Tuesday, March 26, 2013 7:34:00 AM
The Freeman on the Land myth: Debunked
Religion & Spirituality
October 7, 2009
By: Travis Barton
There has been a growing popularity, as of late, among conspiracy theorists regarding the Freeman Movement in the United States as well as a few countries throughout the world.
If you haven’t heard of this theory, you’ll likely be better off. For those who’ve read about it, or become influenced by it, however, either believe that it’s nonsense, or a very solid confirmation of legal slavery…In essence you either completely buy into it, or your don’t.
For those who’ve never heard of this movement, I’ve provided a brief description of what they believe. It requires some very extreme and dangerous methods that could land you in prison for fraud or a very tense stand-off with federal officers (which is exactly what has happened in the past). For those unfamiliar with this very strange and overwhelming conspiracy theory, I’ll try to explain it in a way that doesn’t make one’s head spin.
In short, the Freemen believe that The United States (along with several other countries) is operating under Admiralty/Maritime Law (which is used for Shipping, Banks and Corporations) as opposed to Civil Law (which is used for our countries’ citizens). The apparent proof that they claim to have of this, is the corporate status of the United States (more on that later) the gold fringe on our American Flag and the pseudo-legal definition of a person all somehow put our country under admiralty jurisdiction.
Another misconception is that Common Laws are the only real laws that Freemen have to obey. They are convinced that statutes are not laws and therefore, do not need to be obeyed.
The theory, in a nutshell, suggests that we are owned and operated as a bankrupt nation; by the IMF and that our income taxes are (not only unconstitutional) actually paying tribute to the Queen of England. Furthermore, they believe that our birth certificates render us as property of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, INC. because any legal document with your name in all capital letters (i.e.: JOHN DOE) represents a loss of personal liberty and submission to another’s will.
The theory claims that your name in all capital letters represents a “corporation” (aka legal person), whereas your name in lower case lettering represents a “natural person” (you). One of the arguments a freeman will tell you is that you are not a person, but you have a person, or more specifically you have a corporation. This is partially true, but we’ll explain how this is misinterpreted in the second half.
Essentially, they believe that if you agree to allow your birth certificate to represent you (which contains your name in all capital letters) then you agree to forfeiting your constitutional rights and therefore have willingly accepting the status of a corporation, which (again, according to the theory) reduces your rights to that of a debt slave.
Many Freemen see the moment when the United States chose to abandon the gold standard in 1933 as the beginning of the end. They believe that our country pledged its own citizens as collateral (via a birth certificate) in order to pay off their debts in exchange for currency. Apparently, the government sets up a Straw Man (via your birth certificate) with a bank account in your name holding up to 630,000 dollars per new born citizen.
They also express that through various, complex legal steps utilizing UCC (Uniform Commercial Code, a code that governs international trade laws) a citizen can file a notarized Claim of Right and a UCC-1 financing statement in a court of law and gain access to the money in this account. This is what’s referred to as capturing your Straw Man.
These very strange and confusing theories originate from the Redemption Movement, which was founded by Roger Elvick who was using this very same method as a means for tax evasion. Sadly, there have been many others that have followed in his footsteps directly to the big house.
Where, might you ask, did the freemen get these ideas from? It’s not one hundred percent certain, but the most logical conclusion would be the following:
In Ancient Roman methods of establishing legal capacity, there we’re three categorizations of status within this method of law.
Capitus Diminutio Minima (i.e.: John Doe) - The mildest loss of liberties that occur when ones familial relations have been legally changed, either for personal or legal reasons.
Capitus Dimuntio Media (i.e.: John DOE) - Is a medium loss of liberty which apparently represents a loss of family and citizenship, but not ones actual, personal liberties.
Capitus Diminutio Maxima (i.e.: JOHN DOE) - Is the one that Freemen get stuck on the most. It represents (again, according to the theory), a total loss of familial status, citizenship and personal liberties.
This has all been widely misrepresented as to how our laws in the United States actually work. Freemen are convinced that we render ourselves as corporate owned property and are submitting to the will of another by responding to any document that has our name in all capital letters.
Here are just a few of the fundamental flaws in typicial Freeman logic that need pointing out:
1. A UCC-1 financing statement is simply a form for small businesses when they need to establish security loans. Although one could possibly establish themselves as a creditor, putting ones name in capitol letters has absolutely no effect on ones status or sovereignty and could very well get you in serious trouble with the courts.
2. Your Birth Certificate is not a tradable commodity on the stock market. Occasionally, you can look up the red number on the back of your certificate and find one that matches, but this is not associated with you or your name in any way. It is simply a coincidence, based on the fact that the stock market generates so many new mutual fund numbers, there is bound to be several matches that would lead any paranoid person with a confirmation bias, to believe the worst. This is why it is key to remain critical of these things.
3. The United States of America has a corporation but it does not exist as one. The corporate status was created in order to represent an entity that couldn’t normally be brought to court. Afterall, you can’t summon the entire United States of America to court. That would make for quite the crowded court room. Hence the creation of this corporation. Ironically, this was done to make the legal process easier and it is for those who choose to understand it legitimately.
4. A person is not just a legal fiction. According to Cornell University’s U.S. Code Collection a person includes a natural person (including an individual Indian), a corporation, a partnership, an unincorporated association, a trust, or an estate, or any other public or private entity, including a State or local government or an Indian tribe. TITLE 28 .. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/28/usc_sup_01_28.html > PART VI .. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/28/usc_sup_01_28_10_VI.html > CHAPTER 176 .. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/28/usc_sup_01_28_10_VI_20_176.html > SUBCHAPTER A .. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/28/usc_sup_01_28_10_VI_20_176_30_A.html > § 3002. So the myth that a natural person and legal person are separate in the case of representing an actual human being in court, is entirely false.
5. The gold fringe on our American flag does not represent a country under admiralty jurisdiction and is quite often not even found on many of our official flags (as it was never mandated by any congressional or presidential authorization). Granted you will see this from time to time, but it doesn’t represent anything and there is no legitimate source to the contrary. In fact, According to a CRS Report for Congress dated August 23rd. 2004: The placing of a fringe on the flag is optional with the person or organization, and no Act of Congress or Executive Order either requires or prohibits the practice…It is recognized only as an honorable enrichment.
6. The legal definition of a court, according the Cornell University Law School: “Court” means any court created by the Congress of the United States. Even according to the very rhetoric of the Freemen movement, anything created by congress is considered constitutional. By its own legal definition, the court system for the United States is quite legitimate and has nothing to do with admiralty or maritime law, in its full capacity. However, in cases of U.S. maritime/admiralty disputes (regarding anything that falls under admiralty jurisdiction) a federal court does hear these cases, but they rarely have a jury and are still subject to the state laws of whichever state that federal court resides in. Again, state laws are completely constitutional by definition.
7. In no way does any ancient Roman Law, unless somehow incorporated into our statutes, effect one’s legal name or legal capacity and there is no evidence to suggest otherwise.
As obviously flawed as this theory is, there have been Freeman Movements popping up all over the world recently, including Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and most historically it would seem, the United States.
Sadly there have been some serious tragedies that have resulted from people who have taken this rhetoric to its most dangerous extremes. This ideology and mindset has led to some rather ugly events of isolationism and even terrorism on some occasions.
Some of these incidents include:
The Montana Freemen Incident: Several Montana Freemen had a stand off with the FBI in 1995 regarding a foreclosure on their property. The FBI stood down momentarily, in order to re-asses a more non-violent plan of action, due to the recent Waco Siege. After an 81 day negotiation process, 14 of the freemen finally surrendered and we’re brought up on charges.
The Militia Movement: A group responsible for inspiring and spreading many of these ideas. Many of the stereotypical conspiracy theories .. http://www.examiner.com/topic/conspiracy-theories .. one hears regarding survivalism, anti-government, tax protestation, sovereign citizenship and common law are perpetuated by this group. They’ve also been known to have ties to white supremacist and anti-Semitic groups.
The Oklahoma City Bombing: Both Timothy McVey and Terry Nichols were former members of the Michigan Militia and we’re inspired by the very same freeman based rhetoric that was being spread. This was also a retaliatory strike in response to the Waco and Ruby Ridge Sieges that took place a couple of years prior. They considered the government to be responsible for using unnecessary tyranny and violence against their fellow patriots and considered terrorism an appropriate response.
Posse Comitatus: Several of its members have openly engaged in vigilantism against government officials, including Gordan Kahl, who shot and killed three federal marshals in two standoffs, being fatally shot during the second one. Other members of the groups have been found guilty of several crimes ranging from fraud to tax evasion, many of which mirror tactics used by the Freeman Movement today.
The Christian Identity Movement: This group was widely influenced by Gordan Kahl and his actions in Posse Comitatus. They were first discovered in 1984 when a group called “The Order” committed a string of violent crimes, most notoriously of which, was the murder of radio talk show host, Alan Berg. Other incidents include several robberies and the bombing of a theatre and Synagogue. 10 members we’re tried and convicted of racketeering, another three members received convictions of violating the civil rights of Alan Berg. Sadly, not enough evidence was found to convict any of them of murder.
Aside from these historical references, there has also been recent rise in freemen attempting to use this misinformation in court. Ranging from disobeying a court order, challenging the judge’s jurisdiction and even going so far as demanding the judge be removed from the bench for lack of qualification. In some cases they’ve made attempts to enact what’s called a “fee schedule”, whereby they attempt to charge an officer of the law up to 2,000 dollars an hour for every hour they are in custody.
None of these above methods have ever really worked and at best have landed people in jail for contempt of court, at worst, landed people in prison or the morgue for shooting at federal officers or attacking civilians. These theories (as shown from recent history) can lead to intense irrational fears, distrust in ones own friends, family, government and society and a disturbingly depressing outlook on one’s own country. Not to mention, its lies have influenced more domestic terrorism and fundamental extremism than nearly any other group in the United States in the last decade.
There’s obviously nothing wrong with being critical of your government, but it helps, from time to time, to remember that our lawmakers are just too busy making our food, water, air, housing and roads safe to use, that they just don’t have time (and never did) to create a conspiracy this elaborate and ridiculous. Ironically, I recommend to anyone who likes being a free man, to steer clear of the Freeman Movement and the dangerous lies that they spread.
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-freeman-on-the-land-myth-debunked
Religion & Spirituality
October 7, 2009
By: Travis Barton
There has been a growing popularity, as of late, among conspiracy theorists regarding the Freeman Movement in the United States as well as a few countries throughout the world.
If you haven’t heard of this theory, you’ll likely be better off. For those who’ve read about it, or become influenced by it, however, either believe that it’s nonsense, or a very solid confirmation of legal slavery…In essence you either completely buy into it, or your don’t.
For those who’ve never heard of this movement, I’ve provided a brief description of what they believe. It requires some very extreme and dangerous methods that could land you in prison for fraud or a very tense stand-off with federal officers (which is exactly what has happened in the past). For those unfamiliar with this very strange and overwhelming conspiracy theory, I’ll try to explain it in a way that doesn’t make one’s head spin.
In short, the Freemen believe that The United States (along with several other countries) is operating under Admiralty/Maritime Law (which is used for Shipping, Banks and Corporations) as opposed to Civil Law (which is used for our countries’ citizens). The apparent proof that they claim to have of this, is the corporate status of the United States (more on that later) the gold fringe on our American Flag and the pseudo-legal definition of a person all somehow put our country under admiralty jurisdiction.
Another misconception is that Common Laws are the only real laws that Freemen have to obey. They are convinced that statutes are not laws and therefore, do not need to be obeyed.
The theory, in a nutshell, suggests that we are owned and operated as a bankrupt nation; by the IMF and that our income taxes are (not only unconstitutional) actually paying tribute to the Queen of England. Furthermore, they believe that our birth certificates render us as property of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, INC. because any legal document with your name in all capital letters (i.e.: JOHN DOE) represents a loss of personal liberty and submission to another’s will.
The theory claims that your name in all capital letters represents a “corporation” (aka legal person), whereas your name in lower case lettering represents a “natural person” (you). One of the arguments a freeman will tell you is that you are not a person, but you have a person, or more specifically you have a corporation. This is partially true, but we’ll explain how this is misinterpreted in the second half.
Essentially, they believe that if you agree to allow your birth certificate to represent you (which contains your name in all capital letters) then you agree to forfeiting your constitutional rights and therefore have willingly accepting the status of a corporation, which (again, according to the theory) reduces your rights to that of a debt slave.
Many Freemen see the moment when the United States chose to abandon the gold standard in 1933 as the beginning of the end. They believe that our country pledged its own citizens as collateral (via a birth certificate) in order to pay off their debts in exchange for currency. Apparently, the government sets up a Straw Man (via your birth certificate) with a bank account in your name holding up to 630,000 dollars per new born citizen.
They also express that through various, complex legal steps utilizing UCC (Uniform Commercial Code, a code that governs international trade laws) a citizen can file a notarized Claim of Right and a UCC-1 financing statement in a court of law and gain access to the money in this account. This is what’s referred to as capturing your Straw Man.
These very strange and confusing theories originate from the Redemption Movement, which was founded by Roger Elvick who was using this very same method as a means for tax evasion. Sadly, there have been many others that have followed in his footsteps directly to the big house.
Where, might you ask, did the freemen get these ideas from? It’s not one hundred percent certain, but the most logical conclusion would be the following:
In Ancient Roman methods of establishing legal capacity, there we’re three categorizations of status within this method of law.
Capitus Diminutio Minima (i.e.: John Doe) - The mildest loss of liberties that occur when ones familial relations have been legally changed, either for personal or legal reasons.
Capitus Dimuntio Media (i.e.: John DOE) - Is a medium loss of liberty which apparently represents a loss of family and citizenship, but not ones actual, personal liberties.
Capitus Diminutio Maxima (i.e.: JOHN DOE) - Is the one that Freemen get stuck on the most. It represents (again, according to the theory), a total loss of familial status, citizenship and personal liberties.
This has all been widely misrepresented as to how our laws in the United States actually work. Freemen are convinced that we render ourselves as corporate owned property and are submitting to the will of another by responding to any document that has our name in all capital letters.
Here are just a few of the fundamental flaws in typicial Freeman logic that need pointing out:
1. A UCC-1 financing statement is simply a form for small businesses when they need to establish security loans. Although one could possibly establish themselves as a creditor, putting ones name in capitol letters has absolutely no effect on ones status or sovereignty and could very well get you in serious trouble with the courts.
2. Your Birth Certificate is not a tradable commodity on the stock market. Occasionally, you can look up the red number on the back of your certificate and find one that matches, but this is not associated with you or your name in any way. It is simply a coincidence, based on the fact that the stock market generates so many new mutual fund numbers, there is bound to be several matches that would lead any paranoid person with a confirmation bias, to believe the worst. This is why it is key to remain critical of these things.
3. The United States of America has a corporation but it does not exist as one. The corporate status was created in order to represent an entity that couldn’t normally be brought to court. Afterall, you can’t summon the entire United States of America to court. That would make for quite the crowded court room. Hence the creation of this corporation. Ironically, this was done to make the legal process easier and it is for those who choose to understand it legitimately.
4. A person is not just a legal fiction. According to Cornell University’s U.S. Code Collection a person includes a natural person (including an individual Indian), a corporation, a partnership, an unincorporated association, a trust, or an estate, or any other public or private entity, including a State or local government or an Indian tribe. TITLE 28 .. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/28/usc_sup_01_28.html > PART VI .. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/28/usc_sup_01_28_10_VI.html > CHAPTER 176 .. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/28/usc_sup_01_28_10_VI_20_176.html > SUBCHAPTER A .. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/28/usc_sup_01_28_10_VI_20_176_30_A.html > § 3002. So the myth that a natural person and legal person are separate in the case of representing an actual human being in court, is entirely false.
5. The gold fringe on our American flag does not represent a country under admiralty jurisdiction and is quite often not even found on many of our official flags (as it was never mandated by any congressional or presidential authorization). Granted you will see this from time to time, but it doesn’t represent anything and there is no legitimate source to the contrary. In fact, According to a CRS Report for Congress dated August 23rd. 2004: The placing of a fringe on the flag is optional with the person or organization, and no Act of Congress or Executive Order either requires or prohibits the practice…It is recognized only as an honorable enrichment.
6. The legal definition of a court, according the Cornell University Law School: “Court” means any court created by the Congress of the United States. Even according to the very rhetoric of the Freemen movement, anything created by congress is considered constitutional. By its own legal definition, the court system for the United States is quite legitimate and has nothing to do with admiralty or maritime law, in its full capacity. However, in cases of U.S. maritime/admiralty disputes (regarding anything that falls under admiralty jurisdiction) a federal court does hear these cases, but they rarely have a jury and are still subject to the state laws of whichever state that federal court resides in. Again, state laws are completely constitutional by definition.
7. In no way does any ancient Roman Law, unless somehow incorporated into our statutes, effect one’s legal name or legal capacity and there is no evidence to suggest otherwise.
As obviously flawed as this theory is, there have been Freeman Movements popping up all over the world recently, including Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and most historically it would seem, the United States.
Sadly there have been some serious tragedies that have resulted from people who have taken this rhetoric to its most dangerous extremes. This ideology and mindset has led to some rather ugly events of isolationism and even terrorism on some occasions.
Some of these incidents include:
The Montana Freemen Incident: Several Montana Freemen had a stand off with the FBI in 1995 regarding a foreclosure on their property. The FBI stood down momentarily, in order to re-asses a more non-violent plan of action, due to the recent Waco Siege. After an 81 day negotiation process, 14 of the freemen finally surrendered and we’re brought up on charges.
The Militia Movement: A group responsible for inspiring and spreading many of these ideas. Many of the stereotypical conspiracy theories .. http://www.examiner.com/topic/conspiracy-theories .. one hears regarding survivalism, anti-government, tax protestation, sovereign citizenship and common law are perpetuated by this group. They’ve also been known to have ties to white supremacist and anti-Semitic groups.
The Oklahoma City Bombing: Both Timothy McVey and Terry Nichols were former members of the Michigan Militia and we’re inspired by the very same freeman based rhetoric that was being spread. This was also a retaliatory strike in response to the Waco and Ruby Ridge Sieges that took place a couple of years prior. They considered the government to be responsible for using unnecessary tyranny and violence against their fellow patriots and considered terrorism an appropriate response.
Posse Comitatus: Several of its members have openly engaged in vigilantism against government officials, including Gordan Kahl, who shot and killed three federal marshals in two standoffs, being fatally shot during the second one. Other members of the groups have been found guilty of several crimes ranging from fraud to tax evasion, many of which mirror tactics used by the Freeman Movement today.
The Christian Identity Movement: This group was widely influenced by Gordan Kahl and his actions in Posse Comitatus. They were first discovered in 1984 when a group called “The Order” committed a string of violent crimes, most notoriously of which, was the murder of radio talk show host, Alan Berg. Other incidents include several robberies and the bombing of a theatre and Synagogue. 10 members we’re tried and convicted of racketeering, another three members received convictions of violating the civil rights of Alan Berg. Sadly, not enough evidence was found to convict any of them of murder.
Aside from these historical references, there has also been recent rise in freemen attempting to use this misinformation in court. Ranging from disobeying a court order, challenging the judge’s jurisdiction and even going so far as demanding the judge be removed from the bench for lack of qualification. In some cases they’ve made attempts to enact what’s called a “fee schedule”, whereby they attempt to charge an officer of the law up to 2,000 dollars an hour for every hour they are in custody.
None of these above methods have ever really worked and at best have landed people in jail for contempt of court, at worst, landed people in prison or the morgue for shooting at federal officers or attacking civilians. These theories (as shown from recent history) can lead to intense irrational fears, distrust in ones own friends, family, government and society and a disturbingly depressing outlook on one’s own country. Not to mention, its lies have influenced more domestic terrorism and fundamental extremism than nearly any other group in the United States in the last decade.
There’s obviously nothing wrong with being critical of your government, but it helps, from time to time, to remember that our lawmakers are just too busy making our food, water, air, housing and roads safe to use, that they just don’t have time (and never did) to create a conspiracy this elaborate and ridiculous. Ironically, I recommend to anyone who likes being a free man, to steer clear of the Freeman Movement and the dangerous lies that they spread.
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-freeman-on-the-land-myth-debunked
It was Plato who said, “He, O men, is the wisest, who like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing”
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