Over the last three years, I’ve spent considerable time in study of the spirit of our Founders, the documents they wrote to commission our government, and the principles embodied in them.
On this journey, I’ve developed an appreciation for their choice of words and the structure of their writing. I’m feeling, however, that I am a member of a very small minority.
To give an example, consider Nicholas Cage’s character Ben Gates in the film National Treasure when he refers to the Declaration of Independence:
Inability to understand the language of Liberty has become a problem in our society.
I recently directed a polite email to every member of the NC Legislature which requested their support for legislation known as HB650. I used contemporary vocabulary and grammar from an example at GRNC:
Dear Representative:
HB 650, “Castle Doctrine and Amend Various Firearms Laws” has been thoroughly vetted by both the House and Senate now. It will come before you soon for a concurrence vote.
Please do the right thing for North Carolinians and support the right to effective self-defense by voting in favor of the final version of this Bill.
I will be watching the situation closely, and will follow progress via GRNC alerts.
Sincerely, Hans
I received a reply which also reflects contemporary language and structure.
As always, I will vote to advance the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens.
Jeff
Rep. Jeff Collins
House District 25
16 W. Jones St. | Office 1006
Raleigh, NC 27601
I examined this reply. While it sounded good, it did not “feel” right.
First I took exception to the idea that HB 650 is an “advance”. It is in fact a remedy to encroachments by the State against the Individual.
Next I reacted to the phrase “Second Amendment rights”, as this phrase implies the Amendment grants a right rather than documents a pre-existing Right of Man.
Lastly I wrestled with the implication that rights only apply to “law abiding citizens”. In our system of “equal justice” the law is supposed to apply to all, not merely those who abide by it.
Then I considered how Jefferson and Madison argued, in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798, that unconstitutional law is no law at all. How might one apply concepts of Nullification and Interposition against NC State encroachments on a Natural Right of Man?
I tested the components in the statement made by Rep. Jeff Collins against the spirit, language and principles of our Founders.
The product of my reflection was a reply to Rep. Collins. My note was civil, but phrased in the style and language of Liberty, as influenced by my study of the Founders:
Sir, this is no “advance”. This is merely recovery from years of unlawful infringement by the State.
We abide the law when it is just, but not when it makes mockery of the founding principles of our country.
North Carolina has been guilty of criminalization of behaviors natural to free men.
I never surrendered my Rights, and don’t require a “2nd Amendment” to remind me I have them.
With Honor, Hans
How did Representative Collins react? It is clear from his response that he either does not understand the language of Liberty, or he is disdainful of those who speak it:
I am sorry if you took offense at my words. Let me make it simple so you can understand. I ALWAYS VOTE FOR GUN OWNER RIGHTS. Do you have anything sassy to say about that?
You might want to try sarcasm with those who differ with you, and learn not to insult those who vote the way you want them to and also have the courtesy to reply to you, even though you are not in my district.
With all respect due,
Jeff
Rep. Jeff Collins
House District 25
16 W. Jones St. | Office 1006
Raleigh, NC 27601
919.733-5802
It is noteworthy that Rep. Collins first checked to be certain I was not a member of his district, and then accused me of insulting him with a sassy and sarcastic message.
I wonder how Rep. Collins would have responded if he discovered that I was a voter in his district. I wonder how I would have responded if he was in my employ rather than yours.
I could have engaged him about his ill mannered response, but did not.
I took no offense from your initial response to my request for support of HB 650.
I speak directly and to the point. My statement informed you how I feel about State intrusion upon my Liberty.
I was not “sassy” and I did not use “sarcasm”. If I intended to insult you, trust me you would have no residual doubt.
No further response is required.
Hans
Do you expect better behavior from your NC Legislators? I do!
But “people don’t talk that way anymore”.
I do! I speak the language of Liberty.
love it!
Truly insightful. I admire your attention to detail. Not only do people not talk like that anymore, most are too hurried to catch things like this. If it weren’t after the fact, and if I thought he would actually understand, I would almost consider sending him the very words of this article to “make it simple” for him.
This is interesting. I believe Mr. Collins’ mentality also further proves that his office is indeed a de facto office — one put into place by force and military order, rather than one of consent and of lawful origin. Though our rights are inherent, the government has not seen it that way since Reconstruction. According to them, U.S. citizens have but one right — the right to live here (US v, Valentine 288 F. Supp. 597). And so, taking this into consideration, Mr. Collins’ response seems a perfectly natural one. Perhaps he wishes to “advance Second Amendment rights” because he too has come to the realization that those rights are no longer protected. A response not from a person who speaks the language of liberty, but one who speaks the language of a de facto state employee, another puppet controlled by the hand of Washington. His votes are merely an illusion of power to keep himself and the masses from participating in a government body which they actually control.
I sent Rep. Collins an email with a link to this article when I posted it. To date I have received no response.
Perhaps I should have addressed it to the entire General Assembly…
Emails sent to both the House and Senate
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