Colonialism in Appalachia

7/31/2019 Colonialism in Appalachia

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/colonialism-in-appalachia 1/35

“Colonialism in Appalachia” Kevin Patrick www.ApNat.com

Colonialism in Appalachia:a history of a free-people, unfree.

1




2




This book is dedicated to all Appalachians (past, present, and future) whohave dedicated their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the

acquisition and preservation of liberty.

May that sacrifice not have been in vain, and may the fruits of your labor

grow well here in Appalachia, our mountainhome.

3




4




Table of Contents

I. History of our People......................................7

Introduction:.....................................................7

How we got where we are:...............................8The speech of a proud people on our tongues:

.......................................................................10A culture of our own:.....................................11

II. Methods of repression...................................12

Education.......................................................12

Regulatory Processes:....................................13Life-ways and Language:...............................13

III. Structured Violence......................................15

Organized viciousness of the State................15Investment and Taxes:....................................15

Absentee landowners.....................................17Serfs in the coal mines...................................17

IV. The 'Washington First' Party........................18

Perversion of our Constitution.......................18

Dismantling of the Bill of Rights...................19Energy and the EPA.......................................19

Exports equal wealth......................................19

Energy is the only commodity.......................20

Taxation with Representation ain't so great,either:.............................................................20

V. A plan for our future.....................................21

A Republic our Founders would recognize....21Individual rights.............................................21

Right of Self-determination...........................21

Sound money for a strong people..................22

Education as the vehicle to independence.... .22

Equality before the law..................................22

Equal access to markets.................................23VI. Ways to maneuver: Resist!..........................24

Introduction....................................................24Economics......................................................24

Appalachia First........................................24

Money and Markets...................................24

Regulation and Trade................................25Export and Energy.....................................25

Politics...........................................................26

Appalachia First........................................26Limited government..................................26

Liberty and Justice....................................26Committees for Appalachian Independence...................................................................27

Society...........................................................27

Tolerance and Tradition.............................27Religion, spirituality, morality, and ethics.27

Culture of self-reliance..............................27

The Rights of Man....................................28

Military..........................................................28Defense and Justice...................................28

Citizen Soldiers.........................................29

Just War.....................................................29Resistance and Duty..................................30

Defense Forces..........................................30

VII. Conclusions.................................................32

5




6




I. History of our People

Introduction:

Appalachians have a special tie to the promise of the Founders andthe ideals of the Declaration of Independence. We have been pioneers,

frontiersman, workers, businessmen, legislators, soldiers; in short, we are

Citizens. Appalachia has been the pin around which these united States

have revolved for well over 200 years.

Our energy fuels it, our soldiers protect it, our culture and values

guide it. Our beliefs and convictions have shaped the very states which

make it up. Our independent spirit is the model for all free peoples of

this continent. The rugged mountaineer is the hallmark of American history

for a reason; because it is true.

For all of this, we have been relegated to status of second class

citizens. We are excluded from the debate at the Federal level. Ourpeople are the butts of jokes, our culture the point of scorn, and the

names which for us are badges of honor are insults elsewhere. We know the

term 'redneck' comes from the battles for equality and dignity. We know

also that there are U.S. Military cemeteries around the globe populated by

rednecks; by Appalachians, and if not for them, in what state would these

States find themselves?

They call on our labor when they flip their light switches. They

call on our sons and daughters to bleed to enforce their foreign policy.

Beyond this, however, they would rather not consider us, we should leave

the more important matter to our betters.

Our 'Representatives' in Washington quickly forget the morals of thepeople which have sent them there. Washington's agents attempt to

regulate, license, and prohibit our economy, all the while demanding more

and more of its production! They burden us with taxes and permits, while

the politicians pander to miscellaneous New England states over “Green

Energy” and use the regulatory process to destroy our very livelihood.

They call us ignorant, uncultured, and barbaric; all the while living

in comfort off the sweat of our brow.

Our People have inhabited these mountains and valleys for

generations. We came from many places and for many reasons. We left the

emerald fields of Ireland, the rugged mountains of Scotland, the farms of

Germany, the coasts of Italy, the savannahs of Africa, and the villages ofthe central plains of this very continent: and the towns that we called

home in a hundred more places. We came here and found something that sung

in our hearts and lifted our spirits. We found opportunity in adversity,

and freedom in discipline. We found Appalachia, and that we were

Appalachians.

We found community and family. We found that we could worship as our

7




hearts' convictions directed us. We found strength, courage, and honor.

We found Appalachia, and that we were Appalachians.

It is this author's hope that these words affect your heart, dear

reader, as they do his own. He hopes that they call to you, that they

reach a place in your soul where dignity, honor, and independence reside.

These words reach out to the Appalachian in you, and call you to take your

rightful place amongst men and the nations of this Earth. It is this

author's hope that after you set down these pages that you, your family,

and your community can say: “We found Appalachia, and that we were

Appalachians.”

How we got where we are:

Appalachians began as a people without a common history. We were

predominantly of northern-European origin, but always we hailed from all

corners of the Earth. While New England was experimenting with society, we

maintained a deep sense of honor, of tradition, and of respect for

individual rights. We knew that when our neighbors are free, we too are

the most free. We respected the traditions and teachings of our fathers

and their fathers, but we also knew that each must look after his own, and

answer to something beyond himself. We knew, and know still, that if we

wish our private matters to be private, we must respect others' privacy as

well.

Historians will tell you that Gaelic-speaking peoples of the British

Isles brought with them a honor-based, warrior society. That they brought

a “clannish” mentality, and a tenacity which military organizations trip

over themselves to approximate. They brought with them an internal system

of honor, courage, right and wrong. After the War Between the States, this

lead the urban elites to caste us in a disparaging light, which lead to adistrust of outsiders who would use us for their own purposes

This has led some to look in on us highlanders and call us isolated.

They said we were not part of the mainstream. They said we were “timeless”

or “left behind.” We know, of course, that this simply is not the case.

While the rest of these united States were taken over by fads and fancies,

we maintained a core sense of duty, honor, independence, and most

importantly, of self. The same things that dictated regional identity all

over this continent were in effect here, but here they took root and grew

deep and strong.

When we learn of history in the government-run schools, those “lack-

of-concentration camps,” we learn about the history of New England, mostly;or of the Southern Planters. The history of the Mountainfolk of Appalachia

is not worth mentioning, to most. This is more than a little ironic, since

it is Appalachia which swayed the tides of history. It is our soldiers and

speakers which moved the Revolution, ours was the focus of the War Between

the States, and in every single conflict Washington has engaged in, our

soldiers carried the burden.

8




American is Appalachia.

The above paragraphs are not surprising, to us at least. Washington

demands a cheap supply of energy, and workers who will acquire it. They

demand students who know only what Washington desires that they know, and

that do not ask too many questions. They hope you do not notice that your

families' contribution is conspicuously left out of our nation's history

books. They pray that the situation stays as it is; because their way of

life depends on it. Interestingly enough, yours does not.

Washington has systemically and systematically attempted to dismantle

the cultural integrity of Appalachia. They drew the lines on the maps,

encouraged the feuds, and used the educational system, the regulated

markets, and all the other tools at their disposal to keep Appalachians

intellectually, culturally, and physically separate, or so they would have

us believe. They have encouraged us to look down on each other. North

Carolinians, Virginians, West Virginians, Kentuckians, Pennsylvanians,

Tennesseans, etc. All have been taught to think themselves better than

their fellow Appalachians, and most importantly of all: not to think ofthemselves as Appalachians.

In actuality, Appalachia has been a thoroughfare for people, goods,

services, and information since Westerners first crossed these mountains.

It scarcely possible to travel east of the Mississippi without crossing

Appalachia. Their trucks, the employees, their energy, their information

all passes through the mountainhome. Yet, they would have you believe that

you are isolated. How can something at the heart of a global system be

isolated?

West Virginia is the only

Appalachian State where all of

its constituent counties are inAppalachia. It is in many ways

the heart of the mountainhome.

This author is most familiar

with West Virginia, and it will

often serve as example for this

text, but what holds here

likely holds across Appalachia.

For instance, here in West

Virginia, Washington tells us

that it spends inordinate

amounts of treasure on us.

They build our roads, they fundour schools, they pay for the

hospitals and dentists; or so

they would have us believe.

Nothing could be further from

the truth. In an average year

we provide a full 15% of the

9




US's fossil energy1. We are the 62nd largest economy in the world2! We are

the Saudi Arabia of the US. Then they graciously give back a fraction of

what they have taken in wealth, in taxes, in permits, and in blood and they

hope to buy our obedience. Recently more than one trillion cubic yards of

gas has been discovered in this area, and that is but one State among

several.

This is West Virginia. Imagine all of Appalachia, some 23 million

people3, which stretches from southern New York to the hills of Alabama.

We have energy in coal, shale, natural gas, wind, solar, and water. We

have all of the necessary resources for the most advanced chemical

engineering in the world. We can grow food, have clean air and water; and

no one in these united States works harder than our mountaineers, period.

We have an international border on the Great Lakes to the St.

Lawrence, across which we can engage in the global market. We have fertile

fields for food in Pennsylvania, and portions of Ohio. Our borders stretch

from the north-eastern corner of Mississippi, through Alabama, and northern

Georgia. It reaches up the mountains through North and South Carolina,Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the

mountains of New York. By some estimates, we reach even farther, to Maine

and beyond.

We have nearly everything we need right here, and the ability and

desire to share it with the world through trade and exchange. We have the

dignity and nobility of the independent-minded frontiersman that founded

this country. It is our destiny and our birthright; and it is entirely

within our grasp.

Just as our Founders lived under the colonial rule of a foreign power

in Great Britain, so too has Washington become like a foreign power unto

us. They extract our treasure, under duress. They restrict and repressour culture, our language, and our beliefs and traditions, and our

livelihoods. We are second class colonial citizens in a global empire,

with Washington at its heart.

This, then, is a manuscript on the colonization of Appalachia, and

what we might do to liberate ourselves from the oppressor.

The speech of a proud people on our tongues:

Some would make fun of the way we speak. They believe that the

rhythms of the mountains and the sounds of the hollers are marks of

ignorance. By this, they show who is ignorant. They would say our speech

has “devolved” or been bastardized. What little do they know, and theyhave not the sense nor shame to cover it, but wave it as a flag on a pole.

Although modern linguists would tell you that no dialect is more correct or

1 http://www.wvcommerce.org/energy/fossil_energy/default.aspx

2 http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/GDP.pdf

3 Rudy Abramson, Introduction to Encyclopedia of Appalachia (Knoxville, Tenn.: University of Tennessee Press, 2006),

pp. xix—xxv.

10




better than another, societies tend to hold up one or more, and put down

others. Linguists know that no language is more advanced than any other,

or more primitive. All human language is a treasure.

Appalachian English has been the subject of a well-orchestrated smear

campaign. It has been so effective that we ourselves are often ashamed of

the sound of the hills on our tongues. Our children forced to adopt the

language of Washington, CNN, or Fox News; lest they be judged harshly and

unjustly as ignorant and savage.

The fact is that the mountaintalk, Appalachian English4, displays

patterns and grammatical structure that is more complex and nuanced than

that of standard American English. It pulls from the heritage of

Elizabethan English, of Victorian America, of the Gaelic languages. It has

a soul and a movement that the sterile news-media dialect can never touch,

let alone understand and appreciate.

The sounds of the hollers should cause our backs to stiffen with

pride, and not bend in shame. That there would be a day where our children

might could speak with the soul of their people on their tongues withpride. Let it be so.

Appalachian English has influenced the standard American dialect in a

number of ways, and has often directed its trends. We have a noble tongue

for a noble people, and it is just as pure and virtuous as the Queen's

English. It sits on the lips of workers, of soldiers, of mothers and

fathers, of lawyers, of doctors, of engineers, and of legislators.

Sadly, however, it has also been beaten out of our sons' and

daughters' minds. Washington has burned a stigma onto it, and curses any

who speaks it as a barbarian. We know better; and we remember.

A culture of our own:

Our culture is one of honor. Honor is a word that has been relegated

to a position of history by many who inhabit this continent. Our people

remember, however, that duty, honor, courage, independence, and family are

the foundation of a free people.

In many places in Appalachia, there is a community wood pile. You

can take from it if you need, but come time to cut wood in the spring, you

are expected to put more back than you took. A code of honor is what keeps

someone from never cutting wood, and living with his neighbor as his slave.

We take care of our own, but we live, work, and survive together. The wood

pile is the example that Appalachia has to the world. Help when you needit, but honor makes you pay it back, and then help someone else.

Honor and duty are closely tied together. This is why you will find

some of the most outspoken men and women here. We tell our servant

governments when they are wrong, we defend our liberty with force if

needed; but, when duty calls, we are the first to sign up to fight for our

4 Wolfram, W., & Christian, D. (1976). Appalachian speech. Center for Applied Linguistics.

11




country.

West Virginia has sent more of its sons and daughters to fight in

Washington's wars per capita5 than any other state in the Union. We rail

against Washington's intervention in our lives, but when our liberty, our

Declaration and our Constitution are at stake, we stand when called.

This pride, this honor, this duty sets us apart from other people,

and they know it. They may say we are out of touch with the times, that we

have an old way, that we live in the past. They say these things not

because they are true, but because the speakers recognize that something is

missing in their own lives. It is jealousy, suspicion, and sadness which

causes them, much like children, to act out against the object that they

should model themselves after, not attack.

This is not entirely their fault. The pervasive and corrupt systems

of “education” which are in effect in Appalachia are also in effect where

they live. It is our hope that our call to liberty and independence might

echo equally there as it does here. We welcome all fighters for freedom as

neighbors.

Not only in these core, spiritual ways are we set apart. We are

trend-setters in music, in sports, in technology and in many other ways.

Our signing, our instruments, our art, and our crafts now decorate the

homes of many Americans. We are cultural force, but we must awaken to this

fact, and accept the duty that is implied with such power. Others look to

us, even as they denounce us, and that responsibility to live honorably, to

live free even in the face of adversity is what makes us Appalachians.

We must find Appalachia, and that we are Appalachians.

5 http://www.firstlady.wv.gov/Initiatives/Pages/ServicetoMilitaryFamilies.aspx

12




II. Methods of repression

Education

It is no accident that Appalachian counties often score the lowest bythe Federal standards. Just as it is no accident that our incomes are

amongst the lowest in these united States.

To put it into perspective, if you were a slave-owner in the

antebellum South, would you want your slaves to read? No, of course not.

If they read, they might organize. If they organize, they might discover

that there are an awful lot more of them than there are of the masters. If

they discover this, they may realize that they are powerful; and that is

dangerous. We, my brothers and sisters, are powerful.

The sole purpose in the last 100 years of public education has been

to lower the bar, and create a more malleable, subservient working class.

They tricked the working class into thinking they were middle class, andtricked the working poor into thinking they were doing all right; and

saddled everyone with debt.

With mandatory secondary education, that achievement was devalued.

It might have still been valuable; in the 1950s, you could get a job, buy a

house, have a few kids, a car, and even put some of them through college.

Today, that is no longer the case, Washington's policies debased the

degree as they have debased the money. As past is prologue, it continues

today. Washington first began to push a university education as the golden

key to open the door to success. Although it often meant a higher

paycheck, it was not necessarily just as they had promised. Then they

nationalized the student loans, and flooded the market with easy credit,and prohibited people from discharging student loans via the bankruptcy

process. This had two main consequences. The value of the education went

down, while the price to acquire it went up. It also created, effectively,

debt slaves of many people.

Now, we in Appalachia send our kids to college. It makes us feel

good to do so, but if they want the jobs they have trained for, and the

salaries they have been told they can expect they cannot stay in the

mountainhome. They must go abroad, to other States, to work. Their

connection to their people is severed. Their children are raised away from

the rhythm of the mountains and the sounds of the hollers; away from our

systems of honor, duty, and courage. This is part of Washington's plantoo, the homogenization of their areas of control. Appalachia is too

dangerous to be left to its own devices. One day soon, this will just be

FEMA District III, unless we do something to change it.

An education, however, is important. Appalachia cannot save itself

without educated citizens. But, to mistake a piece of paper purchased from

a paper-selling institution as education is a serious error. This, too, is

13




not coincidental. Our children are being trained, not educated. We must

correct this first of all.

To do this we must pull them out of government schools, those “lack-

of-concentration camps.” We may have to work together, forming new,

alternative schools. The systems which gave us touch screen, gyroscope-

controlled phones, and computers the size of wrist watches need to be

applied to education as well. Appalachia, in just a few short years, could

lead the world in alternative, groundbreaking, and effective education.

Our children deserve nothing less.

Appalachia produces the energy and the political power of this

country. Washington knows it, and hopes you never learn of it.

More on how Washington has abused and debased our educational

systems, and then caused us to lose our most precious asset will be

addressed further on.

Regulatory Processes:The pattern above is not unique in the ways in which Washington

interacts with Appalachia. They require us to get permits to mine our own

land, to extract our own resources, to fabricate from our own materials and

chemicals. They act as owners, as if we were tenants. The act as masters,

as if we were serfs. But then, without changing the laws, they deny those

permits6. Not on the merits, but because this politician or that one does

not like the kind of energy we produce here. He still flips on the lights

in his million dollar home, but that kind of rhetoric is what it takes to

get elected in the miscellaneous eastern States on our borders.

By what right does the EPA or any one of Washington's alphabet-

agencies say whether our workers may work on our land? By what right? Bynone, friends. By none.

Yet we sit idly by. Our politicians rail against it during election

season, but as soon as they get to the State Capitol or to Washington, they

forget. Other priorities take precedence. They lie to you. Every time.

They lie and they do not intend you should figure it out. They like their

paychecks, and the inside information they get to make investments. They

like the ability to craft laws beneficial to themselves and their friends

and associates. And they think you stupid for continuing to send them,

when they send nothing back. To them, you are contemptible.

It is time they be reminded whose labor burns in their lights, whose

soldiers die in their wars, and who it is that demands the birthright ofall Americans: liberty. A sound's volume is relative to the amount of

silence heard before it. Appalachia has been silent for a very long time.

When we decide to raise our voices; they will seem very, very, very loud.

6 http://youtu.be/FryK-HTKDtE

14




Life-ways and Language:

In Appalachia, we often do things a little differently. We have a

speech and a culture that is our own. We have traditions and knowledge

that goes back generations. We have sent our sons and daughters to other

States for work (since Washington stole from us the opportunity to work

here at home) and to foreign nations in Washington's service.

We have both a parochial and a global perspective on the world. We

traveled the world to find out what is important, and discovered that we

already had it at home. Community, family, honor, and independence.

However, for the last 150 years, all of this has been under attack.

Washington knows and understands that these traditions and beliefs are a

source of great strength. They know that they are not something you can

give to a people artificially. They know that in us, it is a force to be

reckoned with, and that for them to maintain the status quo, it must be

repressed.

It is for this reason that Washington has systematically brandedevery aspect of Appalachian culture as less than. Our music is less

cultured then theirs, our religions are too extreme or backward. Our

speech is unenlightened, and our health in poor condition. Of these things

one is true: health. The fault lies not entirely with us, but is shared

with Washington. The responsibility to change it however, lies squarely on

our shoulders.

We have become soft in many ways. Our health, our weight, our oral

hygiene, etc. have all become the jokes that others tell about us. These

things, however, are a direct result of the educational and economic

exploitation of which Appalachians have long been victims.

A diabetic in West Virginia is much more likely to have to have anamputation as a result of the disease than a non-Appalachian. There is no

excuse for this.

In how many States are people prohibited from making healthy choices?

In many it is illegal to purchase raw milk. All the while green onions

from corporate farms at corporate chains kill many people 7.

The FDA has recently admitted that it has spent the last three

generations telling people the wrong types of diet 8! Not only is not the

most healthy way to eat (low-fat, high carb) but it is actually harmful.

Should we be surprised?

In the scramble to put food on our tables despite the fact that

absentee landowners sent the treasure from our work to other States, our waters were poisoned, our air in some places made unbreathable, our

children taught to run for high ground in case of strange smells. Our

mountains have been torn down and made flat. Our valleys and hollers

filled in. Our children made sick by poisonous slurry ponds. We have

7 http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/green-onions-recalled-salmonella-fears-article-1.403209

8 http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/07/magazine/what-if-it-s-all-been-a-big-fat-lie.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

15




corrected many of these problems, but we still have work to do.

All of these atrocities lie at the feet of Washington, and they think

you are too stupid to realize it, and too slavish and lazy to do anything

about it even if you did. But we are Appalachians, and we are powerful.

The thing that they do not realize is that what they see as stubbornisolationism, is actually proud heritage. What they see as backwards,

corrupted language, is the proud culture and tradition of a strong people.

What they see as slavish labor, is the strength of character that made this

country... and this we know and remember.

When Appalachians finally start to think of themselves as

Appalachians, that will be the day that liberty and justice returns to this

land.

16




III. Structured Violence

Organized viciousness of the state

Washington has used an old, but very effective, strategy to keepAppalachians from assuming their rightful place amongst the nations of the

world. That strategy is called, “Let's you and him fight.”

They have fostered divisions among us, and caused such in-fighting as

to render us ineffective. All they while they have stolen our treasure and

blood directly and indirectly.

They would have us believe that the issues in America are Left vs.

Right, Democrat vs. Republican, Progressive vs. Conservative, Brown people

against White. There are differences and debates to be had here, of

course. However, the real battle is the Government vs. You. If you

believe in the spirit of the Declaration, then we should be able to work

together.

They have fostered hate between the Appalachian States. West

Virginians are taught to look down on Kentucky, Ohio; and vice versa. This

cannibalistic policy of division has worked for many years. Now, however,

the jig is up. We recognize the colonial nature of Washington's influence

in Appalachia. We recognized that their privilege is not greater than our

natural right to self-determination.

In many ways the War Between the States was fought over a point of

linguistics. Would we be Virginians, Pennsylvanians, and Georgians, all

living in these United States? Or Americans, living in the United States.

Such a simple thing, these versus the, yet it cascaded through our minds

and through history. We forgot that the States are the masters of theFederal, and the people the masters of the States. The Federal acts as if

the States are administrative districts, with no sovereign authority of

their own. They steal our treasure, skim some of the top, and then bribe

us with it to follow their mandates.

They wage a War against us, and until now, we are losing. This does

not have to be. We can reclaim the sovereign rights which are beyond the

government, beyond Washington. We can again be a free people. It will

take economic, political, social, and military change. We are capable of

all of these. And unlike the lip-service politicians give to 'change,' we

have a goal, and plan to get there. More on this will come in following

chapters.

Investment and Taxes:

Washington would have us believe that they have bought our obedience

through such things as roads, schools, and hospitals. Nothing could be

further from the truth, however. What money of its own does Washington

have? How and where does it labor? Not a dime, and not a second. Any

17




money that they have, they have taken from us at the point of a gun. They

have made us tenants on our land, no longer owners through property taxes,

building permits, and zoning regulations. Our State and county governments

are culpable in this crime as well.

They steal our treasure and then send it back to us, after paying

their salaries and the interest on their international debt, and act as if

we should be grateful for their beneficence.

We have paid for our roads with gasoline taxes, funded our schools

with levies, and we staff and run our hospitals with our own sons and

daughters. If there is a balance to be paid, it goes the other way.

Washington takes on more and more debt, always raising the “ceiling” where

they by law should stop. They then tell you that this debt is yours! That

you and your children and their children should pay it. They steal the

bread from the mouth of labor which is not even born. They burden our

children with the yoke of debt, while they reap the benefits.

No generation should saddle its children with debt. Not only is this

bad policy, and advised against by our Founders 9, it is immoral.

We have paid any debts, if ever we did owe them, a hundred times

over. They are discharged, and what is not discharged, is hereby

repudiated. Sovereign debts (i.e. loans to a government) are always

unsecured debt. Let the creditors of Washington collect their due from

Washington, but we will have no part in it. Our names are not on any

contracts which we have signed. Let those who voted for it pay it. We are

through.

Health and health care

The Left Wing of Washington's Bird of Prey touts itself as the

compassionate party. They care for everyone, with other people's money.Those programs and attempts are not only unconstitutional, they are

immoral. One cannot do good with stolen funds. Be that as it may,

Appalachia has found itself left out in the cold when it comes to

Washington's 'help.' By now, this should not surprise, it is our lot to

merely carry the burden, right? Wrong.

Washington has also effected the health care system with its laws and

regulations. It claimed the ability to regulate health care via the

Interstate Commerce Clause of the Federal Constitution, and then prohibited

us from purchasing insurance across State lines. If you can figure out how

that works, you might could be a politician.

This was changed with the so-called “Affordable Health Care Act” butall that did, really, was guarantee more customers, under duress, for their

insurance lobbyist buddies. If you think health care is expensive now,

wait until it is “free.”

The way to really reform health care is to treat it like any other

non-violent, moral sector of the economy; to let it alone. Let doctors

9 www.pafamily.org/_files/live/FamilyUpdateFactSheet09-01.pd

18




advertise their prices (they are not currently allowed to do so, do you

know how much an MRI costs?), allow them to compete for patients. This

will drive prices down, making health care once again affordable, as it was

for our grandparents. New technology will drive prices down, as it should,

not up as it does now. Imagine the powerful engine which put a cellphone

in every hand in America inside of ten years, what it could do for ourhealth in just as long. It was not government which did that, it was you

and me, in the market.

The regulations favor the corrupt. Those who originally intended to

fight the corruption have themselves been corrupted. This is called

'regulatory capture,' and is a documented trend. Wallstreet and Washington

broke the economy, and who got the short end? How many bankers,

politicians, and bureaucrats have been arrested for their lying, unethical,

illegal behavior that brought about the 2008 downturn? Zero.

There was a time when if one wanted to support equality, individual

rights; to stand against corruption in governance and corporations, he had

to vote Democrat. That time passed, but most of Appalachia did not get themessage. The Democrats do not even fight for Appalachia's votes, they just

assume they will get them. Mostly, they are right.

There was a time before that, and some might argue after, that to

support limited government, an originalist perspective of the Constitution,

and individual rights; to stand against corruption by Big Labor, and

lobbyists, he had to vote Republican. That time passed, but most of

Appalachia's so-called 'conservatives' did not get the message.

It is time for a new direction. One which will put Appalachia and

her people first. One which seeks to enshrine the revolutionary ideals of

Founders. To protect individual rights, to limit the size of government,

to not pick winners and losers, and to keep our access to truly freemarkets (which we have not had for hundreds of years) open. More on this

to come...

Absentee landowners

In West Virginia we have an interesting problem, which is paralleled

elsewhere in Appalachia, too. It is much the same as the problem of a

gunshot victim. We are hemorrhaging our lifeblood. Absentee landowners

and corporations earn their money here, and then send it out of state.

This can also be seen in Walmart's business plan. We give them our money

and they take it elsewhere.

When money stays here in Appalachia, it does a lot of work 10. Johngives it to Jane, and Jane to Mary, and Mary to Martin, and on and on.

That one piece of money does the work of one-hundred pieces if it stays.

When it goes, it goes forever, and is lost.

But money is not the only thing which we are hemorrhaging, nor is it

10 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,513877,00.html

19




the most important or precious. We are losing our young people.

Washington is robbing us of our very children, of our future. As they

leave, our culture, our people dies.

This relates to the previous chapter's section on education, and why

are young people are forced to flee their mountainhome. Please re-read

that section, as its importance cannot be overstated.

Serfs in the coal mines

Right on the tails of absentee corporations and landowners, is the

neo-serfdom that Washington demands of Appalachia. In South America, they

have a phrase which translates, “We eat the mines, and the mines eat us.” 11

They know and acknowledge that their daily bread is torn from the earth in

the form of coal, or tin, or iron. But the mines also eat the people.

Black Lung, silicosis, accidents, bad working conditions, death. This is

the price Washington demands of our people. And we have paid it many, many

thousands of times. My family has paid it, I would bet yours has too.

With our reserves of coal and gas, we should be the wealthiest region

of these untied States. Do you hardly need to be asked, “is it so?” Are

we wealthy? Are our children educated in a top-tier manner? Are we the

healthiest of peoples? No, no, and no.

It is our land. It is our resources which produce the energy that

feeds the Leviathan. It should be we who benefit. We will gladly sell

coal, electricity, goods, and services to all who would deal with us

honestly. But not one ounce of coal, nor pound of gas, nor watt of

electricity should go to feed those who would be our masters.

Maybe they intend to be good masters, but they intend to be masters

just the same.

11 Nash, J. (1993). We eat the mines and the mines eat us: Dependency and exploitation in bolivian tin mines. Columbia

University Press.

20




IV. The 'Washington First' Party

Perversion of our Constitution

Since at least 1913, there have been those in Washington who havesought undue influence and power. They have amended the Constitution if

not outright illegally (which some allege) at least ignobly. They

perverted our Federal system with a tax on wages, which even the Supreme

Court in the Stanton Decision12 said they could not do. They cut the States

of at the knees with the popular election of Senators, thus destroying the

careful balance in Congress. They increased the power of the executive

every year for generations, until we live under all but a dictatorship, and

some would say even that, with a President who can kill American Citizens

without trial, or unilaterally change national immigration policy.

Washington has de facto ended the contract between the States and

itself. If they are not bound by the Constitution (and you cannot findsomeone who truly thinks that they are) why should we be bound by it? It

is sad to say, but the Constitution is on its last legs.

We can, however, save its ideals. If several States who are true to

the ideals of this nation come together, we can again use the ideas of the

Constitution as the drafters prepared it, with the Bill of Rights, and

select portions of the following; namely, to outlaw slavery, secure voting

rights, etc.

We could also go back to the Articles of Confederation, or adopt a

new standard, if one were desired at all. Regardless, Washington has

violated the trust we put in it, and is acting like an abusive spouse who

still expects the battered one to fulfill marital obligations. It is time

we do as a battered spouse must do. We must leave.

The metaphor of the battered spouse is very apt. Like that one, we

make excuses for Washington. We believe it capable of change, in the face

of a preponderance of evidence to the contrary. We hide the marks it

leaves on us, and we just wish it would love us again. We cannot imagine

going anywhere else. We believe we need it, and that it needs us. We

believe we can save it.

But like the battered spouse, we too must come to the realization

that the situation will not get better on its own. We must leave, and the

sooner the better.

We are strong. We can do it. We just have to leave.

Dismantling of the Bill of Rights

Building on the previous section, this one shall be short.

12 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanton_v._Baltic_Mining_Co.

21




NFA'3413, GCA'6814 and FOPA'8615, the so-called “Assault Weapons” Ban16,

the Brady Bill17, the so-called PATRIOT Act18, the Military Commissions

Act19, the loss of Habeas Corpus and Posse Comitatus, the John Warner

Defense Authorization20, the “Health care” Mandate21, The National Defense

Authorization Act of FY 201222. All of these and more have effectively

repealed the Bill of Rights.

Americans can be held without trial, indefinitely, on foreign soil,

on mere suspicion23. Presidents have killed American Citizens, without due

process, they were assassinated. In one instance, a 16-year old son was

also assassinated24. One Congressman even proposes that on the accusation

of terrorism, a person be stripped of their nationality and citizenship 25.

Consider just what exactly that means.

Energy and the EPA

Washington demands our energy, while crippling us in the attempt to

provide it. We should halt all energy exports until new contracts can be

signed. We are not the thralls of Washington. They need us, and we need

them, but we will no longer be riding in the back of the bus. While we

renegotiate with the needs of Washington, we should be happy to fulfill

contracts with other States, partners, and the global markets.

Exports equal wealth

Appalachia produces steel, coal, chemicals, aerospace products,

natural gas, food, textiles, lumber, and more. There are markets for our

goods, and if we can renegotiate from a position of strength, with a sound

currency, and the knowledge of our ownn self-worth, much will change here.

Our Founders gave us the advice to trade will all, but haveentangling alliances with none. We have ignored this in the last 80-years,

and now Washington finds itself the policeman of the world, and Appalachia

is paying the butcher's bill.

A re-focusing of our international policy on trade and exports will

fundamentally alter our interactions with the world. We can make it very

13 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Firearms_Act

14 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_Control_Act_of_196815 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firearm_Owners_Protection_Act#Machine_Gun_Ban:_The_Hughes_Amendment

16 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Assault_Weapons_Ban

17 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brady_Handgun_Violence_Prevention_Act

18 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_PATRIOT_Act19 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Commissions_Act_of_2006

20 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Warner_Defense_Authorization_Act

21 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affordable_Health_Care_for_America_Act

22 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Authorization_Act_for_Fiscal_Year_201223 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Authorization_Act_for_Fiscal_Year_2012

24 http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/anwar-al-awlakis-family-speaks-out-against-his-sons-

deaths/2011/10/17/gIQA8kFssL_story.html

25 http://rt.com/usa/news/expatriation-act-citizenship-ndaa-737/

22




clear, Appalachia has no desire to occupy or invade foreign nations. We

seek open markets for our goods and services, we welcome others to our

nation and our schools, and we hope for peace and trade. Always

remembering TANSTAAFL.26

This is not a weak position. We know that in the instance where we

might have to defend ourselves with force, we are more than capable of

doing so. We are the backbone of the US Armed Forces, and we will maintain

that strength even when standing on our own two feet, and no longer

carrying Washington's water. In fact, we will be stronger for having

dropped its heavy yoke.

Energy is the only commodity

Well, energy and information, actually. Favorably, we have both of

these. Appalachia does work in energy production, aerospace, we have tier-

1 research universities, and military academies. We are a strong, and well

equipped people, and look forward to sharing these things with our

neighbors and trade partners.

In a world where the biggest commodity is energy, Appalachia is well

situated to take advantage of this. Even internally, when the first factory

in the mountainhome opens its doors to sell a brand new vehicle that is

made by Appalachians, for Appalachians, and running on the clean-burning

natural gas of Appalachia: that will be a day to see. It will mark a

turning point. We know energy independence, if not synonymous with

national security it at least rhymes a good deal. Why wait to be the first

North American nation to actually secure that promise and that goal?

Taxation with Representation ain't so great, either:

One of the petitions of our Founders was for Representation. In

theory, we are being Represented in Washington. In practice, not so much.

As it is, the amount of representation we are getting is not worth the

treasure or the price in blood which we pay.

It might be time to reevaluate what exactly we are getting from that

Contract, which is explicitly being violated on a daily basis by the other

partner. If you sit down at the poker table, and are trying to figure out

who the sucker is, and are having a hard time: then you are the sucker.

We need to look around, reevaluate our resources, look to first

principles, and determine what we as a free people should do.

26 There ain't no such thing as a free lunch.

23




V. A plan for our future

A Republic our Founders would recognize

It is clear that Washington has violated the covenant of theConstitution, and before that, revolted against the Republic which our

Founders authored. One possible vision for Appalachia, is a republic which

our Founders would be able to call their own. Strictly limited government,

with minimal powers and authority. One possible source of ideas could come

from Texas27 and their plans for an independent Texan republic.

It is clear that the Constitution itself is not capable of enforcing

its provisions. For this reason, any league or union of States would

necessarily be much less powerful than Washington has been able to become.

National defense would be a priority, but we would look to citizen

soldiers, County Defense Forces, and the like for protection from invaders.

An Appalachian Free State, or Appalachian Republic would not go abroad insearch of enemies to destroy. We would not take part in organizations such

as the UN, NATO, WTO, IMF, etc. We would trade freely with all nations,

and maintain a position of strength and culture, not unlike the Swiss.

Individual rights

No free society can have its foundations set on anything other than

respect for individual rights. We would recognize that all men are created

equal and sovereign, endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable

rights, among these are life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of

happiness. The word 'men' traditionally28 included all humankind, and we

use it in this way.

Right of Self-determination

We are, and of right ought to be free and independent. Our Founders

never would have signed a compact amongst the several States if they

believed it to be irrevocable. The Constitution is a contract, one which

has been violated and broken by Washington. We have petitioned and

received naught but further injury and insult. We have attempted to make

change, even when the odds were stacked against us, in the manner of which

Washington approved and prescribed. The one thing our Founders did not

include is a means for us to peacefully withdraw our consent. We believe

that all just government stems from the consent of the governed. We nolonger consent to Washington's governance. It is simple.

This is the last peaceful means available to us to rectify our

situation. We cannot hope to expel those who overthrew our Constitution

27 http://www.tcrf.com/constitution/English/index-English.html

28 In the past /man/ meant “human” while /wer/ and /wif/ meant male- and female-human, respectively. See 'werewolf' for

example. Any attempt at the use of language to further divide us should be scrutinized carefully.

24




and Bill of Rights from all the agencies and halls over government. So we

shall fill and and staff our own. You may keep your 10-square miles on the

Potomac, but Appalachia's mountains, valleys, fields, and her sons and

daughters are no longer yours. We are done.

Sound money for a strong people

One of the tools Washington has been able to use against us is the US

Dollar. By law we must accept it, we must trade in it, and we must pay

taxes with it. Washington borrows against it, borrows from creditors, or

prints more if it has run out. All the while our purchasing power is

decreased. To the point that to equal a 1913-USD, it would take about $370

of today's dollars29.

We need a sound currency to protect our wealth, to allow us to save

and invest, to assist in a stable economic environment. We would like to

see competing currencies, to allow the market to work, and keep away from adangerous systempunkt30 of vulnerability.

Education as the vehicle to independence

Thomas Jefferson said: "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free,

in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.

The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will

the liberty and property of their constituents. There is no safe deposit

for these but with the people themselves; nor can they be safe with them

without information. Where the press is free, and every man able to read,

all is safe."

One day, hopefully soon, a recognition of separation between school

and state will be seen as integral to a free society as that of separation

of church and state.

Imagine education co-ops, like in the vein of the health-care co-ops

you see springing up all across the country in response to government

intervention in health services. These organizations would help their

customers defray the costs. We would not expect every student to have a

private tutor, nor every parent to homeschool. We would need free market

choices in education, in addition to those.

Equality before the law

We know that all men are not equal in their abilities. We know also,

from vicarious and recent experience, that any force which would attempt to

make them so, is tyrannical and inimical to liberty. However, we can

guarantee equality before the law.

29 http://www.measuringworth.com/ppowerus/

30 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systempunkt

25




This then, is one of the hallmarks of a truly free society. How

might crime and punishment be dealt with in a more free society than the

one we currently have? For one, without a victim, there can be no crime.

Personal choices are just that, personal choices. You are free to make a

fist and swing it, but the moment you strike someone else aggressively,

that is when a crime occurs.

One way to deal with crimes is a common law system of justice. A

jury would be impaneled, would hear the case, and decide. They might

request that the accused make restitution, to pay back the damages they

caused. It is not the place to play parent, however, and to punish. The

person, the crime, and the context could all be published for awareness'

sake. If the accused pays restitution, and court costs, he should go free.

However, if he declines to pay, then he could receive the most serious

punishment a free society has to offer. Outlawry. To be an outcast, an

outlaw, means that the law no longer protects him. No crimes can be

committed against him. If a violent action occurs, he is “outside the

law.” The community withdraws its protection of him, and let come what

may.

If the victim, his family, friends, and/or mutual aid society chose

to take out the price in blood, so be it. No crime occurs. It is a very

strict system, in which most will chose to play in good faith.

There could not be an abundance of regulations and statutes in such a

system. It would be as narrow as , “It is unlawful to cause injury to

life, limb, and/or property of another, excepting in the case of lawful

defense.” It is very much the golden rule, re-stated.

Equal access to markets

The Market is the sum-total of all non-aggressive/non-coercive humanaction. Equal access to markets is also a hallmark of a free and a healthy

society, and this would need to be paramount in a republic our Founder's

would recognize.

26




VI. Ways to maneuver: Resist!

Introduction

Until we get to the point where an Appalachian Nation is possible, wecan start laying the groundwork right away. We do not have to wait. You

can begin today to create such a society as we have discussed.

The first thing to do is to share the ideas presented in this book.

Either physically, digitally, or through conversation. The second thing is

to build networks of people. The third is to build competing structures to

the those controlled by the State. We do not need to occupy the halls of

government, we need our own halls.

Economics

Appalachia First

Imagine if there were a car which was entirely built in Appalachia.

The steel would come from Pennsylvania, the aluminum from from Georgia, the

oil for the plastics from West Virginia, the glass from The Carolinas, and

the leather from Kentucky. All the resources, labor, design, and

production would occur here, in the mountainhome. Would you not drive that

car over a Government Motors car, or a Japanese or European import?

It is easy to suspect one would be proud to drive such a vehicle.

Our cars could be tailored to run on natural gas, or use gas/coal-

liquefaction technology. We could develop safe and efficient electric cars

for city use, and biodiesel buses and trucks. Appalachia First means that we look to ourselves to produce what we

need, and we buy from our neighbors before anywhere else. We would also

seek to export our products, finding new free markets for our goods and

services.

We are a people with engineers and machine shops in every

neighborhood, miners and workers, designers and marketers in every city.

If not us, then someone else. Appalachia First.

Money and Markets

Alternative31 and local currencies32 are a good place to start, along

with barter and trade organizations. Local economic health is paramount to

moving forward. Does it not make sense to pay your neighbors for what you

need instead of a factory owner in China?

You can begin this portion tomorrow. Shop at the local flea markets

31 http://www.opencurrency.com/

32 http://www.paulglover.org/hours.html

27




and farmer's markets. Eat at those restaurants which serve local meats,

fish, and veggies. Support the local businesses, and keep that wealth here

at home.

Alternative and local currencies are an excellent way to both raise

awareness of the economic principles involved, and to take practical steps

towards achieving local resiliency.

Regulation and Trade

Consumer protection agencies, and an educated public would do far

more to protect us from the “vagaries” of the markets than government

intervention. FDA regulation keeps raw milk off of our tables, and

requires that producers use harmful chemicals on our food.

Food freedom is right up there in terms of importance to the right to

keep and bear arms. The USSR was able to use the machinery of government

to starve more than 10,000,000 people to death in the Ukraine 33, which has

some of the most fertile soil in the world.Thus we should be incredibly suspicious of anyone who seeks to

'regulate' our basic needs. Government is best which governs least.

Contains an awful lot of wisdom in such a small package.

Export and Energy

One of the things we will need to do is to begin to decentralize our

needs. This means community and household level production. Natural gas

can be made in household level quantities by putting your compost heap in a

container, and catching the off-gases in another34 (with proper safeguards).

We are not advocating that everyone live “off the grid” but we areadvocating a culture of self-reliance. So think creatively, work with

local homesteading groups, and turn your hobbies into nation-saving work.

Container gardens on balconies or terraces, solar hot water heaters,

a small garden for fresh veggies; all of these contribute to a more

resilient household.

Every bit of energy we save, either in fuel costs or elsewhere,

leaves that much more for export, and also represents environmental

protection and stewardship. Other cities and States will always be

interested in the energy we produce here at home, and we should be willing

to trade it to them fairly. A nation which exports more than it imports is

far stronger for the same reason that a family which cans its ownvegetables can weather a storm and power outage better than one which eats

out every night.

All of these policies and ideas interact. The catch word is

resiliency; and that should be our goal.

33 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holodomor

34 http://solarcities.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-build-solar-cities-hdpe-bio.html

28




Politics

Appalachia First

This is similar to the economic policy, but is pointed in a slightly

different direction. We have been holding the short end of the stick forfar too long. It is far beyond time that we starting thinking as

Appalachians and working together as Appalachians. As we begin to think of

ourselves as Appalachian before we think of ourselves as Alabamians or even

Americans, we will see the strength of our people, of our nation, flourish.

It is this Appalachia First principle in economics, in politics, in

thought, and action which will shepherd the way to return to Constitutional

principles and independence.

Limited government

“ A government powerful enough to give you everything you want, is

also powerful enough to take everything you have.” Most of our codes ofbehavior, our understanding of right and wrong, moral and immoral, are

socially enforced in Appalachia. We do not generally need a bunch of fancy

lawyers to tell us how to live. We expect that to be pretty much the case

in the future too.

We see a need for courts, and the like; but that does not preclude

private means of arbitration. A person or company might sign on to an

Arbitration Group, and sign a contract to be under their purview for

arbitration. He or she might then make it a condition of doing business

with them to sign a similar contract with their Arbitration Group or an

affiliated one. Anyone who signed that contract, and then broke it would

be published and “voted down” as it is on many online sites.

Just like in Appalachian towns, everybody has a reputation. A person

would in this instance too, but it might be qualified numerically, that way

even people who did not know your grandfather's grandfather would have a

way to deal with you knowledgeably, as both you and he deserve.

A rental office might look at your history via this number. If it is

too low, you might represent a risk, so they might charge a risk fee.

Others would not, giving you a chance to raise your score with timely

payments, good business practices, and the like.

We know that the market is capable of doing a better job for most

things. Arbitration is no different. Start building parallel structures,

there is no knowing how far we could go.

Liberty and Justice

The trick to being free Is to start thinking and acting like you are,

and then you are. Freedom comes from the inside. A man might be sitting

in a jail cell, more free than his neighbors who travel, work, and enjoy

recreation without interference. As we develop a consciousness for liberty

29




and justice (which is different than hedonism and revenge), the type of

society we seek will manifest. Society, country, family, etc. do not exist

other than as a collection of individuals. Individuals will bring about an

Appalachian society, too.

Committees for Appalachian Independence

Aside from voting with your wallet, as it were, you can do a few

other practical things right away too. Form a Committee for Appalachian

Independence in your county. The CApI will operate as a meeting place, a

chance to hash out programs and documents. A sounding board for raising

the issue of Appalachian Nationalism with your neighbors. These committees

can also operate as the civilian authority for County Defense forces, an

important function.

Society

Tolerance and Tradition

Appalachia, although drawing from diverse roots, maintains some

similarities across vast distances. One of those, is our respect for

privacy, family issues, and religion. This respect is another hallmark of

a free society. We do not have to condone the actions or beliefs of

another, but so long as those actions and beliefs remain non-aggressive, it

is no purview of the wider society to restrict, regulate, or otherwise

infringe on the natural rights of their neighbors.

Religion, spirituality, morality, and ethics

George Washington famously said that the Constitution was written for

a moral and religious people. So too, is morality and ethics as important

today in a free society. Although religion is no longer the sole guide for

ethics and morality, its importance cannot be understated for the average

Appalachian. We, as a people, respect God (whatever that may mean for us,

although traditionally a judeo-christian interpretation), family, and

independence. These are still important today, and no organ of government

should make actions respecting these establishments.

Culture of self-reliance

Not everyone needs to live “off the grid” but looking towards self-

or community-resilience is important even for those living in cities. How

long would Pittsburgh function without pressurized water delivery, food

being trucked in daily, and liquid fossil fuels? Not long, most likely.

Resilient communities and resilient families would make preparations

and investments to avoid such disaster. Today, this awareness is raising

30




like never before. “Prepping” has become mainstream, but it is still not

part of most people's daily thoughts.

One of the biggest obstacles right now to a free society, is the

number of people who have been conditioned to count on government coercing

others for their livelihood. We can start to address this immediately, buy

(not in a scary way) talking to our neighbors about preparation for

disaster or unrest. The internet is abound with such information, but keep

in mind there are an awful lot of keyboard commandos out there, so your

mileage may vary. If these ideas are totally new to you, follow this

footnote35 for a good primer.

The Rights of Man

The main differences between the American and the French Revolutions

was the distinction between the rights of man, and the rights of men.

Americanism focuses on individual rights, the rights of man. Whereas, the

French philosophy developed from a collectivist perspective, namely, the

rights of men. Such a silly thing, but the result was seen in the most

prosperous and free republic ever to grace the skin of the world, and the

rise of European socialism.

Appalachians understand both perspectives, but we know that our

charity and goodwill to the community must be voluntary; the woodpile

metaphor. If you never take from the pile, you never must give. However,

you can give and never take. It all goes back to our honor, our duty, and

our commitments.

Military

A military theorist and practitioner once described war as politics

by other means. The opposite is true as well. Our Founders warned us

against standing armies, which would include militarized police forces,

(Jose Guerena36, anyone?). For this reason, every Citizen capable and

willing to bear arms should do so. He or she should be familiar with

weapons, skilled in their use, and prepared to defend life, liberty,

property, and community. As a man and a husband, I not only believe it my

right, but also my duty to be armed. Others count on me. They might you,

as well.

For the above reasons, County Defense Forces seem a good alternative

to standing armies. A DF member would furnish his own equipment (whichcould be to a standard set by the CApI). Others might donate, voluntarily,

funds to equip those who cannot afford to do so themselves. They would

train, drill, and practice. It would fall very much along the Swiss model

35 http://www.pdf-archive.com/2011/10/26/anonymous-survival-guide-for-citizens-in-a-revolution/anonymous-survival-

guide-for-citizens-in-a-revolution.pdf

36 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/25/jose-guerena-arizona-_n_867020.html

31




for national defense.

In this way, every Citizen is both soldier and police. When we all

protect each other, we are all the most safe.

Defense and JusticeDuring the Civil Rights movement, there was a group called the

Deacons for Defense and Justice37. The Deacons protected the non-violent

civil rights activists. They were a community defense force. Many were

former military servicemen. It is this idea, this concept, of protecting

that which we value which leads so well to the idea of County Defense

Forces. In the event of an invasion or attack on Appalachia, the County

Defense Forces would mobilize. Periodic regional, state, or national

drills would work out in advance how these groups would operate when

together.

Interchangeability of ammunition (and preferably magazines, too),

with standardization of equipment would make these actions function bettertogether. Standardization of caliber, weapon, support equipment, etc.

would all help the Defense Forces to operate the most efficiently.

Citizen Soldiers

We were warned against standing armies, militarized police, military

dictatorship, and undue influence from the military-industrial complex38.

Appalachia is no stranger to citizen-soldiers, and we know the model works.

The main things which sets a government apart from other types of

organizations is that it maintains a monopoly on the use of force. This is

why our Founders included the Second Amendment. They knew that when the

people maintained the resources, the ability, and the will to remain free,that they would.

Just War

The Western 'just war' principle (just meaning righteous) is

inextricably tied to Christianity, and Christian thinkers contributed much

to its development and popular acceptance. To boil down just war theory

into a short section is difficult, and will of necessity leave some things

out. However, this should not dissuade you, but charge you to further

investigation.

A war is just when it is non-aggressive, meaning that it is in

defense, and not to conquer or build empire. It is just when a properauthority calls for it, in the American system that should be through

Congress. It is just when the force is directed and proportional. This

means that civilians are not proper military targets, and the amount of

force is proportional to the threat (i.e. don't kill a fly with a sledge

37 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deacons_for_Defense_and_Justice

38 http://youtu.be/8y06NSBBRtY

32




hammer).

Just war is a terrifically strict, practical, and moral perspective

on the use of force, and it is sincerely hoped that all who read this will

continue on in their studies in this arena.

All of these conditions must be meant for the war to be just. Thereis also a principle that the use of force should not do more harm than the

threat would, but this is a dangerous plank.

"If you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed;

if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly; you may

come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and

only a small chance of survival. There may even be a worse case: you may have to

fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to

live as slaves."

--- Churchill

Resistance and Duty

When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty. We are at thatpoint where we need to decide if the principles which gave our nation birth

are worth keeping, or whether we will lay down meekly and let these

revolutionaries overthrow our systems and way of life.

Appalachians are not known for this type of behavior, and our

expectations are high for your response. Not often have Appalachians

ignored the call of duty, and the need is more dire now than it has been in

generations...

Defense Forces

The reason behind the need for County Defense forces has already been

stated, so this section would go into some of the practicalities of them.Mostly, CDs should be light infantry. This is something the western world

has largely disposed of recently. By this we mean that a citizen-soldier

should be carrying minimal equipment, not 70 to 100 pounds of gear. Most

of this gear is common sense, a rifle, a sidearm, a combat load of

ammunition, a poncho, a liner or space blanket, a canteen, cordage, good

boots or shoes, and an individual first aid kit. This would be the basic

load out.

Specialists might carry more or different equipment. Some

communications equipment, engineers would need special materials, etc. In

general, “every soldier a rifleman” is the motto which makes for adequate

defense. A rifleman can hit what he can see out to intermediate distances.This means that with any rack-grade rifle and iron sights, he can engage a

target out to 600 yards.

He must have mastered the basics of rifle marksmanship, including

building a good position, proper sight alignment and sight picture, a

respiratory pause, and good trigger squeeze. Consistency is the name of

the game for rifle marksmanship, and everyone can learn it. There are many

33




books and marksmanship/history workshops. Take advantage of them while you

can. No amount of reading, however, can take the place of range time.

A County Defense Force should

standardize. For caliber you

might choose 5.56x45/.223 for

rifle, .9mm Luger for pistol, and

12-ga for shotgun, for instance.

You might also choose a .30-

caliber rifle cartridge for some

advanced marksman. Most scoped

deer rifle (excepting .30-30) make

excellent intermediate range

marksman rifles.

You might choose an equipment

set up like this one (above)

attached to the back of a MOLLE

FLC vest or ALICE belt. The LWSBis a three-season, compressible sleeping bag which is also light weight.

The Defense Force's motto should be “Fight light and live.” No one

who has stood on the two-way firing range will dismiss armor off the bat.

However, a lot can be done to cut down on the 80-pounds combat heavy loads

that many veterans are used to.

Standardized calibers is at the top of the list of importance, then

magazines, then spare parts. A fully standardized kit (including where you

keep everything) would be the best case scenario, but might be

prohibitively expensive for some groups in the begining.

Choosing something which sets your group apart is also important for

identification purposes. It might be a hat, a camouflage pattern, anarmband, etc.

When the times come for Regional Standards, those can be addressed.

This way we will have more than 40039 different solutions to the problem,

and can make the best choice possible.

39 Appalachian Region". Appalachian Regional Commission. http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeId=2 . Retrieved 2008-11-

27.

34

http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeId=2








VII. Conclusions

We find ourselves in dire straights. Only a few generations in

history are called to truly fight for freedom and liberty. We are living

in one of those times. The stakes could not be higher. If the ideals ofour Declaration and Constitution perish from this continent, there is not

another place on Earth today where those ideals live.

There is no other country to flee to, as many did during the Second

World War. No more lands of opportunity, no people who would welcome us.

It's liberty here, or bust.

The most serious threat, however, is that we might someday look into

the eyes of our great-grandchildren while trying to explain liberty and

natural rights, with the knowledge that we could have done more.

"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that

my child may have peace.”--- Thomas Paine

"Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased

at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it,

Almighty God. I know not what course others may take,

but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

--- Patrick Henry

Let us not leave it at that. Let us answer the call. When injustice

becomes law, resistance becomes duty, and Appalachians answer the call ofduty. Instead of that tragic story above, maybe we will look our great-

grandchildren in the eye, and tell them:

“We found Appalachia, and that we were Appalachians.”

Colonialism in Appalachia

Documents

Transcript of Colonialism in Appalachia