THE VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION WARRANTY


 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer, and the following does not constitute legal advice. While it and the documents it references have been reviewed by selected attorneys, you should not  rely on these as the sole means of determining your actions. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney before making any decisions based on this concept. In no case should this be construed as a recommendation to break any laws, nor should this be considered a means of gaining immunity from prosecution for criminal acts.This document and the contract it refers to are intended for political  and philosophical discussion purposes only, and as such are protected speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION: 

 

 

 

The Voluntary Association Warranty (VAW) is a contract designed to protect Second Amendment activist groups and their members from infiltration by undercover government agents, agents provocateurs, covert journalists,  anti-gun “moles” and others  hostile to the right to keep and bear arms. By having signatories agree to terms and conditions requiring disclosure of such affiliations and prohibiting clandestine intelligence gathering, as well as by invoking applicable rights to preclude involuntary associations and self-incrimination, the VAW is intended to deter infiltration as well as provide a record to defend group members against entrapment. 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTENTS: 

 

 

 

Included are the following documents: 

 

 

  1.  

  1. Voluntary Association Warranty- Questions and Answers 

  1. Voluntary Association Warranty, Contract and Certification of Intent 

  1. VAW continuation page 

  1. VAW Exception Disclosure Addendum 

  1. Meeting Notice/Sign-in Sheet  

  1. Rights Cards: Refusal to Submit to Search and Terms & Conditions for Voluntary Association 

  1. Final Word 

 

 

 

VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION WARRANTY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 

 

DISCLAIMER: The following has not been written by a lawyer and does not constitute legal advice. While it and the documents it references have been reviewed by selected attorneys, you should not  rely on these as the sole means of determining your actions. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney before making any decisions based on this concept. In no case should this be construed as a recommendation to break any laws, nor should this be considered a means of gaining immunity from prosecution for criminal acts. This document and the contract it refers to are intended for political  and philosophical discussion purposes only, and as such are protected speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. 

 

What is the Voluntary Association Warranty (VAW)? 

 

It’s a contract documenting that certain conditions and disclosures are required before relations between two or more people will be engaged in, and an agreement that specifies  requirements for continued association. It is also a record that all signatories have invoked specified as well as unenumerated rights as a condition for voluntary association. 

 

The VAW consists of the basic contract, and may contain a continuation page and/or an exception disclosure addendum, if applicable. The contract specifies terms and conditions for association, and documents the invocation of rights claimed by the signatories. The continuation page is included if the number of signatories exceed the physical space capacity of the contract page to contain. The addendum is used if there are exceptions to any clauses that the contract requires to be disclosed. 

 

Who might want to use a VAW? 

 

It is intended for free people engaged in Second Amendment activism, including  those who believe in their Constitutionally-recognized obligations as members of the militia. 

 

Why would someone need to have such an agreement? 

 

It’s no secret that many government officials, policies and laws are hostile to the Second Amendment, and that activities and material items that many believe should be Constitutionally-protected have been criminalized. It is also no secret that government agents, journalists and anti-gun activists infiltrate groups that promote the lawful exercise of their Second Amendment right for the purpose of intelligence gathering and potential prosecution, and at times, act as agents provocateurs to advocate that members break laws so that they can be entrapped, arrested and prosecuted. 

 

How will the VAW keep this from happening? 

 

It may not. What it will do is create an entry barrier that will force an infiltrator to either provide complete disclosure, or else to create a record of having falsified a contract. It will also put the agent on notice and create a record that you have invoked your Constitutional and other rights, and refuse to associate and communicate with him unless such disclosure has been made.  

 

This prospect of being liable for contract falsification may create a chilling effect, and cause the agent to withdraw–it  may scare an infiltrator away. If they think that this contract could later be introduced in court to clear a defendant because contract terms and Constitutional  rights have been violated, and if they perceive a personal or agency liability from intentionally falsifying a contract, they may not be willing to sign such a document. 

 

Won’t such a contract create a list that can be used to identify group members? 

 

Yes. But can this really hurt? First, you control the list and access to it. Don’t allow copies to be made. 

 

Second, the association members will know each other, so having this list produces no new information. Finally, if the group has been infiltrated, the agent will know who you are and his agency will have a list of your members anyway. True, the contract can be subpoenaed, but there is nothing criminal in its clauses. 

 

Where this may help is, the contract contains a clause requiring all signatories not to disclose the list to any outside party, save under subpoena or warrant. So if an agent violates this contract term, it will be further evidence to use against him and his agency should you ever end up in court. And also, who would likely be the one to subpoena this document? Someone attempting to prove that they have been arrested based on their rights being violated,  or someone who intentionally lies on a contract? 

 

Would a judge allow this contract to be introduced as trial evidence? 

 

Some may, some may not, and if they don’t, this may provide a basis for appeal. Some may redact certain portions. Some may invalidate or uphold all or part of the contract– and to this end, the contract contains a severability clause. But  this document only takes a few minutes to execute,  it may provide certain barriers, protections and records, it may convince a prosecutor that his case is vulnerable and should not be pursued, or it may sway a jury or juror to the conclusion that a defendant is being illegally prosecuted. 

 

What is an Exception Disclosure? 

 

The contract requires signatories to attest that they are not members of or informants for law enforcement or other government agencies, and also that they are not journalists, private investigators, or members/supporters of anti-gun organizations. The exception disclosure is required if someone falls into one of  these categories. It also establishes that the member identifies himself as a member of the unorganized militia as defined in U.S. Code. 

 

Why would someone fitting into one of these categories disclose it? 

 

If they’re out to get you, they won’t. Hopefully, they’ll back off, and make some excuse for not signing the contract, rather than falsifying it. 

 

But perhaps you have a righteous cop in your group who you know supports the Constitution. Or a friendly journalist or P.I. Maybe one of you has joined HCI just to keep tabs on their latest strategy for attacking our rights. Or possibly, someone doesn’t qualify for unorganized militia status because they are active or reserve members of the armed forces. This provision allows them to still be members of your group, and establishes a record that they are not acting against the group in any covert manner. 

 

I  never sign contracts without legal advice. 

 

Sure you do– all the time. Take your car into the shop and you sign a contract authorizing work to begin. Sign a credit card bill. Rent a car, or a hotel room. Have a telephone installed, or an addition placed on your house.  

 

If you feel inclined, submit this to a lawyer  retained by your group– to see if they think it will hold water (and you will find some who do and some who do not, which is why we have lawyers in the first place). Once you are convinced by a qualified legal expert  that this document will not hurt you and may help you, there’s really nothing controversial within it that could create a liability for you, as long as you’re not falsifying information. If you look at the contract, it’s pretty straightforward– you attest that you believe certain things, that you are not an undercover agent, that you won’t engage in certain activities, and that you invoke your rights as a free citizen. If you’re not lying, what’s the problem?  

 

Still,  some individuals may insist that they will not sign this contract without checking with their own lawyersJust be careful that a request for further counsel is not really a stalling tactic for someone to report back to superiors for further instructions. Still, you may not want to use this as the sole litmus test for disqualifying someone from continued association– that’s your choice. In that case, treat it as a raised flag. 

 

Don’t you think all this sounds awfully paranoid? 

 

Maybe. But you can’t deny that there are people in official or other capacities out to destroy the Second Amendment, and there are people who will use any means at their disposal to do so, including setting up their fellow citizensMaybe it’s just an ounce of prevention. 

 

What would the benefit be of getting this information introduced in evidence to a jury? 

 

Several. Keeping in mind that any or all portions of this contract may be withheld from a jury, it’s production could: 

 

-create a record that an agent has falsified a contract, and evidence has been gathered against you in a manner that has violated the terms and conditions of your contractual rights; 

 

-create a record that you have invoked your rights, and evidence has been collected against you in a manner that has denied you of these rights; 

 

-introduce or reaffirm to the jury the concept of the Second Amendment guaranteeing an individual right to keep and bear arms; 

 

-introduce or reaffirm  to the jury the concept that laws repugnant to the Constitution are null and void; 

 

-and introduce or reaffirm the jury to the concept that they have the right to be fully informed of their power to judge the law as well as the facts of a case. 

 

So what would stop, say, the Mafia from using a contract like this to keep from being investigated? 

 

All knowledge can be used for good or ill purposes. But this document references unalienable rights and activities that have specific and longstanding recognition and  protection under the law. 

 

We’re not signing a contract pledging to engage in bank robbery, kidnaping, extortion and  murder without turning each other in. We are merely setting up a protective barrier to help keep our lawful rights from being infringed. 

 

However, portions of this contract may be adaptable to uses outside of furthering Second Amendment rights. In these cases, remember that all citizens have the right to peaceably assemble (free association), to not incriminate themselves, to not be subject to unreasonable searches and seizures, and other rights as invoked in this contract. In a free society, we can’t withhold rights from people because they might abuse them– we can only react after a right has been abused and someone has been victimized as a result. That’s the way it works–innocent until proven guilty. 

 

Could we all sign this in the presence of an attorney, or maybe have it notarized? 

 

Sure. This is still America, you can do anything you want with thisActually, what will be notarized is that each member has identified himself. Having this witnessed by a disinterested third party  may create added protections for your group, or added credibility for your legal arguments. 

 

Or don’t. Remember, by having multiple signatures on the contract, you have multiple witnesses who can attest to any deception should it occur. 

 

I don’t like the way this contract is written. I think  it should have the following changes…. 

 

Think of this as a concept. Feel free to adopt this as is or adapt it as you see fit. Change a few words or rewrite the whole thing– that’s up to you and your group. 

 

I don’t think this will work… 

 

Then don’t use it. Remember, no one is offering legal advice here– and this is a new idea and has not yet been tested, upheld, overturned or appealed in court. But if this strikes you as something that may afford you better protection than not having such a document, investigate the possibilities, test the assumptions, determine what makes sense to you and what conforms to your understanding of the way things (should) work, and do what you think is right. 

 

This will scare off somebody who just wants to attend a gun rights association meeting to check it out… 

 

Probably true. So don’t use it for that– use it only with people that you are going to be actively associated with on a continued basis. The contract is intended for hard core activists who feel that the effectiveness of their lawful activities may make them susceptible to surveillance or infiltration. 

 

If you’re just holding a meeting open to the public for the purpose of recruiting members to your gun club, you might want to post a sign requesting all members of law enforcement, the media, of any anti-gun organization to identify themselves. If you have a sign-in sheet, you may want to include your signage language at the top of the sheet. You may also want to invoke the Privacy Act reference included in the contract, as well as any other references you think are applicable. And you may want to include such a statement in an announcement at the start of the meeting, making sure you record it in the meeting minutes. That’s all up to you. Suggested wording for such a sign/statement is provided in the Meeting Notice/Sign-in Sheet section.  

 

Could such a sign be posted at the entrance of gun shops, gun shows, and by individual gun dealers at their tables? 

 

Well,  yes, but this may also invite official harassment and retaliation– the warranty is not designed to address the proper scope of regulation for commercial activities, but rather to address unalienable human and political rights. If you’re prepared to handle that prospect, and if  this doesn’t violate any agreement  or burn any bridges with the event promoter, you may want to check into this further to determine any additional complexities which this might create.  

 

If I use your contract, get everybody to sign it, and get busted anyway and find out that I  can’t use it in my defense and the lying mole gets off scot-free, can I sue you for getting me into trouble? 

 

I sure hope not. But anybody can sue anyone for anything, so let’s reiterate and clarify the statement made at the beginning of this Q&A and repeated throughout this presentation: 

 

-this document does not constitute legal advice; 

 

-if you have any questions about the legality/advisability of strategies presented herein, consult with an attorney; 

 

-this document is not advocating or recommending that you violate, disobey or ignore any laws; 

 

-proceed at your own risk; 

 

-caveat emptor; 

 

-and this document and the contract it refers to are intended for political  and philosophical discussion purposes only, and as such are protected speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION WARRANTY, CONTRACT AND CERTIFICATION OF INTENT 

The voluntary contractual mutual association group, hereinafter referred to as the “Association,” consists of all signatories to this document, and others, as may be added from time to time and who will sign this warranty. By my signature below, I do  freely attest, certify, and affirm: 

-that I believe the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees an unalienable individual right; 

-that I have made my true identity and intentions known to the members of the Association; 

-that, except as specified by an attached disclosure addendum, if applicable, I am a member of the unorganized militia as authorized and articulated in United States Code, Title 10, Sec. 311 (b) (2); 

-that, except as specified by an attached disclosure addendum, if applicable, I am not employed by any government law enforcement or regulatory agency or department, and that I am not a paid or unpaid informant of any government agency, nor acting in the capacity of an agent provocateur; 

 - that, except as specified by an attached disclosure addendum, if applicable,  I am not a private investigator, nor am I working for any private investigator to gather information or to report on Association or individual Association member statements or activities; 

-that, except as specified by an attached disclosure addendum, if applicable, I am not acting in the capacity or employ of any news gathering or other media organization,  or as a free-lance journalist, for the purposes of gathering information and reporting on Association or individual Association member statements and activities; 

-that, except as specified by an attached disclosure addendum, if applicable,  I am not a member, agent or supporter in any manner of any groups or individuals who advocate gun control laws that infringe on the right of the people to keep and bear arms; 

- that I am not otherwise working in any secret, clandestine, covert or undercover manner contrary to the express aims of the Association; 

-that I will not engage in, nor am I aware of, any clandestine or covert surveillance of the Association or its members, including the use of recordings or transmissions employing audio and audiovisual electronic or mechanical devices, telephone wiretaps, electronic bugs, hidden microphones, cameras of any kind, telescopic and night vision instruments, or any other device not specifically identified herein that is used for the purpose of spying, eavesdropping or intelligence gathering;  

-that, as per Marbury vs. Madison, 5 US (2 Cranch) 137, 174, 176 (1803),  I consider all laws repugnant to the Constitution to be null and void; 

-that, consistent with common and case law precedent as established and exemplified in State of Georgia vs. Brailsford, et al, 3 Dall. 1, and U.S. vs. Dougherty, 473 F 2nd 1113, 1139 (1972), and the recorded opinions of Chief Justice John Jay, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase, and Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes (ref. “Citizens Rule Book”), I believe that should I or any other member of the Association be brought to criminal trial resulting from activities associated with this Association, that the jury will have the right and power to judge both the law as well as the facts in its determination of a verdict; 

-that I recognize all information discussed and materials developed and provided between members of the Association are confidential, including telephonic and internet communications, “e-mail” and attachments, and I agree not to disclose them outside the Association without general and open consent; 

-that I consider this warranty to be a legally enforceable contract, discoverable and admissible in civil and criminal cases that may arise based on misrepresentations or omissions regarding any of the above certifications, and that, in the absence of a lawfully prepared and executed warrant or subpoena,  I  will not otherwise disclose the names of any of its signatories to any outside party; 

-and that I shall promptly disclose to each member of the Association any changes to these representations that may occur at some future date, affording them the options of not disclosing information to me or of disassociating themselves from me. 

If any of the provisions of this contract are adjudicated null and void by a court of competent jurisdiction, it is the  intent of the parties that such adjudication will not render the remaining portions of the contract unenforceable, and  the  remaining portions of the contract will remain in effect.   

I further hereby invoke, as evidenced by my signature below, all applicable rights which I possess as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, including, but not limited to: my 1st Amendment rights to freedom of speech and to peaceably assemble; my 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms; my 4th Amendment right to be secure in my person, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures in the absence of a warrant issued upon probable cause and supported by Oath or affirmation particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized;  my 5th Amendment right that I shall not be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against myself; other unenumerated rights under Articles 9 and 10 of the Bill of Rights, which may be abridged by involuntary or unwitting association with any law enforcement agent or informant; the Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579) requiring complete disclosure as a precondition to my speaking with any government official; and other rights as articulated and guaranteed by all applicable state constitutions. 

Name (Print and Sign)                                              Date 

Name (Print and Sign)                                   Date 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page _____of _____ 

VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION WARRANTY, CONTRACT AND CERTIFICATION OF INTENT (Continuation page) 

 

Name (Print and Sign)                                              Date 

Name (Print and Sign)                                 Date 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page _____of _____ 

 

 

VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION WARRANTY, CONTRACT AND CERTIFICATION OF INTENT 

EXCEPTION DISCLOSURE ADDENDUM 

 

 

 

I am employed by or otherwise affiliated with: _______________________________________________________ 

(Name of agency or organization) 

 

 

 

in the capacity of: ______________________________________________________________________________ 

(Title or rank) 

 

 

 

 

 

I certify by my signature below that I agree with and will abide by  all other terms and conditions of the original contract  to which this disclosure is appended.  

 

 

I further demand and expect that all provisions and protections  for  nondisclosure articulated and specified  in the original contract apply to this contract addendum as well, and invoke all rights, terms and conditions specified in the original contract to which this document is appended. 

 

 

 

Name (print and sign) and Date: ___________________________________________________________________ 

 

 

Witnessed and received on behalf of the Association by:  

 

 

Name (print and sign) and Date: ___________________________________________________________________ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPOSED MEETING /SIGN IN SHEET NOTICE PROTOCOL 

 

DISCLAIMER: The following has not been written by a lawyer and does not constitute legal advice. While it has been reviewed by selected attorneys, you should not  rely on this as the sole means of determining your actions. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney before making any decisions based on this concept. In no case should this be construed as a recommendation to break any laws, nor should this be considered a means of gaining immunity from prosecution for criminal acts. This document is intended for political  and philosophical discussion purposes only, and as such is protected speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. 

 

The following text is proposed for a sign to be prominently posted at the entrance of the meeting room, and also to be placed at the top of a sign in sheet, if you use them:  

 

This is a meeting of private individuals, and you are admitted  providing certain conditions and standards of conduct are agreed to. All non-uniformed officers or agents of any government law enforcement or regulatory agency or department, as well as members of the news media, private investigators and supporters of any organization advocating gun control laws, are requested to identify themselves to the meeting moderator and receive and wear an identification tag as a condition of entry. The members of this group hereby invoke, as evidenced by this notice,  all applicable rights which we possess as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, including, but not limited to: our 1st Amendment rights to freedom of speech and to peaceably assemble; our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms; our 4th Amendment right to be secure in our persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures in the absence of a warrant issued upon probable cause and supported by Oath or affirmation particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized;  our 5th Amendment right that we shall not be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against ourselves; other unenumerated rights under Articles 9 and 10 of the Bill of Rights, which may be abridged by involuntary or unwitting association with any law enforcement agent or informant; the Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579) requiring complete disclosure as a precondition to our speaking with any government official; and other rights as articulated and guaranteed by all applicable state constitutions. 

 

If this text appears on a sign, include the following: 

 

Posted by:_______________________________________                 Date:________________________ 

 

If the text is on the sign-in sheet, just make sure it has a date on itAfter the meeting,  file both the sign and the sign-in sheet for future reference/retrieval if needed. 

 

At the beginning of the meeting, the Moderator should make an announcement to the effect of: “Are there any members of law enforcement or the media, or any gun control advocates with us tonight? If so, please identify yourself in accordance with the notice posted by the door (and on the sign-in sheet, if applicable).” 

 

You may then want to reassure new people in the audience that you are merely making sure that the privacy rights of all in attendance will be respected. 

 

Also, keep a small supply of labels that can be used as an ID tag, should anyone step forward and identify themselves as one of the designated persons. Write their name and their agency on the tag and request that they wear it in a visible manner. If they don’t, emphasize that this is a private meeting, and they are requested to comply with the terms of entry or to leave. If they still don’t, document the incident and decide if further action (such as calling the police?) is warranted. You may want to keep a tape recorder/camcorder/camera on hand in case things get interesting. 

 

Record the Moderator’s announcement, the issuance of any tags, and any resulting incidents in the meeting minutes. 

RIGHTS CARD 

The designated text can be printed on both sides of a standard business card (use Times New Roman, font size 5) so that the appropriate information is available in the event of an encounter with an identified or unidentified law enforcement agent. 

 

Note: Both cards intentionally do not specifically invoke Second Amendment rights so as not to draw attention from the agent and thus invite a search or a pretext for probable cause. However, by declaring that the rights invoked include but are not limited to those specified, the intent is to not only discourage entrapment or illegal searches, but also to put the agent on notice that you understand and demand all of your rights.  

 

It is important that you sign the card(s) where indicated to establish and provide evidence that you understand and have specifically invoked your rights. It is also important that you keep a small supply of these cards on your person as well as at your place of residence, just in case the card you present the officer gets “lost” or if they claim you never gave them such a card. The fact that you have such a supply should give your testimony credibility, especially if they claim they had your consent to perform a search, or that you made certain admissions of guilt. 

 

DISCLAIMER: This document has not been written by a lawyer and does not constitute legal advice. While it has  been reviewed by selected attorneys, you should not  rely on this as the sole means of determining your actions. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney before making any decisions based on this concept. In no case should this be construed as a recommendation to break any laws, nor should this be considered a means of gaining immunity from prosecution for criminal acts. This document and the contract it refers to are intended for political  and philosophical discussion purposes only, and as such are protected speech under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and Citizens of America assumes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from its use.. 

 

REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO SEARCH 

Attention law enforcement or other government agents: I hereby invoke, as evidenced by this card, all applicable rights that I possess as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, including, but not limited to my 4th Amendment right to be secure in my person, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures in the absence of a warrant issued upon probable cause and supported by Oath or affirmation particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized;  my 5th Amendment right that I shall not be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against myself; and other rights as articulated and guaranteed by all applicable state constitutions.  

 

I DO NOT consent to having my person, vehicle or property searched in the absence of a lawfully executed warrant. If I am not under arrest, I demand that you immediately release me. If I am under arrest, I do not admit to any wrongdoing, I demand to see an attorney, and I refuse to make any further statements or answer any questions. 

 

Signed:_________________________________________ 

 

Present the “Refusal to Submit to Search” card to any police officer or other government agent who asks if he can search your vehicle during a traffic stop. As you present the card, inform him or her: 

 

I’m handing you this card because I do not give you permission to search my person, vehicle or property. If I am not under arrest, please release me right now. If I am under arrest, I have done nothing wrong, I demand to see an attorney, and I refuse to make any further statements or answer any further questions.” 

 

Do not resist or attempt to physically restrain the officer in any manner. If arrested, keep silent until you can contact an attorney, and then follow his or her advice. 

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION 

Attention non-uniformed law enforcement or other government agents: I demand that you identify yourself to me by name, title and agency. I hereby invoke, as evidenced by this card, all applicable rights that I possess as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, including, but not limited to: my 1st Amendment rights to freedom of speech and to peaceably assemble; my 4th Amendment right to be secure in my person, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures in the absence of a warrant issued upon probable cause and supported by Oath or affirmation particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized;  my 5th Amendment right that I shall not be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against myself; other unenumerated rights under Articles 9 and 10 of the Bill of Rights, which may be abridged by involuntary or unwitting association with any law enforcement agent or informant; the Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-579) requiring complete disclosure as a precondition to my speaking with any government official; and other rights as articulated and guaranteed by all applicable state constitutions.  

 

Signed:_________________________________________ 

 

Present the “Terms and Conditions for Voluntary Association” card to anyone you suspect may be  an undercover law enforcement or other government agent. As you present the card, inform him or her: 

 

“By handing you this card, I demand that you inform me if you are a law enforcement or government agentIf you are, I demand my right to consult with an attorney before speaking with you.” 

FINAL WORD 

 

It seems strange to many of us who grew up believing in the American way of life that we have reached this juncture in our country’s history, where citizens distrust the intent and nature of a government that they were raised to revere as the noblest experiment in human liberty yet conceived. It speaks strongly of how far those who have been entrusted with power have strayed from the original course charted by our Constitution’s framers. 

 

It seems bizarre that those of us engaged in promoting the restoration of government powers to those enumerated few that were originally delegated  should be regarded as extremists who endanger the social order. This speaks to how successful the abusers of power have been in framing the terms of public discussion, and how lax our countrymen have been in ceding to them the rights and responsibilities of free people. 

 

It seems inconceivable that those of us who believe in the right to keep and bear arms should fear that we will be regarded as criminals, subject to the full weight of state scrutiny and suppression just as assuredly as if we were gangsters or terrorists. And because of this, and because we have to date led extraordinarily law-abiding lives, we must not minimize the reality of how inexperienced and naïve we may be to the tactics of the law enforcement machine. 

 

Most of us have probably never been arrested, nor stopped for anything more serious than a speeding ticket. Imagine getting cuffed and dragged away in front of you wife and kids because you had the effrontery to carry a gun on your person or in your car for defense, in violation of a law that says you can’t. Imagine how scary and humiliating this would be, and how vulnerable such overwhelming emotions could render you in the presence of seasoned interrogators. Remember, this will be a first time experience for you; they’ve done it a thousand times. They know just what to say and how to treat you to maximize their ability to elicit a potentially incriminating, emotion-driven  response from you.  

 

Don’t give them that opening. Make your rights known and then keep silent until professional counsel can come to your aid. And even then, don’t abdicate your interests in your well-being to a lawyer who may just be interested in collecting a fee and moving on–you are responsible for managing your attorney, making sure that your rights are promoted and your freedoms protected, and finding other counsel if you don’t think you’re being properly represented. You are responsible to manage all aspects of your life, and it seems the abdication of this responsibility through delegation and apathy has resulted in much of the mess our country finds itself in. 

 

Hopefully, none of us will ever be subjected to this. Hopefully, we can establish some rudimentary protections that will minimize our chance of being entrapped. Hopefully, this document can help. 

 

It would be misleading to suggest that the concepts presented in this document do not lend themselves to criticism; from both a legal aspect in terms of their viability in whole or in part, and from those hostile to the sanctity of unalienable individual rights, who will no doubt ignore it if possible, or deride it as extremist paranoia if it receives enough notice to warrant recognition. It is my hope that you will understand this, and not let  this stop you from investigating how the concepts presented herein can help you protect your rights from those who would abuse them. 

 

It’s true that anything under the sun can be used for good or illGuns may preserve liberty or destroy it, depending on who is wielding them. Unalienable rights may be abused to perpetuate misery or exercised to secure happiness. This is the blessing and the curse of free will, and why, in the final analysis, we all have the right to damn ourselves or to save ourselves. And why no person can rightfully assume these choices for us under force of arms.  

 

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