A Modern-Day Declaration of Independence

Contributed by Dave Lambert

As Citizens of this Nation we are confronted with due cause to reject the stratagem of this present administration. An account of these causes must be clearly declared so that the people of the Earth will understand how it is that loyal patriots can stand against the policies of their own administrating government.

We believe in liberty and we believe in justice, just as we insist on security. We believe in liberty for ourselves as an absolute necessity for our happiness. We accept that, as we would have liberty for ourselves, we would, through the recognition of empathy, advocate liberty for others. This goal of universal liberty is inherent in our concept of justice.

Further, an only national, or otherwise limited, liberty threatens the security of our liberty by creating an imbalance among the people of the Earth. Liberty. Justice. Security. Citizens of this nation must, as an obligation to their commitment to liberty, justice and security, demand of their government a reciprocal commitment.

Governments cannot be allowed to dictate to its citizens a self-serving doctrine. If a citizenry finds their government is subverting their ideals and intents, it remains for them, the citizens, to put aside that government. Governments cannot be allowed to fail to fulfill these, their constituents' expectations. If a citizenry finds their government ineffectual it is incumbent on them, the citizens, to put that government aside.

This administration, under George Bush, has proved itself to be either unwilling or unable to fulfill its responsibilities to protect its citizens' liberty or to recognize the imperative of justice. This negligence or inability has been exacerbated by this administration's peculation of the resources of this nation for its own international schemes.

To prove these allegations let the following facts be considered: This administration has sought to restrict, compromise and frustrate the constitutional rights of its citizens though legislative acts that allow secret surveillance of its citizens and coerced acquiescence of that secrecy by fellow citizens.

This administration has sought to create new and oppressive laws to imprison without trial, to deprive freedom without representation and to inflict cruel and unusual conditions in colonial camps on those who fall victim to those laws.

This administration has sought to deny non-citizens the same judiciary protections as citizens. Rights due to them by virtue of our common humanity.

This administration has sought the prerogative to put to death detainees without the due process of law established by our constitution.

This administration has sought to deny its citizens the right to provide humanitarian aid and assistance to other countries' people.

This George has failed his fiduciary responsibilities by excessively indebting this nation through tax dissolutions in combination with overwrought military expenditures.

This George has misused the material resources of this nation by offering those resources to other governments in return for their cooperation with this administration's global machinations.

This George has carelessly commanded this nation's military to attend, at the risk of their lives and at the loss of their lives, grave and dangerous conflicts for what has become to be understood as tribal and self gratifying reasons. For this George has caused this nation's men and women to go to war on the pretext of mendacious suppositions. Statements warning of increasing dangers proffered through unsubstantiated evidence. Statements deceiviously designed to alarm and frighten.

Alarm and frighten without honest cause. Conniving statements, given in person to the body of American representatives. Repeated false testimonies designed to persuade the American public to spend their personal and communal resources on an unwarranted invasion and occupation. Rhetorical subterfuge and deceit designed to trick the American public to succumb to fear and acquiesce to risk their livelihoods, to compromise their health and to sacrifice their lives on a belligerent war.

Under all circumstances we have prudently sought to lend our loyalties to any administrating government who would serve the good of this nation. Under the circumstance of lethal threat we have pledged ourselves, unrestrained by politics, to any administrating government who would serve the good of this nation. We have patiently awaited answers concerning this administration's energy policies. We have energetically investigated our status, and the causes of that status, in the world. We have diligently sought accurate economic information, including the costs of war. We have unflinchingly scrutinized our country's security policies.

We have raised our voices in concern, and have been answered with contempt.

We have walked into the streets in protest, and have been treated with derision.

We have, at every turn, sought the good for this nation. And for the good of this nation we have rejected this administration.

And for the good of this nation we will reject any administration that fails to serve to protect, that fails to govern judicially or that fails to recognize our need for liberty.

Robert Rouse also posted a new Declaration today; It's a wonderful post and I encourage you to read it and sign his petition!