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While reading Brandon Smith’s article on Bitcoin, I came upon this succinct list of criteria for the Liberty Movement:
What I came to realize through my questions to Bitcoin followers was that many of them were not actually involved in the deeper aspects of the Liberty Movement, constitutional activism, sound money [and] self defense. Almost none of them had a preparedness plan, few of them had experience with precious metals, none of them owned firearms, and none of them had any inclination towards the building of local networks for mutual aid. Worst of all, many of them had no understanding of the wider threat of economic collapse that America faces today. In fact, when the possibility of full spectrum collapse is brought up, many Bitcoiners actually respond with the same brand of shallow dismissals that one would expect from the Paul Krugman’s and Ben Bernanke’s of the world.
Now, take the Bitcoin application out of the equation and let us ask the following question. What is the difference between the Liberty Movement and the Prepper Movement? The answer is given to us by Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration:
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
Not all preppers are part of the Liberty Movement. This is not an issue until the prepper believes that he or she is part of the Liberty Movement. Without conviction, these people represent a threat to your security. And the future of our Liberty. Here is a true story of a “Christian” man who is prepping and is in charge of a group:
This group has a base of operations which includes food, supplies, firearms, sleeping quarters for everyone and a military command structure. In fact, the man in charge spent a large portion of his life in the military. However, their leader’s goal is to stay off of the government’s “radar” when the SHTF. They want no part in building a community or pledging their lives for a greater good. They want to survive evil, not fight it.
People in the Liberty Movement must recognize that this type of conviction is a security risk. Any of your efforts to build a community and fight for Liberty is at risk if you continue to associate with prepper groups.
If I had to select one quality to explain the difference between a “prepper” and someone in the Liberty Movement, it would be Sacred honor. Sacred honor gives us the understanding to have the courage for a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence to fight for our rights under natural law. Do you want to belong to a compound or a community? Here is another excerpt from Mr. Smith’s article:
If Americans in particular want to pursue any solution to the threat of globalism or dollar collapse, they are going to have to start with themselves, and the community around them. Online trade is the last thing they should be worried about. Only when neighborhoods, towns, and counties become producers and self suppliers will they be safe from financial instability. Only when those same communities band together for mutual aid and self defense will they be safe from tyrannical political entities.
It is time to start building communities and networks with people who understand Liberty. Anyone who still believes in a political solution is a security risk to your future. Think about it: why would you trust someone who still has faith in the politicians who have enslaved us? Why would you put your security in people who are not willing to face reality? These are the people who will sell you (and your group) for thirty pieces of silver for some temporary security.
David DeGerolamo
“Only when those same communities band together for mutual aid and self defense will they be safe from tyrannical political entities.”
Only when communities are comprised of people who share the same definition of “liberty” will they band together.
I am wondering if there is such thing as having the liberty to be prepared. In this sense, we would hold both beliefs — that we should individually be prepared and responsible in that aspect, allow our neighbors to do the same, while at the same time being responsible to help and care for those around us, and to carry our our oath to the state/body.
Perhaps this is speaking to a more specific definition or group of people defined by the word Prepper.