Breaking News! Lakota Nation Secedes From The USA
“We are no longer citizens of the United States of America and all those who live in the five-state area that encompasses our country are free to join us. This is according to the laws of the United States, specifically article six of the constitution. It is also within the laws on treaties passed at the Vienna Convention and put into effect by the US and the rest of the international community in 1980. We are legally within our rights to be free and independent,” said Russell Means, an activist for Native American rights to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday in Washington, D.C..
“We are now a free country and independent of the United States of America,” Means said in a telephone interview. “This is all completely legal.”
Delegation member Phyllis Young said in an online statement: “We are not trying to embarrass the United States. We are here to continue the struggle for our children and grandchildren.” Young was an organizer of Women of All Red Nations.
Other members of the delegation include Rapid City-area activist Duane Martin Sr. and Gary Rowland, a leader of the Chief Big Foot Riders.
Lakota Indians Withdraw Treaties Signed With
U.S. 150 Years AgoThe new country would issue its own passports and driving licences, and living there would be tax-free – provided residents renounce their U.S. citizenship, Mr Means said. Withdrawing from the treaties was entirely legal, Means said.
“This is according to the laws of the United States, specifically article six of the constitution,” which states that treaties are the supreme law of the land, he said.
“It is also within the laws on treaties passed at the Vienna Convention and put into effect by the US and the rest of the international community in 1980. We are legally within our rights to be free and independent,” said Means.
Bravo for someone standing up for their rights! Stay tuned for more breaking news when the US responds … The US must respond to constitutional issues. Of course, “the Constitution is just a piece of paper”, GWB. But, George, this a real Declaration of Independence!
December 22nd, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Might be worth considering except Bush will probably declare them a terrorist nation and launch an attack.
December 24th, 2007 at 11:03 am
The comments thread on Common Dreams is still going, and pretty fascinating (to me at least). There are many people who will be following this event fastidiously. It is no surprise that currently the MSM is ignoring this declaration by Russel Means. Watching all this unfold should be quite interesting. Above all , lets hope that there is no bloodshed , as seen at wounded Knee etc. Many within the First Nations do not want bloodshed, do not want to act in ways that “add to darkness” – just my two cents as i saw this article and was very excited at the possibilities….but its never that simple. Time will tell. One thing for sure. There is much bigotry alive and well towards First Nations peoples.
March 17th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
For a photograph of the official Lakota Nation Delegation, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, January 2008, see http://www.tizzlit.blogspot.com/
The LAKOTA NATION did not secede from the US nor does it intend to.
July 20th, 2008 at 12:12 am
I believe that native people/groups who have signed Treaties with the United States of America are a true Sovereign Nation(s) (A Nation within a Nation). In addition, this is true through the Marshall trilogy case of 1831 (Cherokee Nation vs Georgia) that shelters and protects native/tribal sovereignty. In that sense I do support the Lakota people’s sovereignty.
I do have one questions what do the people of the Lakota say about this, it should be put into a vote. Let the poeple’s voice be heard, before one individual starts to declare that he is speaking for the rest of the Lakota people.
This message is from Anthony from the Navajo Nation.
July 20th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Anthony, I applaud your observation and hope to see the collective desires, voiced by the Lakota people, shared. Although I have definite ideas for how to improve respect and treatment for my own life, I must also be very aware that I am a single individual surrounded by many other individuals. Our lot in life may be similar but not exactly alike, so I cannot speak for them. This movement to display the autonomous condition of the Lakota Nation, as well for all Indigenous Nations, is valid and deserves attention, however, it deserves action. The US Government has expert legal magicians who can tie this issue into knots, delaying resolution indefinitely. These valid grievances should be researched for presentation by a movie. This appears to be the most successful method of gathering public support for policy changes. There are many documentary filmmakers who can enlighten public opinion … contact Michael Moore or Ken Burns.