By Matthew Hayward The slow poison of complacency is the death of the fighting spirit. History is filled with examples of once-free people who gradually surrendered their liberty, not in a single stroke but through a series of quiet concessions. Tyranny often doesn’t arrive with the sound of thunder; it creeps in like a thief in the night, taking advantage of human complacency. The most maddening aspect of this process is not the power-hungry forces behind it—it is the passive, apathetic acceptance by the very people it seeks to control. Complacency is the death knell of liberty. It dulls the senses, erodes vigilance, and normalizes oppression over time. What once sparked outrage and resistance becomes routine, accepted as the new normal. The body scanners at TSA checkpoints, the Patriot Act, the ever-expanding surveillance state—each started with public protests and fiery debates. Now, these violations of privacy and freedom are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Why do peop...

By Matthew Hayward In our commitment to liberty and justice, we often advocate for peaceful solutions: educating, voting, and engaging in discourse. However, history and philosophy teach us that force, as a defensive last resort, becomes justifiable and necessary under certain dire circumstances. This piece explores these circumstances and delves deeper into one of today's looming threats to freedom: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) . 1. The Fundamental Right to Self-Defense Philosophically, the right to self-defense is a fundamental human entitlement. This right asserts that individuals inherently possess the ability to protect themselves, their liberty, and their property from imminent harm. Natural law recognizes this principle, arguing that our rights are derived from human nature and in many legal frameworks worldwide. 2. Protection from Tyranny Throughout history, the shadow of tyranny has often precipitated moments of decisive resistance. From storming the Bastille, s...

  The dynamics of power and fear play a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the government and its citizens. A quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson encapsulates this relationship: "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty." This statement underscores the delicate balance between the state's power and the individual's rights. When this balance is tipped, it can lead to either tyranny or liberty. Tyranny, as we understand it, rarely, if ever, comes solely from a dictator wielding absolute power. More often, it emerges from the actions of ordinary individuals, the "foot soldiers" who enforce the dictates of those in power. This idea was crystallized during the Nuremberg trials, where " just following orders " was deemed an insufficient defense for committing atrocities. The responsibility for upholding moral and ethical standards falls on each individual, regardles...

By Matthew Hayward In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it." This powerful statement resonates deeply with the principles of civil libertarianism, which champions individual rights and limited government. It serves as a stark reminder that our silence and inaction can inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of evil. The TSA: A Case of Unwitting Complicity Consider the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Established in the aftermath of 9/11, the TSA was tasked with ensuring the safety of travelers. However, in the process, it has often been accused of infringing upon individual rights with invasive searches and questionable practices. One of the most egregious examples of this was the use of full-body scanners that displayed explicit images of passengers' bodies. There were instances where ...

By Matthew Hayward In our  first entry of this series , "The Tipping Point: When Civil Disobedience Teeters on the Brink of Violent Resistance," we delved into COVID-19 lockdown measures, an instance illuminating the delicate balance society often treads between civil disobedience and violent resistance. In Minneapolis, the summer of 2020 was a sweltering cauldron of frustration, fear, and fury. The killing of George Floyd by police sparked an outcry and an inferno. Protestors packed streets and squares, demanding justice and systemic reform. Among the sea of protesters, a significant subset embarked on a path of destruction. The Twin Cities bore the brunt of this rage. As dusk descended on May 28, anarchy took hold. Buildings were engulfed in flames, stores ravaged by looting, and the city's infrastructure creaked under unprecedented strain. The Minneapolis third precinct police station, a symbolic focal point, was overpowered and set ablaze. This wasn't the work of ...

By Matthew Hayward A Statement of Independence and Sovereignty Every year, as the 4th of July rolls around, we are reminded of the spirit of independence and the values that our great nation was built upon. For many, it's a day of barbecues, fireworks, and family gatherings. For others, it's a day of reflection on the principles of freedom and liberty that define the United States. For me, it's a day to express my beliefs uniquely and personally. For over a decade, I have upheld a tradition that may seem unconventional to some, but it's a powerful symbol of my commitment to national and state sovereignty. Every 4th of July, I burn the United Nations flag. This act is not born out of disrespect or malice, but rather, it's a statement that we are not the United Nations; we are the United States. Before this tradition, I would publicly read the Declaration of Independence, a document that encapsulates the essence of our nation's spirit. However, I felt the need to ...

By Matthew Hayward As we approach another Independence day, the Fourth of July, it's essential to reflect on the significance of this day and the complex history it represents. The Fourth of July is not just about fireworks, barbecues, and parades; it's a celebration of the birth of American independence, a tribute to the individuals who risked everything for the ideals they believed in. In the historical context, the Founding Fathers were indeed traitors to the British Crown. They rebelled against their government, broke the laws of the time, and led a revolution. Yet, we don't remember them as traitors. We remember them as patriots, as heroes. Why? Because they won. Their victory in the Revolutionary War not only gave birth to a new nation but also redefined their legacy. This raises an intriguing question about the nature of patriotism and treason. Are these labels inherently about our actions, or are they more about the outcomes? Can a traitor be a patriot, and vice ver...

By Matthew Hayward  Have you ever wondered what could change if the only thing that shifted was the number of people who lost hope? It's an intriguing, somewhat melancholic thought. As we find ourselves caught in the ebbs and flows of life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, to lose faith, to question the state of the world and our place in it. During these times, music often becomes our refuge, our silent companion that understands our turmoil. One such powerful piece is "LIBERTY OR DEATH" by JULIO ACOSTA, a song that remarkably still echoes with relevancy and raw emotion, even over ten years after its release. Whether you're a fan of rap or not, I urge you to listen. There's something universal in its verses, a collective sentiment that transcends genres and personal preferences. And yes, while there may be a sprinkle of profanity, its essence lies far beyond those few words. If this song doesn't stir something within you, if you find it hard to connect to i...

By Matthew Hayward Patriotism is often defined as love for one's country and a willingness to serve and defend it. However, when the government of that country is being run by people who ignore and disrespect the Constitution and founding documents and intentions laid down by the founders, the definition of patriotism becomes more complicated. In such situations, standing against one's own government can be seen as the most patriotic action. The founders wrote the Constitution and founding documents to establish a government that would protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens. They recognized that unchecked government power can lead to tyranny , and they designed a system of checks and balances to prevent such abuses of power. The Constitution outlines the government's structure, defines each branch's powers, and sets limits on what the government can and cannot do. It also includes the Bill of Rights, which is integral to the Constitution, specifically enumerate...

By Matthew Hayward  The government must cease attacking the liberties of the American people and Washingtonians.  The direct and indirect use of force to coerce and threaten people's livelihoods, attacking our liberties and pursuit of happiness, is becoming an act of war against the people. Non-compliance is an appropriate response; it is both justified and a position worthy of self-defense. "As long as it is admitted that the law may be diverted from its true purpose — that it may violate property instead of protecting it — then everyone will want to participate in making the law, either to protect himself against plunder or to use it for plunder."