Tag Archives: constitution

The Hidden Side of the 14th Amendment: What You Weren’t Taught in School

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The 14th Amendment is often celebrated as a milestone in America’s journey toward equality. Ratified in 1868, it granted citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States and promised equal protection under the law. But behind its noble intentions, the 14th Amendment also carried significant consequences that many Americans would not be happy to discover.

Here’s a closer look at the hidden aspects of the 14th Amendment that you probably weren’t taught in school—and why they still matter today.

1. It Cemented Federal Power Over States

Before the 14th Amendment, the United States operated under a stronger emphasis on state sovereignty. The 14th Amendment changed that dynamic by giving the federal government the authority to enforce civil rights protections and override state laws that violated the amendment.

While this shift was necessary to combat state-level injustices, such as segregation and discriminatory laws, it also expanded federal oversight into areas previously managed by states. Critics argue that this paved the way for the federal government to increasingly encroach on states’ rights, sparking ongoing debates about the balance of power between federal and state governments.

2. It Was Used to Protect Corporate Interests

One of the most controversial aspects of the 14th Amendment’s history is its application to corporations. In the late 19th century, corporations began using the amendment’s equal protection clause to argue that they, like individuals, deserved constitutional protections.

The landmark case Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad Co. (1886) established the precedent that corporations are “persons” under the law, granting them rights originally intended for individuals.

Why This Matters

  • Corporate “personhood” has allowed companies to challenge regulations, dodge accountability, and exert disproportionate influence on politics through lobbying and campaign financing.
  • Many Americans are unaware that the 14th Amendment, designed to protect former slaves, has been instrumental in empowering corporations at the expense of individual citizens.

3. It Didn’t Fully Deliver on Its Promises

While the 14th Amendment promised equal protection under the law, its implementation has been far from perfect. After its ratification, Southern states enacted Jim Crow laws, using loopholes and systemic practices to continue disenfranchising African Americans.

Even today, systemic inequities persist in education, criminal justice, and economic opportunities, highlighting the gap between the amendment’s ideals and reality.

4. It Was Used to Justify Mass Surveillance

The 14th Amendment’s due process clause has been used to justify controversial government actions, including mass surveillance programs. Legal interpretations have argued that the government can infringe upon privacy and other rights as long as the process is deemed “fair” under the law.

For example:

  • Programs like the National Security Agency’s (NSA) bulk data collection often cite constitutional justifications tied to public safety.
  • Critics argue that such actions disproportionately affect marginalized communities, eroding civil liberties in the name of national security.

5. It Failed to Address the Indigenous Experience

The 14th Amendment granted citizenship to individuals born in the U.S., but this did not include Native Americans at the time of its ratification. Indigenous peoples were not considered U.S. citizens until the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.

This exclusion highlights the selective application of “equal protection” and the continued marginalization of Native communities throughout American history.

6. It Opened the Door to Federal Overreach in Individual Lives

By establishing the federal government’s power to enforce civil rights, the 14th Amendment also created a precedent for federal involvement in other aspects of individual lives. Critics argue that this has led to:

  • Over-criminalization: Federal laws and regulations have expanded into areas traditionally managed at the local level.
  • Surveillance culture: Increasing government oversight and monitoring, often justified as protecting civil rights or national security.

Why Should You Care?

The 14th Amendment is a double-edged sword. While it is a cornerstone of civil rights and equality, its broader implications reveal how government power, corporate influence, and systemic inequities can arise from even the most well-intentioned laws.

What Can We Do?

  1. Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the history and consequences of constitutional amendments. Knowledge is power.
  2. Advocate for Accountability: Push for reforms that ensure corporations and the government cannot misuse constitutional protections.
  3. Fight for Justice: Recognize the amendment’s shortcomings and work toward policies that fulfill its original promises of equality and fairness.

Conclusion

The 14th Amendment is a vital part of America’s legal framework, but its history is far more complex than the celebratory narratives we often hear. By uncovering its hidden impacts, we can better understand the challenges we face today—and take steps to create a more equitable society.

References

  1. Foner, Eric. The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution. W.W. Norton & Company, 2019.
  2. Blackmon, Douglas A. Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II. Anchor Books, 2008.
  3. Urofsky, Melvin I. Dissent and the Supreme Court: Its Role in the Court’s History and the Nation’s Constitutional Dialogue. Pantheon Books, 2015.
  4. PBS. “Reconstruction: The Second Civil War.”
  5. Legal Information Institute. “14th Amendment.” Cornell Law School.

By A.L. Childers, author of Silent Chains: Breaking Free from Conformity and Injustice.

What do you think about the hidden impacts of the 14th Amendment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Unpacking the 14th Amendment: A Hidden Clause in the American Promise

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When we think of the 14th Amendment, many of us instinctively associate it with equality, justice, and a step toward fulfilling the American dream of freedom for all. However, its story is far more complex, nuanced, and layered than a surface reading might suggest. The 14th Amendment wasn’t just a singular declaration of rights; it was part of a broader, intricate package—a hidden package within a package. To understand its true significance, we must unpack its historical context, its intent, and its enduring impact on the fabric of our nation.

The Context: A Nation’s Attempt to Heal a Broken Promise

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, was one of three Reconstruction Amendments passed in the aftermath of the Civil War. It was an effort to address the deep, systemic inequities that had been entrenched in American society since its founding. At its core, the amendment sought to correct the glaring omissions of the Constitution, particularly the exclusion of enslaved people and their descendants from the promise of freedom and equality.

But here’s the paradox: the amendment itself emerged as a kind of bandage for wounds that were inflicted by the very foundations of the United States. The Constitution, as originally drafted, excluded vast swathes of people from the idea of freedom. The Declaration of Independence’s bold assertion that “all men are created equal” was, tragically, more of an ideal than a lived reality.

The 14th Amendment attempted to rectify this by introducing clauses that guaranteed equal protection under the law and defined citizenship in more inclusive terms. Yet, this effort was always limited by the deeply ingrained societal structures it sought to reform.

The Fine Print: Hidden Complexities

Much like modern contracts, the 14th Amendment came with its own “fine print.” While its language appears clear—”No State shall…deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws”—the courts and legislators interpreting it often narrowed its scope. The amendment’s intent was to dismantle the systemic exclusion of certain groups, yet its application has frequently been hampered by oversimplified legal logic.

For instance, the courts have historically sidestepped the amendment’s potential to challenge inequalities that go beyond race, such as gender discrimination, economic inequality, and other systemic barriers. This tendency to avoid the “plight” of equal protection in its fullest sense has perpetuated the gaps it was meant to close.

We Don’t Live in a Zero-Sum World

One of the misconceptions that hampers the full realization of the 14th Amendment’s promise is the notion that equality for one group inherently threatens the status of another. This zero-sum thinking—where “what I gain, you lose”—has often framed debates around civil rights, affirmative action, and equal access to opportunities.

But history offers countless examples where equality has not diminished but enriched society as a whole. Consider the Civil Rights Movement, which not only advanced the rights of Black Americans but also paved the way for broader discussions about human rights, benefiting women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. The ripple effects of equality challenge the notion that justice for one group comes at the expense of another.

Examples and Reflections

  1. Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
    This landmark Supreme Court decision struck down racial segregation in schools, citing the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. It demonstrated how the amendment could dismantle systems of inequality, yet also highlighted the resistance to change, as states implemented “separate but equal” policies to circumvent its intent.
  2. Roe v. Wade (1973)
    While not explicitly about the 14th Amendment, this case invoked its principles of liberty and equal protection to affirm a woman’s right to choose. The subsequent challenges to Roe show how the amendment’s protections are often contested and reframed.
  3. Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)
    This decision extended marriage equality to same-sex couples, relying on the 14th Amendment to affirm that love and partnership are fundamental rights, irrespective of gender.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The 14th Amendment, for all its flaws and limitations, remains a cornerstone of the American legal and moral framework. It is both a promise and a challenge—an invitation to continue the work of making equality a reality, not just an idea.

To truly honor the 14th Amendment, we must reject the zero-sum narrative and embrace a mindset that sees justice and equality as collective goals. Our rights are not in competition; they are intertwined.

Final Thoughts

The 14th Amendment may have been an effort to “fix what was broken,” but its story is far from over. Like all transformative ideas, it requires vigilance, action, and a willingness to engage with its complexities. As a society, we must read the fine print, confront the hidden exclusions, and strive to fulfill its promise of equal protection for all.

References:

  • Foner, E. (2011). The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery.
  • Karst, K. L. (1977). “The Supreme Court and Group Equality: Trends in the Interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause.” California Law Review.
  • Klarman, M. J. (2004). From Jim Crow to Civil Rights: The Supreme Court and the Struggle for Racial Equality.

Author’s Note: This blog is part of an ongoing exploration of justice, equality, and the historical forces that shape our society. Stay tuned for more insights, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Organic Act of 1871: Unveiling the Hidden Transformation of America BY A.L. Childers

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The year 1871 holds a pivotal yet obscure place in American history. While the events of this year have been purposefully hidden from the masses, it is crucial to bring them to light. Much like Vatican City and the City of London, Washington, D.C. possesses its own sovereignty. This article dives into the Organic Act of 1871, which established Washington, D.C. as a distinct corporate entity, and explores the broader implications of this transformation.

The Sovereign City-States: Vatican City, The City of London, and Washington, D.C.

To understand the significance of the Organic Act of 1871, it is essential first to recognize the unique statuses of Vatican City, the City of London, and Washington, D.C. These entities function as independent city-states with their own governments, separate from the nations that surround them.

Vatican City: Enslaved within Rome, Vatican City boasts its own police force, political structure, and governance. It operates as the religious hub of the Catholic Church, wielding significant influence over its global congregation.

The City of London: Nestled within the larger city of London, this financial district possesses its own flag, crest, police force, ceremonial armed forces, and mayor. It serves as a global banking powerhouse, independent of the UK’s national policies.

Washington, D.C.: Unlike the states within the United States that have their own constitutions and flags, Washington, D.C. operates under a unique framework. Despite being the epicenter of American political power, it is not a state but a separate corporate entity with its own set of laws, police force, and mayor.

The Organic Act of 1871: A Transformative Legislation

The Organic Act of 1871 marked a turning point in American history. Passed during a time of national turmoil and economic vulnerability following the Civil War, this legislation established the District of Columbia as a separate entity. The U.S. was struggling with bankruptcy, and the London bankers, including the infamous Rothschild family, saw an opportunity to exert their influence.

The Deal with the Bankers: In an effort to stabilize the nation’s finances, Congress struck a deal with these powerful bankers. This agreement allowed for the creation of a 10-mile square parcel of land known as the District of Columbia. This district would function as a corporation, operating outside the original Constitution of the United States.

Subtle but Significant Changes: The act subtly altered the Constitution, changing the title from “The Constitution for the United States of America” to “The Constitution of the United States of America.” Though seemingly minor, these changes had profound implications, allowing for the creation of a corporate government distinct from the constitutional republic initially envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

The Implications of Corporate Governance

The establishment of Washington, D.C. as a corporate entity had far-reaching consequences. The new structure allowed for the passage of the 16th Amendment, enabling the federal government to tax individual income irrespective of state populations. This paved the way for the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913, a private corporation controlling the nation’s monetary policy, yet not a government institution.

The Federal Reserve and Income Tax: The Federal Reserve’s creation centralized control over the nation’s economy, requiring citizens to surrender their gold and silver to the government. Social Security numbers were introduced in 1935, further cementing the government’s control over individual finances. Since the 1950s, personal income taxes have become the primary revenue source for the federal government, solidifying the notion of the U.S. as a corporation with its citizens as employees.

The Dollar and Gold Standard: President Richard Nixon’s decision in 1971 to sever the dollar’s connection to the gold standard further compounded the nation’s economic woes. The purchasing power of the dollar declined while federal and consumer debt soared, illustrating the long-term impacts of the decisions made in 1871.

Who Benefits from the Act of 1871?

The beneficiaries of the Organic Act of 1871 are evident. The London bankers who orchestrated the deal with Congress reaped significant profits, continuing to influence American politics and economy. The Federal Reserve, serving no genuine function beyond eroding the purchasing power of American workers, operates under the guise of a governmental institution while funneling wealth to its private, non-American owners.

The average U.S. citizen or the bankers who incorporated the United States? They have been buying politicians ever since. The same Federal Reserve, which serves absolutely no real function except for stealing the purchasing power of your 60-hour work week and then redistributing those funds to destroy your rights and enslave you on your own soil. It’s the same folks using the same debt slavery system, time after time. When will we learn that debt with interest is a system of perpetual debt and is intended to be passed on to the people beneath until the debt gap consumes all who owe the debt?

A Call to Awareness and Action

As a concerned American citizen, it is disheartening to realize that this crucial information was never taught to us in school. As Americans, it is so important that we not let this information die with our generation. One of the most important lessons you can teach your children is how to obtain their own freedom and identify when their freedoms are being taken from them and how to demand those personal freedoms and liberties back instead of waiting around for a hero in the form of a politician who will represent them to offer solutions. Politicians are selling socialism and communism. The future seems so bleak. The future will always be bleak if you are a debt slave. Before your foot even touches this earth, you are scanned into a system as an employee of this corporation, which does not care about you one bit.

The United States is still a great country, but it has its problems. You can riot, loot, and protest all you want, but until the Federal Reserve is ended or the Act of 1871 is torn into a thousand pieces and thrown into the wind, until the IRS is abolished, and until we move back to the gold standard, we have no chance of experiencing true freedom. As Americans, it is crucial to understand the historical context and implications of the Organic Act of 1871. This knowledge is not merely academic but vital for recognizing the erosion of freedoms and the perpetual debt slavery system that mirrors ancient Babylon. Teaching future generations about these realities and advocating for the abolition of the Federal Reserve and the return to a gold standard are steps toward reclaiming personal and national sovereignty.

Only by acknowledging and confronting the hidden history of 1871 can we hope to restore the vision of the Founding Fathers and secure a brighter future for all Americans.

You can also conduct your own research into history to uncover which pure family bloodlines originating from ancient Babylon have survived and continue to wield influence today, perpetuating their legacy through the ages. By tracing these bloodlines, you may find compelling connections that reveal how historical power structures have evolved yet remain fundamentally unchanged. Understanding these lineages can provide a deeper insight into the continuity of power and influence that shapes our modern world.

The Hidden History of 1871: The Year That Changed America Forever

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In the annals of American history, 1871 stands out as a pivotal year that has been shrouded in mystery and obscured from public knowledge. Much like Vatican City and the City of London, Washington, D.C. holds a unique status—operating as a sovereign entity separate from the nation it resides within. This article delves into the implications of the Organic Act of 1871, which established Washington, D.C. as a distinct corporate entity, and explores the broader significance of this transformation.

The Sovereign City-States: Vatican City, The City of London, and Washington, D.C.

To understand the significance of the Organic Act of 1871, it is essential first to recognize the unique statuses of Vatican City, the City of London, and Washington, D.C. These entities function as independent city-states with their own governments, separate from the nations that surround them.

Vatican City: Enslaved within Rome, Vatican City boasts its own police force, political structure, and governance. It operates as the religious hub of the Catholic Church, wielding significant influence over its global congregation.

The City of London: Nestled within the larger city of London, this financial district possesses its own flag, crest, police force, ceremonial armed forces, and mayor. It serves as a global banking powerhouse, independent of the UK’s national policies.

Washington, D.C.: Unlike the states within the United States that have their own constitutions and flags, Washington, D.C. operates under a unique framework. Despite being the epicenter of American political power, it is not a state but a separate corporate entity with its own set of laws, police force, and mayor.

The Organic Act of 1871: A Transformative Legislation

The Organic Act of 1871 marked a turning point in American history. Passed during a time of national turmoil and economic vulnerability following the Civil War, this legislation established the District of Columbia as a separate entity. The U.S. was struggling with bankruptcy, and the London bankers, including the infamous Rothschild family, saw an opportunity to exert their influence.

The Deal with the Bankers: In an effort to stabilize the nation’s finances, Congress struck a deal with these powerful bankers. This agreement allowed for the creation of a 10-mile square parcel of land known as the District of Columbia. This district would function as a corporation, operating outside the original Constitution of the United States.

Subtle but Significant Changes: The act subtly altered the Constitution, changing the title from “The Constitution for the United States for America” to “the Constitution of the United States of America.” Though seemingly minor, these changes had profound implications, allowing for the creation of a corporate government distinct from the constitutional republic initially envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

The Implications of Corporate Governance

The establishment of Washington, D.C. as a corporate entity had far-reaching consequences. The new structure allowed for the passage of the 16th Amendment, enabling the federal government to tax individual income irrespective of state populations. This paved the way for the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913, a private corporation controlling the nation’s monetary policy, yet not a government institution.

The Federal Reserve and Income Tax: The Federal Reserve’s creation centralized control over the nation’s economy, requiring citizens to surrender their gold and silver to the government. Social Security numbers were introduced in 1935, further cementing the government’s control over individual finances. Since the 1950s, personal income taxes have become the primary revenue source for the federal government, solidifying the notion of the U.S. as a corporation with its citizens as employees.

The Dollar and Gold Standard: President Richard Nixon’s decision in 1971 to sever the dollar’s connection to the gold standard further compounded the nation’s economic woes. The purchasing power of the dollar declined while federal and consumer debt soared, illustrating the long-term impacts of the decisions made in 1871.

Who Benefits from the Act of 1871?

The beneficiaries of the Organic Act of 1871 are evident. The London bankers who orchestrated the deal with Congress reaped significant profits, continuing to influence American politics and economy. The Federal Reserve, serving no genuine function beyond eroding the purchasing power of American workers, operates under the guise of a governmental institution while funneling wealth to its private, non-American owners.

The average U.S. citizen or the bankers who incorporated the United States? And they have been buying politicians ever since. The same Federal Reserve, which serves absolutely no real function except for stealing the purchasing power of your 60-hour work week and then redistributing those funds to destroy your rights and enslave you on your own soil. Hey, just like they did back in Babylon. It’s the same folks using the same debt slavery system, time after time. When will we learn that debt with interest is a system of perpetual debt and is intended to be passed on to the people beneath until the debt gap consumes all who owe the debt?

A Call to Awareness and Action

This was never taught to me in school. As Americans, it is so important that we not let this information die with our generation. One of the most important lessons you can teach your children is how to obtain their own freedom and identify when their freedoms are being taken from them and how to demand those personal freedoms and liberties back instead of waiting around for a hero in the form of a politician who will represent them to offer solutions. Politicians are selling socialism and communism. The future seems so bleak. The future will always be bleak if you are a debt slave. Before your foot even touches this earth, you are scanned into a system as an employee of this corporation, which does not care about you one bit.

The United States is still a great country, but it has its problems. You can riot, loot, and protest all you want, but until the Federal Reserve is ended or the Act of 1871 is torn into a thousand pieces and thrown into the wind, until the IRS is abolished, and until we move back to the gold standard, we have no chance of experiencing true freedom. As Americans, it is crucial to understand the historical context and implications of the Organic Act of 1871. This knowledge is not merely academic but vital for recognizing the erosion of freedoms and the perpetual debt slavery system that mirrors ancient Babylon. Teaching future generations about these realities and advocating for the abolition of the Federal Reserve and the return to a gold standard are steps toward reclaiming personal and national sovereignty.

Only by acknowledging and confronting the hidden history of 1871 can we hope to restore the vision of the Founding Fathers and secure a brighter future for all Americans.

“London Bridge is Falling Down” and the American Experience: Echoes of History and Present-Day Realities By A.L. Childers

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Children’s laughter fills the air as they gleefully sing and play, imagining the grand old bridge in a gentle state of disrepair. It’s all fun and games, right? But what if I told you that the seemingly innocent nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down” holds a dark truth that resonates deeply with the history and current experiences of the American people?

The Dark Truth Behind the Rhyme

Hold on to your hats, because the real story behind “London Bridge is Falling Down” plunges us into the murky waters of history. This rhyme, while seemingly innocent, is believed to reference numerous disasters and reconstructions of the actual London Bridge, including chilling methods reportedly used to ensure its stability.

The earliest versions of the bridge date back to Roman times, but the most infamous stories arise from the medieval era. One particularly dark theory suggests that children were buried alive in the foundations of the bridge as a form of human sacrifice. This gruesome practice was believed to ensure that the bridge would remain standing, as the spirits of the sacrificed children would protect it from collapse. Imagine the fear and horror of medieval Londoners, who lived in a world where human sacrifices were a desperate attempt to appease the gods or secure a stable structure. The idea of innocent lives being entombed within the stone and mortar of the bridge casts a dark shadow over the playful rhyme.

Another interpretation connects the rhyme to the repeated Viking attacks on London, specifically the destruction caused by Olaf II of Norway in the early 11th century. His forces reportedly pulled down the bridge as part of their invasion, leading to the depiction of the bridge falling down.

So, while children merrily chant about London Bridge, they are unknowingly recounting tales of destruction, death, and historical turmoil. The rhyme becomes a haunting echo of a time when fear and superstition ruled the day, and the foundations of society were as unstable as the bridges they built.

Drawing Parallels: The American Experience

Now, let’s draw a parallel to the American experience. Just as “London Bridge is Falling Down” masks a history of sacrifice and turmoil, the modern American taxpayer faces a reality where the government imposes burdens that can feel just as oppressive.

In America, the common person is taxed on nearly everything – income, property, sales, and even inheritance. These taxes, like the wool tax in medieval England, often seem to benefit the wealthy and powerful while placing a heavy burden on the working class. The constant demand for revenue to support various governmental expenditures leaves many Americans struggling to afford basic necessities.

Historical Echoes: Human Sacrifice and Economic Burden

Just as medieval Londoners faced the fear of human sacrifices to maintain their bridge, modern Americans confront the economic sacrifices demanded by an ever-expanding government. The open borders and allocation of resources to immigrants, while noble in intent, add to the financial strain on taxpayers. The government’s continued financial aid to foreign nations, such as the billions sent to Ukraine, further amplifies this frustration, especially when many Americans are homeless and hungry.

The common American, much like the “little boy who lives down the lane” in “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” works tirelessly, only to see their hard-earned money lining the pockets of the rich and powerful. The nursery rhyme serves as a subtle protest against unfair taxation, a whisper of dissent cleverly masked as a children’s song. This reflects the broader economic oppression and exploitation that many feel today.

History and Authors

The first recorded version of “London Bridge is Falling Down” dates back to the 17th century, but references to the bridge and its troubles are much older. The rhyme was first published in the form we recognize today in the 1850s, but it likely existed in oral tradition long before then. The authorship of the rhyme is anonymous, as with many nursery rhymes that have been passed down through generations. Its endurance is a testament to its catchy melody and the universal fascination with tales of construction and collapse.

London Bridge itself has undergone numerous reconstructions over the centuries, each iteration facing its own set of challenges. From the Roman bridge to the medieval stone structure, and the more modern versions, London Bridge has been a central part of the city’s history. The current bridge, completed in 1973, stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal.

A Reflection for Modern Americans

The next time you hear children singing “London Bridge is Falling Down,” remember the layers of history embedded in those simple words. The rhyme is not just a game but a narrative of human sacrifice, invasion, and the relentless march of time. Similarly, the modern American taxpayer’s struggle is a reflection of economic burdens and systemic challenges.

Both the rhyme and the American experience remind us that history has a way of repeating itself, often in surprising and sobering ways. As we navigate our own economic and social landscapes, let’s remain vigilant and aware of the forces shaping our lives, much like the medieval Londoners who faced their own daunting challenges.

Author A.L. Childers