Libertas

“Of all 36 ways to get out of trouble, the best way is – leave.” – Chinese Proverb

I thought there would be a line in the sand, but it’s been more of a blur, a change in the texture, a change in the atmosphere that most seem not to notice. I suppose that if I had seen soldiers in the streets or heard martial law being declared that that would have been my signal, but then would that be too late? Do I want to leave on my terms and be established or flee as a refugee? The longer I wait, the more likely I’ll be a refugee. Getting groped at the airport would have done it for me, but I’ve missed out on that pleasure so far, but for how long? It’s already happening; it’s just a matter of time.

People are already being picked up, tortured, held indefinitely, not enough for most to notice, but it’s happening. It’s just a matter of time before it happens to you, me, or someone we know. When President Obama ordered the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki, an American citizen and a later attack that killed al-Awlaki’s teenage son, also an American citizen another line had been crossed. Soon it will happen in the US. Why should I wait for it to happen before I leave? I can’t stop it. I can complain, warn, even demonstrate, but none of that will work unless others wake up, and if they don’t? Better to be established and able to help others when they need me than to trust the masses. They have a history of falling for charlatans and demagogues.

Reichstag Passes The Enabling Act (23 March 1933)

Last week the Senate approved sections 1031 and 1032 of the National Defense Authorization Act that allows the US military to capture and indefinitely detain citizens on American soil. Though Obama has threatened to veto it, the Patriot Act which he supports has effectively turned the country into a police state anyway. The laws are there; it’s just a matter of time. If this passes, another line will have been crossed.

Though I have hope that Ron Paul can win, but I’m not risking my future on his winning and the American people waking up in time. If they don’t, there is no point in remaining. Benjamin Franklin said, “Where there is freedom, there is my country.”  I love America, and I love freedom, but I love freedom more. The US Federal Government, that has destroyed so much of our liberty, is not worthy of my respect or loyalty. I am an enemy of the state. For me, to support it is hypocrisy, even immoral; to remain within its reach is foolishness.

It’s time to go. If Ron Paul wins, then there’s a chance that I might return, but in what direction is the US government moving? Towards greater freedom or greater tyranny? If the American people do not have the wisdom to elect him, then the death of liberty in American is certain. If he does win, the fight will still be great. I hope he does win. I hope the American people regain their love of liberty, but I’m not trusting my life and future on their wisdom. I have no control over them, but I do have control over my actions. I will not be a victim of the whims of others.

Though there was no one event that made me decide to leave, I’ve known for a long time that I should. I’ve waited for some event that I could point to to justify my leaving. I don’t need to do that. I don’t need to justify to anyone but myself. It is time to get out before it’s too late.

Now I need to decide where to go.

Recommended:

Finding Freedom In An Unfree World by Harry Browne

The Sovereign Individual: Mastering the Transition To The Information Age by James Dale Davidson and William Rees-Mogg