I was inspired by this manifesto, which is a riff off of the Declaration of Independence, but I felt that their translation gave Trump too much of the blame and let the rest of us off the hook. Here is my version:
In Community, July 4, 2021
A Declaration of Citizens of the United States of America
There comes a time when it becomes necessary for a group of people to divest from a government, and to become a separate and equal governing body. This has happened throughout history, as humans are entitled to self-governance and autonomy. When this happens, it becomes necessary for that group to explain the reasons for that separation.
We believe that there is an inalienable truth that all people are created equal, that they are entitled to certain rights simply by their humanity. Among these rights are the right to live, freedom from oppression, and the ability to pursue a life that is fulfilling to them. Governments should work to ensure those rights for all who live under them and should always operate at the permission of their people. When a government abdicates these responsibilities, it is the right of the people to change or get rid of it, and to create a new government. That new government must be founded to maximize safety and fulfillment for all. We do understand that we should not get rid of a government lightly or on a whim, and we understand that it is easier for people to suffer great evil than to change what they have gotten used to. But when a people has suffered continuous abuse and oppression at the hand of their government and its leaders, it is their right - their duty! - to get rid of that government and provide new safeguards for their future security. This has been the way our people have suffered recently; and now it is necessary for us to alter once again our former system of government. The history of the present leadership of the United States of America is a history of repeated injuries and oppressions, all based in the establishment of an undemocratic tyranny over its people. To prove our cause, here are the facts on the ground.
The government of the United States of America has refused to fairly and equally uphold the laws of this country upon all our citizens.
The government of the United States of America has tied the hands of Governors and political bodies of the states, and has denied help to them in their times of need.
The government of the United States of America has refused to enfranchise many American citizens, including those living in US Territories, Washington, DC, and those with criminal records. We believe that everyone has the inalienable right to their vote and only tyrants refute this.
The government of the United States of America has made the legislative process opaque and hard to access for the average citizen, and has withheld from its people their right to be directly involved in local, state, and federal government. We believe that transparency in our government is a fundamental tenet of democracy, and a lack of transparency serves only to exhaust people into compliance with unjust laws.
The government of the United States of America has used police and National Guard soldiers to disenfranchise peaceful citizens on numerous occasions, merely for objecting to the invasion of their rights.
The government of the United States of America has repeatedly refused to confirm judges because of partisan enmity and hobbled the effectiveness of the government itself by leaving open important appointees. This has caused disruption to the people within our borders and is a danger to our national security.
The government of the United States of America has abandoned its commitment to immigration, a foundational value of this country, and has restricted beyond reason non-citizens’ paths to citizenship.
The government of the United States of America has obstructed justice by refusing to adjudicate the appointment of judges fairly.
The government of the United States of America has allowed its leaders to put corrupt and partisan judges in place at the local, state, and federal level, and has allowed shady dealings to get those judges appointed.
The government of the United States of America has created new entities like the TSA (Transportation and Security Administration) and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and hired officers to repeatedly harass, fine, and bully its citizens.
The government of the United States of America has used the military and National Guard against its people in times of peace.
The government of the United States of America has tried to create quasi-governmental militias to override the will of the people and its laws.
The government of the United States of America has allied with other countries against its own people, and subjected the people to minority rule.
The government of the United States of America has allowed the US Military to invade its towns and cities.
The government of the United States of America has protected police and other people in authority and allowed them to murder citizens with impunity.
The government of the United States of America has cut off important trade agreements with the other governments of the world.
The government of the United States of America has imposed taxes on the poor and middle class while allowing the rich to remain untaxed and retain wealth in the face of the nation’s multitudes who are suffering.
The government of the United States of America has deprived many citizens of a trial by a jury of their peers.
The government of the United States of America has allowed citizens to be imprisoned and executed even though innocent.
The government of the United States of America has used law enforcement to expand the boundaries of state control.
The government of the United States of America is destroying some of the fundamentals of a working society: the right to vote, workers’ rights, the institution of the post office, welfare programs, and many other institutions.
The government of the United States of America has suspended the rule of law and taken away the power of citizens to self-govern.
The government of the United States of America has waged war on its own people, declaring some of us subhuman.
The government of the United States of America has abdicated its responsibility to address the health of the environment and allowed major corporations to destroy our natural resources.
The government of the United States of America is at this time financially supporting multiple genocidal and violent regimes around the world and using the military to overthrow other governments against the will of their people. These immoral behaviors are unfitting for leaders of a civilized nation.
The government of the United States of America has turned its citizens on one another and actively encouraged violence between fellow Americans.
The government of the United States of America has incited partisan fights, propped up structural racism, and glorified white supremacy.
At each point until now, we have peacefully called our government to account, and our peaceful protests have only been met with more oppression. A government whose actions look like this is a tyrannical government, and that type of government is unfit to govern free people.
We know that there are Americans who support this government. We have attempted to educate them as to how this government as it exists today has been oppressing its people. We have reminded them that our history should be told in such a way that all Americans see themselves in it. We have encouraged them to see all Americans as fully human and to join us in denouncing white supremacy and creating an America that reflects the value of every human on its soil. They too have been unwilling to hear the voice of justice and acknowledge that we all come from the same human stock. So we must regrettably leave them behind and hope that they choose to be peaceful friends and not enemies in war.
We therefore, citizens of the United States of America, in communal discussion and appealing to all that is good in this world that our intentions be just, declare that we are free and independent citizens of a not-yet born America. We declare that we are no longer allied with the current government of America with its commitment to white supremacy and minority rule, and that all connection between us and the current government be totally dissolved. As free and independent citizens, we have the full power to fight, make peace, create alliances, trade, and do all other things which independent citizens may do. And we also mutually pledge to one another our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.
Nevada
Sara Zober
Feel free to sign with your state in the comments.
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