiate constructive analysis and debate amongst members. I would encourage all to do the same. Actually I'd like to see CFL let one post multiple responses to the same questions to debate issues. Not to discourage anything you are doing which is effective, but generally speaking, phase one of any organization like this is to move toward 100% participation of those who are ALREADY geared toward the ideals of the group. Signing up people who have already given up on the 2 party system to the site and getting them involved is first. Phase 2 is converting those who don't yet see. There is some truth to the idea that trying to convert someone is wasted time that could be spent identifying existing like minds. However, I encourage efforts to produce and circulate materials that that will help folks convert themselves.My rebuttal:I agree with your case. In fact I also identify that we both speak of the same goal; to which only the mediums differentiate. That is of course gaining the attention of frustrated Americans and liberating minds stuck in reverie; of those who believe we still live in the same country as the founders left us not long after their demise. We have to be much wiser in realizing that this campaign is unlike traditional ones and this organization is merely a structure and this website is the forum for like-minded folks with a single devoted ambition to the greatest cause our nation boasts of since conception. Freedom. I cite my own 'conversion' to this cause as an example to my initial case. I didn't have a person approach me about Ron Paul or preach to me about the laws of the land etc etc. Instead, I was through with the two party system and government corruption. I began my own personal quest for truth and with that learned much on my own and became a more active member of this movement. There are plenty out there you can ask if they support abortion, or if they support the bailout, or if they support alternative fuels or going green. Plenty will say “yeah” and many will say “no” the important concept to grasp here is that they have only an opinion. They may support the cause but most of them aren't about to join an established organization dedicated to the aforementioned effort(s). Instead they sit idle; excusing inaction with statements like “America's not ready for that” or “tomorrow, next week, next year I will”:
“Such an attitude stems from a tragic misconception of time, from the strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills. Actually time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively. More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. Human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right. Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy and transform our pending national elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood.”
or worse, taking partial interest in the argument given in a pamphlet and becoming stagnant in the organizations efforts:
“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.”
By conversion through traditional means yields this lukewarm support for the cause. The person whom the poster, or other material is handed either reads it and does nothing (becoming an individual contributing to the opinionated party of inaction) or disregards the information completely. Our arguments both seek to liberate minds and excite action in the group. I look at organizations I've been approached by and I know often times I brush off everything they have to say before they even open their mouths. A defect of my own yes, but also I know many to share this behavior from the mistrust society adopts in this age. I signed up only last night, prior to this I was still educating myself and others when the opportunity arose. This is why our cause cannot be approached in traditional organization methods. Signing people up doesn't necessarily mean their cooperation and nor does it mean they will be avid participants. I know you mentioned this as part of the phases, in getting 100% cooperation. I believe cooperation and participation will come with example through action. Discussions of proven methods (or refutes) in the forums regarding solutions and questions to city reform legislation will incite curiosity and encouragement through example that democracy and individual action still works.
Quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Categories: , Campaign For Liberty, Education, Finance, Media, Globalism, Civil Liberties, Law, Domestic Policy, Presidential Race, 3rd Parties, Election News, Democratic Party, Grassroots News, Action Item, US Constitution, Executive Power, Federal Legislation, History, Just For Fun, Current Events, Philosophy, Revolution, Miscellany, Social Issues, Socialism, State Legislation, Voting, World Affairs, Economy, Monetary Policy
Tags: action, Ron Paul, Law, response, Organization, Founding Fathers, debate, Message, justice, spread, rebuttal
Showing comments 1—2 of 2
Posted 10/14/08
judyh0603
Russellville, KY | It's too big a project right now, at this time, but we can start this movement to take our country back by getting a sane person in office for 4 years and NEVER let this happen again---being 'given' our choices of candidates is not constitutional.
I have a Mccain sign in my yard--yet, it's a message I don't support Obama, not a message that I do support Mccain.
How absolutely sad to participate in such deceit.
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Here's what I was thinking. Right now I think alot of people in the CFL are newly born Americans if you know what I mean. People who are starting to wake up or have been awake for about a year. It takes awhile to learn and understand the background of our nation, its laws, and to really dig deep into Economics, warfare etc. to really hit home to other 'zombies' out there about the truths behind these 'issues'. I propose (and I know many on the CFL are very educated and I'd encourage you to share your knowledge as I will mine) that focusing on educating ones self thoroughly. The reason being is to portray yourself as a credible source. You see people today turn on the propaganda machine (TV) and get their daily 'disinformation' dose of biased economics, and ignore any accusations against the gov. particularly; the executive. The media uses "science" and quotes or hosts so called experts to convince their audience that they are credible, when clearly they aren't (as we've all come to these conclusions). By being persons of 'science' and experts in these same practices as their sources we can show and cite contradictions. Therefore leaving questions. You see thats the point of recruitment. Not to go handing out fliers and parading. Instead to debate and have a great enough understanding of the underlying sciences at discussion to leave no room for rebuttal and only space for questions. If you get them to question their sources and their arguments, then they like most of us will research on their own. In order to convince people who have fallen habit to compliance with media officials and government officials, they have to make up their own mind and in doing so once they read the real 'hard' sources they will draw the same conclusions as we and will fight even harder than if they were in a regular campaign to spread the message. We cannot approach this as every other organization does with flyer's, and posters, and cards, and hats, and protests, and little 'activities' that only leaves room for media to tear it apart and to use their lingo like 'activists, liberals, lefts, rights, centers blah blah blah' all the stuff that modern politics and the masses follow. Once they tag you with a name. Then their followers will immediately draw assumptions about the organization based on that tag to which has been referenced to truly 'radical' groups over the years. We we'll be 'crazies' and the weirdos out on the corner, only to discredit ourselves. The revolution much be won by the individual conversations we engage in on a daily basis, BUT only when we are confident in our topic at discussion. We must remain credible and wise. Like I said not as modern organizations get their 'word' out. Also, not as crazy religious fanatics do it to (as some of them often do in conversations). Be creative. Right now its easy! The topics spring up everywhere. The economy, the legislation thats unconstitutional, hypocrisy. Study the American Revolution and see how our ancestors began. We don't need to change the entire country's mind to change the country. Even a handful of bright, determined and wise individuals could be successful.
I think the BEST way to open peoples eyes is in your community. Start with your town/city. We have to think how do you beat the government at their own game of control? What is their biggest weapons? How do you go about confiscating those weapons? I don't mean arms or things like that, they obviously have them by the tons. They bend media and twist news to make it seem like they are the good guys. They feed partial information along with truth, and leave out the part that involves them. What is their weapon of control then? Media propaganda, and MONEY! Control the dollar, control prices, keep the people in a state of constant panic they will be willing to believe and follow anything (Orwell was right). We too can use that panic, we too can use that propaganda against them. Go to you're town hall or community meetings and sit in on a few or many sessions (some even have web casts). Learn about the individuals on the city council, the mayor, manager, etc. know your stuff too! Most important point here! Then, attend a public meeting and request before hand to testify. Ask to propose legislation against reform of monetary system, or against new FISA act or the many countless unconstitutional 'laws' enacted under this current and some past administrations. Cite the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. Do this on the state level as well. The point here; power is only attained when granted by the person to which the potential power holder is trying to pursued. Therefore, power can be taken away by denying submission and/or empowering someone else with it. Convince the council, mayor etc. and empower them to act. Plenty of City's and towns across the nation have passed resolutions to impeach. This nation was built on checks and balances. The three branches are to check one another but what happens when they're all on the same team? Well then the states are to check the federal government. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson said that any power not delegated to the federal government in the Constitution is assumed to be powers of the state (Kentucky and Virginia resolutions). The federal government is merely a product of the initial union agreement (constitution). Anything against that agreement is void, and the states simply can and have the right and authority to ignore the law. Empower your local officials and the people will follow. There will be plenty listening to your educated arguments and will question, that's all you need is that question. If the council or mayor or city legislators don't listen then keep testifying and educating yourself, the more you speak 'passively' the more credible you'll become without having to go evangelize your message. Then the questioners will approach you and in turn you educate them and they will all begin to put pressure on the council and state. Its one thing for Washington to ignore their constituents (they're miles miles miles away). In the close intimate quarters of the community its hard to go against the demands of the people, and eventually they will cave. These are my proposals and eventually be my practice. Once the city passes such resolutions ask them to forward the action to neighboring councils. Just saying 'here's what we did' and to inform the representative in congress of the resolution and the state as well. More and more until entire counties join in. Eventually Washington will be powerless as the states will be empowered through the people. Local meetings amongst CFL members can get together and have a sort of study session on issues to tackle at these public hearings. I think focusing on their one thing that would strip their power (money ie the fed) would be most beneficial as people tend to be more concerned about their money being ripped off than their liberties. After attempting such a task, and if failed at the next cfl meeting the discussion would be the arguments and refutes of such action, then research (holding meetings at libraries would be better for this reason) history and the philosophy, and the founders' arguments would be on this and approach again. Once we have a strategy that works we can put it together in a forum in cfl about how we over came such and such problem. Like an open source project. They find a bug report it, if it occurs again, usually the same sort of problem and the knowledge is there to fix it. Same concept here, only we're finding which arguments and studies seem most affective for a given situation, as I can almost be certain there will be similarities nationwide. Anyway feedback into my suggestions is highly recommended, and I'd like to hear your opinions, suggestions and arguments. What can make this a better plan? Don't just say “it sucks! Not gonna work!!” We have to be a little more constructive than that if we plan to take action beyond the online walls. Thanks for reading!
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Education, Media, Globalism, Civil Liberties, Law, Domestic Policy, Election News, Republican Party, Democratic Party, Grassroots News
Tags: action, Ron Paul, grassroots, revolution, community, Founding Fathers, education, Message, spread, tell, teach, outreach
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