Personal Barriers to Educational Enlightenment

As children, our education is a requirement. However, as working adults, we frequently neglect our continued education. But when it comes to things like history and the founding intentions of our system of government, we adults are the ones most affected by the results of actions based either in knowledge or ignorance, whichever the case may be. The governance of our society affects nearly every area of our lives.

Consistently, I see friends or family complain about Obama, the out of control federal government, a lack of state rights, national healthcare demands, the list goes on. In response, I usually provide resources which I know without a doubt pinpoint EXACTLY where the government is getting its undue power, along with a new, well defined "target", if you will, for conservative minds.

It's usually not long after this point that I often get one of two responses: (1) The sound of crickets chirping, or (2) "Cliff, I appreciate this, but that stuff is way over my head."

Let me say that I completely understand the reasons behind both responses. Really, I do. But when you don't understand something, the next logical course, if you are adequately incentivized, is to give priority to your own education. So while I understand not understanding, I don't understand not making an effort to increase your understanding.

Understand?

I'm curious to know -- for the general populous out there, what are some of your personal barriers to educational enlightenment? A lack of time? Resources? Incentive? Do you think the content produced by myself and others at America's Remedy is too heavy? I'm always looking for ways to create easily-digestible "nuggets" of historical truths that can be quickly digested in short bursts. At the same time, I want to put out the larger "chunks" as well, for those who wish to dig deeper. To date, I have compressed four hours of seminar footage into a short 10-minute animation with narration and music. I have compressed this further into a single printed flyer. Recently, I wrote a short 20-page booklet. And I know many more mediums will follow.

I'm always looking to improve things. To execute better, more informative presentations; to offer fun, creative resources which inspire the mind and the heart to action; to reach out to an ever-expanding number of promotional venues, so that we might grow our audience; and of course, to constantly improve my own direction and education as well. But I'm also here to say, from the historians, teachers, bloggers and writers, the grassroots organizers and the up-start leaders of various movements -- at some point, the torch of responsibility is handed to the next in line.

My goal in writing this was not just to ask how I can do better, but also to inform those that know me that while ideas abound, the execution of which are often restricted by time or resources, at some point you, the reader, the Facebook follower, the video watcher -- YOU have to take hold of the reigns of your own education, and with any luck, you too will start to share what you've learned. Why? Because our liberty depends on it.

Personally, I like to start with the basics and go from there. And when I don't understand something, I ask questions. I repeat the discovery process over and over. Eventually, the content will start to sink in, and the lightbulb will go off. I promise you this will happen, but it takes persistence. Take the first tiny thing you learn and let that be your fuel for the next tiny thing. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

Continuing to do the same things over and over again and expecting different results...well you know what they say. Let's stop the insanity and start getting educated on how this American experiment thing was really designed to work. Let's give priority to our history so that we can restore our future. Are you with me?

And now, for your educational pleasure, here are a few basics for consumption or review: 

(Video) What Happened to State-rights?: http://youtu.be/S_0MXyvsrS8

Do You Support State-Rights?

I was recently approached by a dear friend to get my thoughts on what I would deem a state-rights / state sovereignty organization. Having sent a reply, I wanted to further address the issue of state-rights (yes, this was hyphenated at one time), and vocalize my thoughts on the matter here.

I know there are a number of state-rights organizations out there, and those generally wishing to limit the scope and power of the federal government. Another that I'm familiar with is the Tenth Amendment Center, whose focus is on nullification.

So, would I support these organizations / movements?

Yes, I would support many state-rights movements that are out there....that is, IF we still had state-rights. Unfortunately, we don't. The 10th Amendment can't be enforced successfully by states today, as they don't have legal standing. I'll try to explain.

If you look up the legal definition of "state", it's essentially a specific people or body politic, and their government, collectively. States today were put into place forcibly through various violations of the Constitution. Our states today are federal satellites composed of national U.S. citizens. NATIONAL citizens. Think about it. This means you're a citizen of congress, not of your state. The very idea vehemently opposes the concept of state-rights. This problem MUST be addressed first, before you can go shouting at the federal government. 

• Roe v. Wade (abortion)
• Abington School Dist. v. Schemp (school prayer)
• McCollum v. Board of Education (religious instruction in schools)
• Stone v Graham (display of 10 Commandments)
• Lawrence v. Texas (sodomy laws)

Each of the above cases utilizes the 14th Amendment to apply case law to EVERY state, and its citizens, regardless of what the state itself wants to do. Now, regardless of your opinion on the above topics, this clearly shows the power the 14th amendment has in overruling states, wherever they so deem it necessary.

But the problem doesn't end with the 14th amendment. The 14th amendment was required to be passed by states by the Reconstruction Acts. Yes, REQUIRED. These Acts declared certain states as non-existent (North Carolina was one of them); removed voting rights without due process; violated the fifth amendment; and resurrected new states on the same soil, violating Article 4, Section 3. The Acts also enforced a Bill of Attainder (highly unconstitutional), and well.....without listing out every violation, these Acts basically treated the Constitution like a piece of American doo doo.

If states today had the same power and standing as states did around the time of the Civil War, things like Obamacare would be an absolute joke. Do you think states back then would have put up with that sort of crap? Not hardly. The federal government at the time had NO authority in the lives of the people of the several states. The United States wasn't one size fits all. It was a collection of sovereign nation states, each with their own set of laws determined by their individual bodies of people.

If we want our state-rights back, we first need our states back. Our lawful states, not the federal satellite posers we have today. I'm sorry to inform that your state representative can't do anything about that. Nor can the Republicans. Nor can the president, regardless of who he is.

If our lawful states were overthrown, all we can do is re-establish them, populate them, and become state citizens again, having an oath to a state (body of people!), creating a resistance to the "symptoms" we see today. When the Constitution is violated, it is our job as the people to remedy the FIRST violation, not to pick and choose which violations are most important.

Do I support state-rights? Absolutely I do. But state-rights will only work in a state which has the right to state-rights. So, if your organization promotes this proper order of execution, count me in.

A Choice of Conscience

I've really been struggling internally with all the attention the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates are generating. It makes me angry that Americans can't see that they are like little pawns being used in a game. The social networks are a buzz with all the latest debate gossip and people are just glued to their television sets. I'm glad I cancelled our TV reception a couple of years ago, so I don't have the option. I suppose people are wanting to educate themselves about these two candidates they've been presented with by the ruling parties. And I suppose that's a good thing, I guess. But if you're going to spend your time participating in this wicked, no rules system of usurpation, wouldn't it have been a much better idea to put some attention to politics back when there was a viable candidate running who actually spent his entire political career on a foundation which fully supported and upheld the Constitution?

Americans today resemble a frog in a hot pot of water. Not only are they slow to react to the increasing heat, they just don't seem to care enough to get the heck out of the pot! Not only this, but they're actually kind of entertained by the bubbles and steam which slowly envelop their fat little bodies!

Many of you know that I don't really care about the political races going on right now. To me, it's just more of the same. And the debates, though I appreciate a good Jerry Springer episode as much as the next guy (not), are just a big joke. It's kind of like that movie, "The Hunger Games", where that guy asks, "What if no one watched?" That movie left me with a sickened feeling after watching it, but in the end, I think there is a lesson that some of us could take from it. What if we didn't watch? What if, rather than parking our rear ends in front of the television for these debates, political nonsense, and watching our own destruction in progress, we instead spent this valuable time to educate ourselves a bit on what lawful government is really supposed to look like, and what laws we're actually responsible to obey?

Look, Ron Paul isn't the answer. In fact, in a country founded on the ideals of limited government, subject to the people, NO president should be the answer. Ever. But this is my point. The level of freedom that Americans are currently satisfied with is so incredibly low, that we can't even get enough fire under us to get a guy like Ron Paul elected to this de facto government.

The founders didn't need permission to exercise their rights. They wrote a Constitution, which, if not upheld by those elected, was to be a general guideline of resistance and possible "butt kicking" by the people. People today don't even want to kill trees, much less kick any butts. We are weak, slow, lazy, and we deserve the government that we have, because, well, bubbles, steam, and melting flesh are kinda cool, right? "It's all good." We can walk around all day long complaining about the way the system is, the corruption of the politicians. But in the end, flapping our gums and checking boxes is about all we're capable of. So what if our children inherit this mess of a country? So what if God's laws are thrown by the wayside in exchange for a system that supports and promotes immorality, irresponsibility, and lawlessness? Oh, and God's still on the throne. Forgot about that.

Indeed He is. And so this should be our fire so that we will not be lukewarm in our efforts. The founders sacrificed their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for liberty. A checkbox in a voting booth just ain't gonna cut it. My rights come from God, not a president or vice president. In this country, a president should be my servant, regardless of which person holds this office. In a lawful system, his power would be limited, restrained by the chains of the Constitution. I no longer vote for candidates in these offices. They represent an overthrow of law. But rather, I vote in my mind, a choice of conscience, that I will exercise my rights and obey lawful forms of government. It is my belief that IF this personal effort, along with its potential sacrifices, was made by all; then surely, surely, we the people could restore this Constitutional Republic for ourselves and our posterity.

I Am A Christian

I support the legalizing of all plant-based drugs.

I support the legalizing of alcohol before noon on Sundays.

I don't drink, but I have friends who do.

I support personal responsibility.

I support taking care of the environment. But I do not believe in forcing it on others.

I support helping and developing relationships with other countries. But I do not believe in forcing it on others or making them pay for it through taxation. Our military should NOT police the world.

I am a man, married to a woman. I support REMOVING the government from the institution of marriage. If God created it, I do not need to ask permission first. No license required. And I do NOT want government benefits for being married.

I believe parents should educate the children they create.

Contrary to popular belief, as a Christian, I do not support stoning people, slavery, or killing disobedient children.

I support the right to free speech, right to bear arms un-infringed and without permission; and the right to keep the fruits of your labor, also without permission.

I believe America is...

• ...a Union of many demi-sovereign states, NOT a nation of one.
• ...a Constitutional Republic, NOT a democracy.
• ...is not broken, but has been overthrown.

I believe in state citizenship, not nationalized U.S. citizenship.

I support lawful resistance to unlawful government. An unconstitutional act is not a law (Norton v. Shelby County, 6 S.Ct. 1121) and liberty wasn't won in a voting booth. I do not believe such resistance is sin. Romans 13 tells us to be subject to the higher powers, and I have taken the time to educate myself on what those are in this country.

I support the liberty to worship, or not, as you please. I support the freedom of religion.

I believe we can have a Union under God AND freedom of religion, both, at the same time.

I believe the government should stay out of the church, not the other way around. Separation of church and state is NOT in the Constitution.

I believe in community involvement and helping others in need.

I believe the church, not the government, should be responsible for the welfare of the community.

I am a Christian.

Looping Back to Liberty - 16 Steps Illustrating the Decline and Subsequent Restoration of America

1. People don't understand the system.
2. A lack of knowledge coupled with being "fat and happy", combined with propaganda promotes apathy and stupid decisions by the people concerning their political choices. 
3. Things get bad. People lose their homes, their jobs. The economy takes a nosedive.
4. Things get SO bad, the media actually starts talking about it and folks like Ron Paul finally start getting recognized as honest people who are just telling the truth and waving the warning flag saying "You're headed for disaster! Save yourselves!!!"
5. People slowly put two and two together and begin getting concerned.
6. They participate in the rigged 2 party system. They check a box in a voting booth, voting for the "better" of two evils while still voting for evil, yet believing it will fix things.
7. They fail, or they "succeed" by electing their chosen candidate which was already chosen for them by the rigged 2 party system.
8. Things continue to get worse, whether slower or faster.
9. The people get depressed and hopeless because they failed and the country is still going downhill.
10. Things get worse. The people get concerned and even a little worried for their family, their children. A new Great Depression looms on the horizon.
11. Things get SO bad, the media reveals a little deeper truth (like the devaluation of the dollar, the artificial propping up of our monetary system through inflation, etc.), people start studying a little more and then start to realize that even "weirder" folks like John Ainsworth and Cliff & Sara Muncy are really just honest people telling the truth, waving their warning flags, shouting "That system is rigged! The solution is in YOUR hands, not the politicians!! It takes more work than just a vote! Resistance is key! It takes personal sacrifice!" 
12. The people realize the truth of what they are saying. They turn and humble themselves before God and pray for guidance. They start making efforts in their own lives to resist tyranny and to live moral, responsible lives. The country bands together and says "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! We're not taking this any more! The government is OUR servant!" More people get on board to learn, promote, and live the philosophies of the founders. Philosophies like personal responsibility, morality, sound money, state citizenship, lawful/Constitutional government, LIBERTY!
13. The Federal government resists and puts up the best fight it knows how.
14. It fails because the people refuse to support it.
15. Re-established, demi-sovereign states are once again re-populated as lawful body politics and independent countries. Over time, statutory laws and processes are re-examined to be eliminated or conform with the intent of the Constitution. Federal agencies are reduced greatly in number, and people's dependency upon them is reduced. People start depending on each other, their communities. The federal government is once again subject to the will of the states. The government is MUCH smaller. Income tax is GONE. Social security is GONE. Public education (as it is now) is GONE. Free markets return, productivity and profitability skyrocket, and small businesses are allowed to prosper. People no longer fear their government. Money is once again backed by precious metals. Inflation is GONE.
16. The world once again respects America as a country whose people epitomize such words as "the land of the free, the home of the brave." The founders' sense of perseverance and dedication in maintaining the ideals of liberty is once again renewed in the minds of the people.

Will the people maintain their Republic?

--------

"A woman asked Benjamin Franklin what type of government the Constitution was bringing into existence. Franklin replied, 'A republic, if you can keep it.' ”

Obsessing Over Professionalism

The blog below started out as an email to my wife, Sara, as a word of encouragement in her photography endeavors. Sara, I hope you continue to strive in what you do. Enjoy the gifts that God has provided, help others with those gifts, and He will provide you with everything you need.

I'm always amazed, especially in the photography industry, at how much angst and worry stems just from using (or wanting to use the word) "professional". Here's the definition:

Professional: engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime; having or showing the skill appropriate to a professional person; competent or skillful.

Check out this article I stumbled upon recently from one of our Photography friends on Facebook:

http://www.jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=1425&get-over-it

The standards created today, whether it be photography, graphic design, or heck, even carpentry, or auto mechanic (ie. pick your field) -- these standards are placed there by society, schooling, customer expectations, in comparing ourselves to others in the field, and often in standards-based organizations. They are also affected by technology, and just what is "possible", based on what has been done already. But, I for one believe that it is up to the "professional", indeed the business owner, to make the judgement call internally concerning where they currently reside and/or wish to go in the prices they charge, how they provide their service, where they will limit themselves in those services, and the level of quality they provide. After this is decided and/or obtained, it is ultimately up to their customers to decide upon their own happiness with the level of service they have received. This final indicator is the most important. This final indicator supersedes any college degree, any accreditation, or other outside inputs or criticisms. This is the true judge, for these are the people paying for the service. Customer feedback even supersedes our own shortcomings and/or self-criticisms. In my business experience, if the customer is happy, they'll let you know. If they're unhappy, they will also tell you.

My wife Sara has longed to continue growing her photography business and expanding her skills in this field. I have experience in this field as well, but I've learned even more being around her. I've tried to help Sara build her confidence and she's done some AMAZING work, both for design clients (business owners) I brought to the table, as well as some work she's done for newlyweds, engagement shoots and more. But one thing I've noticed along the way from hearing Sara talk about this field is just how much photographers compare themselves to each other. I suppose this happens in just about every field of study. But with photography, it seems to have escalated to the point of creating a new standard at which, unless you obtain it, you are no longer professional or "good enough".  Maybe somewhere along the line, the word "professional" started to mean "unless you're the best, you're not going to survive."

Back in 2000-2002, when I started out designing print media and websites, my work wasn't very artistic. Some of it wasn't really all that eye catching, and I'm sure the code/programming behind each site wasn't perfect in the least. I didn't have a college degree, and I wasn't "approved" by any organization. But my customers still paid me. They still loved that I was available to do the work. I was providing them with a website that served a purpose. It filled a need. Many of my customers referred me to new customers, and my clientele began to grow. With this growth, I learned more, got better with my designs, and made more customers happy.

Somewhere along the line, between our parents telling us that college was the only way to get a good job, and society expecting absolute perfection to the point of being "certified" for every single job and task on the planet -- somewhere, we lost our way. We began believing that this earth is perfect. We began believing that a service isn't a service unless it first passes the judgement of the government, the associations, and the school board. Somewhere along the way, we stopped being independent and thinking for ourselves. We also forgot how to have fun with what we do. Somewhere we stopped putting the customer first, and instead would rather rely on the expectations of people who aren't even paying us, even though the customer may quite often want something altogether different than what society "recommends."

It is my hope that we can get back to individual creativity, create our own standards of excellence, and stop comparing ourselves one with another. We're living in a connected world, so it's hard not to compare. But if we would take the time to occasionally disconnect, we would see that there are plenty of great customers in our own back yard who will absolutely adore our services, no matter where we were are in our professional journeys.

Independence Day or Dependence Day?

Do you celebrate Independence Day on July 4th? Most folks do. After all, fireworks are hard to resist. However, because the majority of Americans today recognize the government which was put into place March 2, 1867, they should actually be celebrating a little known holiday called Dependence Day. On March 2nd, 1867 the first of the unconstitutional Reconstruction Acts was passed. These acts annulled State governments, subjugated their citizens, created new States with new body politics (which are now being recognized), and unconstitutionally coerced the adoption of the 14th Amendment. This did away with states rights, nationalized our citizenship and totally removed the principles of self government and independence which had been established nearly 100 years before.



So this July 4th when someone says “Happy Independence Day”, perhaps your response should be, “Are you a state citizen?” Because unless they are, they may want to shoot their fireworks on March 2nd.



Check out the proclamation below for a short history lesson, and learn more about state citizenship at AmericasRemedy.com and NCRepublic.org.

Proclamation

Whereas, on May 20, 1775 the Citizens of Mecklenburg County, North-Carolina proclaimed their Independence from the Crown of England, and;

Whereas, on July 4, 1776 the Representatives of the People of the several Colonies issued the Declaration of Independence, declaring the several Colonies independence from the Crown of England, and;

Whereas, on September 3, 1783 the Treaty of Paris was signed whereby the Crown of England acknowledged the Thirteen Colonies to be free, sovereign and Independent States, and;

Whereas, on March 4, 1789 the United States Government meets for the first time organized under the Constitution of the United States of America inaugurating George Washington as President, and;

Whereas North-Carolina maintained her Independence until November 21, 1789 when she voted to ratify the Constitution of the United States of America, and;

Whereas, The People of North-Carolina voted on February 28, 1861 to remain in the American Union, and;

Whereas, the people of North-Carolina believed that the Federal United States Government could not force one State to wage war upon another State, and;

Whereas on April 15, 1861 President Abraham Lincoln called on North-Carolina Governor John Ellis to provide two regiments of troops to wage war upon the principles of “all government of right comes from the consent of the governed” and “the people have a right to alter or abolish their form of government,” and;

Whereas, the people of North-Carolina were forced to decide to fight for President Lincoln or for the principles this Country was founded upon, and;

Whereas, Governor John Ellis replied to President Lincoln “I can be no party to this wicked violation of the laws of the country and to this war upon the liberties of a free people. You can get no troops from North Carolina.” and;

Whereas, North-Carolina left the American Union on May 20, 1861, and;

Whereas, in July of 1861, both houses of the United States Congress passed resolutions that the war was not for any purpose of conquest or subjugation and was in fact to “preserve the union with all the dignity, equality and rights of the several States unimpaired.,” and;

Whereas, The Armies of Abraham Lincoln were victorious, and;

Whereas, the Radical Republicans of the 39^th Congress of the United States Government, having a super majority, on March 2, 1867, passed an unconstitutional enactment, called the Reconstruction Act, that annulled State governments, subjugated their citizens, created new States with new body politics and unconstitutionally coerced the adoption of the 14^thAmendment to the United States Constitution, and;

Whereas, the 14^th Amendment “rid this nation of that pestilent heresy of states rights” through nationalizing citizenship and creating a “national” government in place of the Federal government established in the Constitution, and;

Whereas, James Madison stated in Federalist Paper # 39 “The idea of a national government involves in it, not only an authority over the individual citizens, but an indefinite supremacy over all persons and things, so far as they are objects of lawful government.” and;

Whereas, James Madison went on to say “In this relation, then, the proposed government cannot be deemed a national one; since its jurisdiction extends to certain enumerated objects only, and leaves to the several States a residuary and inviolable sovereignty over all other objects.” and;

Whereas, the United States Supreme Court stated in Elk Vs Wilkins, concerning national citizenship as founded in the 14^th Amendment “The evident meaning of these last words is, not merely subject in some respect or degree to the jurisdiction of the United States, but completely subject to their political jurisdiction, and owing them direct and immediate allegiance.,” and;

Whereas, July 4^th has been considered the date of the birth of Independence in our country, and;

Whereas, on March 2, 1867, the principles of self government and an Independent people were snuffed out giving The United States of America a new birth in Dependence upon the National Government.

Therefore be it proclaimed by John C. Ainsworth, Chief Magistrate of the North-Carolina American Republic, Re-established, December 1, 1997 that March 2, 2010 be celebrated as Dependence Day, in celebration of the 14^thAmendment making United States citizens residing in North-Carolina dependent upon the National Government.

Done this Second day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten.

_______________________________________________

John C. Ainsworth, Chief Magistrate