[meadsjn]

From the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

The U.S. government exists only because the delegates of the sovereign people of the several sovereign states contracted, via the U.S. Constitution, for the federal government to exist, and the purpose and duties of the U.S. government are outlined in that same document.

If, for any reason, the U.S. Constitution is declared or rendered invalid, the federal government ceases to exist as a legal entity. All those people running around trying to tell the people what to do and where to go, will be no more valid than any other self-possessed band of thugs, regardless of their armament.

The people are the sovereigns in this nation, and no legal authority exists without the consent of the people.

They would be like employees who, after quitting or being fired, attempted to take over and run someone elses's company.

I'm aware that this is not what they teach in the government schools these days, but it is the gospel truth to the 80 million or so Americans who will make the difference.

[First_Salute]

Bump.

[Ramius]

ok... that's all well and good.

So if there is a major emergency in your neck of the woods, will you be shooting at the national guard or helping them to regain order?

[archy]

If, for any reason, the U.S. Constitution is declared or rendered invalid, the federal government ceases to exist as a legal entity. All those people running around trying to tell the people what to do and where to go, will be no more valid than any other self-possessed band of thugs, regardless of their armament.

The people are the sovereigns in this nation, and no legal authority exists without the consent of the people.

You are exactly correct, and I'd observe that the circumstances you describe are viewed identically by more than half of the officers above company grade [above Captains] with whom I serve.

Opinions vary on what to do under such circumstances, how best to do it, and what priorities and assignments would be involved in attempting to do so. But I have no doubt that if no other competent leader began to do so, one of our number would take a big breath and do so. I pray to God that I would not be the one so cursed.

-archy-/-

[William Tell]

meadsjn said: "All those people running around trying to tell the people what to do and where to go, will be no more valid than any other self-possessed band of thugs, regardless of their armament. "

It would be very helpful if they all start wearing those light blue helmets.