We The People - The "Rebellion" Debate

From	Unedited Comment
Albany	"Continue your/Our fight"
Amsterdam	"Maybe this info in every NY paper."
Argyle	"The very strong threat of rebellion is a must! Then follow through if nothing happens - with the mild threat to bear arms. Play time is over!"
Argyle	"It appears that these people won’t understand anything less than rebellion."
Athens	"God Bless You, Bob Schulz!"
Baldwinsville	"Read T.J.’s Perspective and am impressed with your efforts and stand on the issue and I agree fully with your views."
Batavia	"This is high-handed action against which the citizens have rebelled before. Accolades to Bob Schulz."
Batavia	"Separate New York State into two states. A well organized group could create a template demonstrating to the federal government (keep it peaceful) a need for this separation. Base new state on constitutional principles. Select a day to separate and just do it. We (new state) pay our federal taxes and follow US Constitutional law."
Bellmore	"Talk about "injustice." Take a look at new policies for auto inspection down state (Nassau and Suffolk). I’m all for clean air, however, if your auto fails inspection (test is specifically designed to do as such. Ask any mechanic) you may pay $450 and get a sticker anyway. This is designed so poor people will lose their privilege to drive! While I’m at it, "Driving is a privilege not a right" and the massive corruption in the Motor Vehicle Dept. is criminal."
Belmont	"Keep up your good works, Bob. John K. Galbraith quote: ‘All successful revolutions are the kicking in of a rotten door. The violence of revolutions is the violence of men who charge into a vacuum.’ Suggest you read ‘Time Bomb 2000’ by the Ed Yourdon & Jennifer couple before you start y-ours. It will automatically happen for lack of insight, woe woe. On page 277 we await a new Thomas Paine, perhaps that you!"
Bolton Landing	"We are very lucky to have people like Bob with the courage and patience to fight corruption in corrupt courts with an often hostile media.When (not ‘if’) government becomes corrupt the only honorable solution is rebellion. The hard part, in these days of four-second attention spans, will be getting the public’s attention. I wish you the best. PS Have you read Gerry Spence’s new book "We The People". Seems as though the time may be ripe for change.
Buskirk	"What if anything is the State Comptroller Carl McCall doing? This has gone on too long."
Campbell	"Here in Steuben County the state wants 7 or 8 more deputies in the Sheriff’s Dept. just to guard the county courthouse because state judge Scudder is presiding there. The state and county governments want to insulate themselves from the people. Check out my statement above to insure accuracy. I may have facts amiss."
Chatham	"Why can’t we have a court that listens to the people!"
Clifton Park	"While I have done no research, it would appear that making charter schools over 250 students be required to be unionized violates several laws. The employees of such schools have a right to vote for or reject a union. Legislation cannot tell them they must unionize."
Corinth	"The legislative people seem above the law and can do anything they want. There are many different systems in government and law than there is law for people - wrong."
Corning	"I agree with T.J’s Perspective."
Cortland	"T.J.’s Perspective needs to be read by more people - we need a huge PR campaign and the money to support it. Do you know ex-Governor candidate Tom Golisano, Rochester "Paycheks" boss? He shares our concern about debt - would he share his $$$?"
Delmar	"But stick to one or two issues - once you get the teachers & school board lobbies active you probably will lose."
Diamond Pt	"Our elected officials are not following the rule of law on both state/local and federal levels."
East Hampton	"Long overdue."
East Meredith	"I, for one, am very hungry to see a resurgence of morality, respect, honor, truth, excellence, integrity & commitment. These principles were the foundation for the birth of American Constitution. We must rebel to maintain these principles! WE CAN CHANGE - WE CAN COME UP HIGHER!! We can be lights in a dark place - but it will take a decision."
E. Northport	"What’s new? I have always maintained there is one (1) government body. We do not have 3 separate bodies."
Fort Ann	"In light of comments by Judge Spain on November 23, 1998, I fully agree with Mr. Schulz and his response of ‘rebellion’."
Fort Edward	"Depends on what you mean by rebellion."
Ft. Lee, NJ	"We will never get honest results from appointees or members of any clique - their fidelity is to each other’s interest, not ours."
Franklin	"In view of the fact that ‘we the people’ give Clinton & Pataki such a high rating, I wonder how ‘we’ can ever be moved."
Franklin	"I believe the people in power no longer represent the majority and therefore should be ousted by any means necessary. They are putting themselves above the law and have to be stopped to preserve the state and the nation. I am making copies of T.J.’s and circulating to family, friends and neighbors."
Glens Falls	"Too many people receive their paychecks from government!! The number is staggering - I think that’s why more people aren’t participating. We can still win, tho...and we must.!"
Glens Falls	"We have a massively uninformed and indifferent electorate who can only be reached by saturation Ads on sports and sit-com channels. If we could get Mr. Golisano to put up the money for several selected candidates for the Assembly and Senate we could bore from within. They could get ‘public interest’ time to report the peccadilloes of their colleagues. We could try to get one Judge with integrity appointed to the bench. Are there Foundations which would grant money for this effort? We would also need phone banks and door to door coverage. As ‘Rebels’ we’d be dismissed as trouble makers and wrong thinkers! Spitzer and Schumer showed it could be done! It would mean a lot of work and dedication. I hope you’ll give it some thought."
Glenville	"The arrogance of government is shameful. Jefferson said: ‘It is the duty of the people to overthrow (such) government.’ To rebel, therefore, is our right and duty."
Hadley	"I know this is an extreme view but I sincerely believe that the powers of gov’t. will not change through normal civil procedures. It is against their natural interests to allow things like term limits, recall, initiative & referendum. They will have to be forced. Look at the trouble you had just to get a constitutional convention. I hope it doesn’t come to armed conflict, but I really can’t perceive these people giving up this power and control over our lives. From a radical who loves his country but hates his government."
Hampton Bays	"There is definite collusion between politicians, judges and the upper bureaucracy, something has to break this monopoly. PS The mass media too! Keep up the good work - Bob."
Harrisville	"What amazes me is that voters over the age of 50 yrs. still don’t understand the importance of virtue and credibility. God help us!!"
Hawthorne	"Please call if you need any help."
Henrietta	"Separate upstate is only answer. We could start all over and have a majority vote."
Hopewell Jct.	"Push non-violent, civil disobedience approach."
Hudson Falls	"There is no justice - all 3 branches of govt. are in bed together. The state govt. does as it pleases & the citizens allow them to do it. We cannot get citizens to vote - they won’t rebel either."
Hudson Falls	"This is a comment on your latest excellent TJ. I think we need a rebellion but I don’t think you can get the support of the people at this time. We the people thinking the economy is doing great, there is little chance of any support for any useful type of rebellion. We should have a meeting to get some ideas of what type of rebellion would be effective in showing our leaders we won’t stand for their contempt of the constitution. We should get a plan ready for the time we can get support for a rebellion. We need to educate the people on the importance of the constitution."
Hurley	"Equal protection"
Hurleyville	"I woke up this a.m. feeling all was hopeless. Washington is voting its conscience, but along party lines. Albany is deciding how to sell its soul for the raise without offending teachers. I thought couldn’t some streak of lightning start some kind of a rebellion. Then I went to the PO and there was your letter. How timely!
Johnsburg	"Something sure as hell has to be done dam soon, or we are headed for slavery to the wealthy and the powerful, which are above the law. ‘God what a hell of a mess we are in.’"
Kingston	"We must ask the question. How much of N.Y.S. problems are an effect of the global trilateral experience. Find the answer and then act on that answer."
Kingston	"I can’t say that I enjoyed your last newsletter dealing with Judge Spain’s comments to you in court (?). But you have raised important issues. Of all the options you suggest, I think the argumentum ad hominem may be the most effective, coupled with such appeals of his decision as are available. What a blatant statement of politicization of the Justice system! The remedy you suggest has occurred to me in respect to the despot and despotic party currently distorting the political landscape, including the Constitution. But you know all about Constitutions, so I may be overstating the case. I have contended that Clinton’s lies about public policy issues are more destructive to our society, and of a higher order than what he is currently charged with. The criminals frequently run faster than the Justice system, especially if one happens to be President."
LaGrangeville	"You won’t get enough people to support this idea while the economy is good - you need to appeal to the Federal courts to enforce the Constitution. Are you doing anything to get mainstream press coverage? I would put every major & local newspaper editor on your newsletter mailing list. The locals are always looking for news!"
Lake Peekskill	"Power to the people! No peace, no justice! Burn, baby, burn! Rock the Kasbah!"
Lima	"The Con. Conv. & school bldg. & renov were both defeated. The state is encouraging bldg new schools which will surpass the $2+ billion that was voted down, i.e., Webster $65+ mil, Britsford $35+ mil, HFIL $8.2 mil, etc."
Lockport	"Go for it!"
Lockport	"Keep up the good work."
Latham	"We need another Calico Revolution."
Malone	"I believe that something should be done. I wish I wasn’t so old so I could actively participate. I brought T.J.’s to local paper and asked they present it as an open letter to Geo. Pataki. I also brought it to the Plattsburgh "Press Republican" but their local office wasn’t open. I shall go to local office of Chris Ortloff, our rep. in Albany. I shall offer the membership application to newspapers. Wish I could help more."
Moriah	"A rebellion is what it will take!"
Mt. Kisco	"The sooner the better!"
Nanuet	"Media attention is unfortunately required and I don’t know how else it is to be obtained."
Newark	"A little rebellion now and then is good. But I don’t think anyone can get people out of their chairs for anything longer than a pizza in ’99. Keep pushing, looks (sounds) like you may have a judge that finally listens. With the gov. positioning himself for a run at 1600 Penn. Ave. maybe an ear could be found ‘to take back and embrace the state constitution’ in his office - politics, strange bedfellows, et al."
Norfolk	"Our legal people have taken it upon themselves to fudge our laws to suit themselves. They have succeeded in throwing God out of all forms of public assembly or public information. They have become God. They have taken God’s law, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and perverted it to be do it unto others before they do it unto you. When your President can lie, run from the draft, interpret the law to suit his situation - you know we are in trouble. A sadder story is that 50% of our elected people don’t know the difference between a lie and the truth. We can put up a good defense, but its in the ‘Good Book’ that we are done as a God fearing nation and we are on our way out as a world leader."
North Bangor	"It has overflowed to the counties, elected officials are operating on what they want and not what the people want. Same as the state officials."
Northville	"I believe actions of state government should be consistent with sound interpretations of our State Constitution. One approach, to resolve discrepancies, is to amend the Constitution. I sincerely believe, for example, Article XIV Section 1, should be amended."
Oneonta	"Thank you for your persistence in alerting us to government and its responsibilities."
Ossining	"Thank you for your wonderful work. Also for keeping us informed. A rebellion is surely necessary. We subscribe to T.J.’s"
Owego	"But actual rebellion to be mainly refusal to vote for idiots."
Pleasant Valley	"T.J.’s, ‘Yoke Upon The Necks’ - Summary View 1774 & ‘Public Happiness’ Dec. Of Ind. 1776 may have come from Boethius c.526 - written while awaiting execution for helping the people. (Public happiness is) a happy government which can only be so if it is not ‘a yoke upon discontented necks’ but ‘the salvation of the submissive.’ King Alfred translated Boethius into the Saxon language of the time. This knowledge was used by the Puritans in England to impeach Chas. I while over here Rodger Williams was using the knowledge to establish Rhode Island. We heard it as ‘self evident truths.’"
Pulaski	"I will help your effort as much as I can. I have a digital printer (black ink) - 120 copies/minute."
Putnam	"When even one judge is corrupt the system is weakened. I know that many judges are politically corrupted in N.Y.S."
Paradox	"Time to return home rule to counties and towns, and replace this legislative branch with a one house, one delegate per county legislature."
Purling	"Your articles on school board spending is on the money. It also is no surprise that our government uses tax money inappropriately. I sometimes think what a shame for Americans to cast a vote at all."
Queensbury	"Absolutely, but how to orchestrate & enhance a resounding roar of disdain and revulsion against the unconstitutional operations of the NY State Legislature? The President has been impeached for less than these crimes!"
Queensbury	"In order to give the debate a solid foundation, considerable time should be spent educating and re-educating the audience about the government’s numerous transgressions against the constitution. It is important to show that there is no solution within the legal system: that the legislature and governor continue to hold the constitution in contempt, that the Court of Appeals is conflicted, that the federal courts so far have not helped, and that the Judicial Conduct Committee is also conflicted. Rebellion can mean non-violent resistance and civil disobedience, but as Charlie Reese notes, many can take it to include armed revolt, if necessary. And this brings up the subject of the 2nd Amendment. So the debate can make a distinction between peaceful and armed rebellion. Should make for a lively discussion.
Queensbury	"If taxation continues to be oppressive it is just a matter of time before rebellion occurs. Nationally, if the corruption continues, there will be an overthrow of the government and loss of our democracy such as it is."
Queensbury	"Being informed is the first necessary step toward change."
Queensbury	"There are many unconstitutional practices in all levels of American government being upheld by our courts because our Constitution has been suspended under a State of National Emergency (March 9, 1933). Discussion/debate should include the exhaustion of all legal remedy to the problem including setting up a common law (dejure) parallel government to challenge the authority of the defacto illegitimate regime. Information about the constitutional violations and unconstitutional practices must be published and publicized while providing a dejure parallel government to provide true constitutional civil authority for the people to support in order to prevent anarchy. Authority for the dejure parallel government must be explained and defended and the dejure parallel government must have the courage to exercise the authority that legitimately belongs to it."
Rhinebeck	"In a word the entire government from all 3 branches are ‘liars’."
Rockville Centre	"Open discussion in a free society on any subject is expected."
Rexford	"It is hard to answer the question ‘Is rebellion necessary in NYS?’ without knowing how in practice we could rebel. I agree with ACTA’s decision to attempt to engage the public in vigorous debate on the question and think we should pull out all the stops to make this successful, but what can we do for a rebellion? As someone once said ‘What if we had a war and nobody came?’ Alternative rebellion plans: 1. Blow up the capital, take hostages, etc., Ridiculous - force won’t work. 2. Withhold tax payments. Severe financial penalties will discourage most all from doing so. 3. Tie up government operations by every maneuver conceivable, e.g., sit-ins. Would get attention. 4.??? The only effective action that I can think of is to engage the public and inform it of what it can do: letters to editors, calls to legislators, discuss with friends – What do you have in mind?
Riverhead	"Keep up the good work! Thank you!"
Saranac Lake	"The word ‘rebellion’ really stirs up the juices. Softening it to ‘debate’ settles them a bit. As for this particular area, it takes something risky to get people stirred up. They rebelled against prohibition. They might rebel against government tyranny but they do not seem inclined to come to meetings to just debate."
Sand Lake	"No armed rebellion - but by ballot box (all aspects of voting), relentlessly."
Schenectady	"Pursue these to US Supreme Court."
Schenectady	"One hell of a mess!"
Schuylerville	"It is my feeling that our governments (Federal & State & Judiciary) are no longer just corrupt but are now criminal. If you think that tobacco fiasco was because that bunch of baby butchers care about the kids smoking – I’ve got this nice bridge down in Brooklyn that you’ll find is a great deal. They mugged the tobacco industry and now are mugging Mycrosoft’s deep pockets. Harry Hopkins was a big part of FDR’s administration. A reporter asked Harry, ‘Why don’t you let the people govern themselves?’ Harry replied, ‘Because they are too damn dumb.’ Harry Hopkins was right. So many people either work for the governments, are on welfare, being subsidized, etc., that I doubt it is possible to change anything. But I wish you the best of luck in your efforts."
Silver Lake	"Believe it is very necessary. Do not have much to give, none at present but shall pray (am praying). Thanks for your dedication & sacrifice to and for justice and America, especially New York State."
Sloansville	" ‘Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God!’ (Patrick Henry) I concur. How can I be of service?"
South Cairo	"Vigorous debate - yes. Using ‘Rebellion,’ ‘treason,’ ‘strict separation of powers,’ ‘meaningless votes,’ ‘Gov’t education monopoly,’ ‘judicial activism,’ ‘constitutional rights,’ etc. Great Issue #41.
St. James	"It is shocking that the Judiciary is not enforcing the Constitution of NY. I support ACTA’s efforts to stop ‘back door’ borrowing."
Summit	"The law and justice do not necessarily go together. Nor is the law always applied equally."
Ticonderoga	"Government at all levels had adopted the policy that the ‘End’ justifies the ‘Means’ and is ignoring and violating the laws. This is truly an alarming situation. This policy should not continue or be allowed to grow. NYS borrowing is typical. The failure of the judiciary to properly respond creates the dangers of anarchy or dictatorship. Your efforts and those of ACTA are commendable."
Ticonderoga	"I think constant and relentless publicity in state media, newspapers, radio, TV, web pages, inter-links, etc. may be the best bet to get action and co-operation from the politicians and the Judiciary."
Townsend, GA	"I left New York State years ago - 5 years was enough. I still have family who live there. I don’t like to visit. I don’t want to spend any of my hard earned dollars to help fill their marxist/communist coffers. Good luck in your work. You have my prayers and financial support. Perhaps the most oppressive socialist state in the country would be the ideal place to begin rebellion."
Troy	"I would like to see a mok impeachment trial brought against the judges, especially Kaye,"
Troy	"Keep up the good work. All of the Legislature are only self serving, no statesmen."
Vestal	"You are doing a wonderful job. Keep it up. However, the word ‘rebellion’ conjures armed conflict in many people’s mind. It sounds extreme and I do not believe the common New Yorker would accept that."
Wading River	"Must require teaching of NY State Constitution in Junior High and High School."
Wading River	"We do not have a choice as far as I am concerned. Someone has to step up and stop arrogant abusive government which consists of arrogant abusive politicians and their lackeys."
Wappingers Falls	"Yes in principle, that is what ‘should’ happen. However, the public remains too apathetic & defeatist and society is being overtaken by events that will destabilize everything. My own efforts with a local taxpayer organization have failed to achieve anything."
Wappingers Falls	"We must ask Congress to separate NY State from NY City. When the Constitution was enacted, the framers had no idea that a City would become so large and overwhelm the rest of the state. The same for other city/states. Cities tend to be more liberal and are destroying this country."
Waverly	"Yes, a debate that draws publicity (CNN, etc.) may awaken the public. With A. Cuomo and Pataki each seeking National office, it could prove embarrassing to them. But the general public does not comprehend, nor care about bonded debt. It looks at real property tax abatement, with Pataki wearing a white hat. I suggest you examine McKinneys, Judge Lounsberry’s introduction to one of the volumes (Taxation?) He details fear of a public rebellion - in that latter part of the 19th Century which prompted the construction of National Guard armories in major cities. My own experience in seeking local tax reform was tolerated so long as the organization I chaired was a research and information source. Once we mounted political candidates, of all stripe, as a ticket in opposition, our access to the news media was muffled. Secure your press relations early.
Westhampton	"Should be way to put decision on trial. Otherwise we have impasse and dictatorship and worse."
West Seneca	"Let me know if you set up any ‘statewide citizen vigilance centers’ in the Buffalo area." Wynantskill "Where can I get a copy of the NY Constitution?"
Wilson	"I have observed that at both state and national levels there is disdain for the common man. It is especially disturbing that the judiciary refuses to administer the laws as they should."