In relation to the Sovereign Citizen Movement, a State National is a term used by members of this movement to refer to themselves as citizens of their respective states but not as citizens of the United States of America.
They believe that by doing so, they can avoid federal laws and regulations that they deem unconstitutional or unjust.
This belief is often not recognized by legal authorities and can lead to legal troubles for those who identify as State Nationals.
The Sovereign Citizen Movement is a loosely organized group of individuals who believe that they are not subject to most federal or state laws.
They claim to be State Nationals or American Nationals, and reject the authority of the federal government.
While the movement is not a new phenomenon, it has gained attention in recent years due to the high-profile incidents involving its members.
In this article, we will explore what the Sovereign Citizen Movement is, what State Nationals are, and why this movement is problematic.
What is the Sovereign Citizen Movement?
They believe that the federal government is illegitimate and that the only legitimate government is that of their respective states.
They claim that the United States of America is a corporation, rather than a country, and that citizens are employees of the corporation.
The beliefs of the Sovereign Citizen Movement are rooted in a variety of conspiracy theories and pseudolegal theories.
For example, some members of the movement believe that the United States government was taken over by a shadowy cabal of bankers and that the income tax is unconstitutional.
Others believe that the government has been replaced by a group of reptilian aliens.
While the Sovereign Citizen Movement is not a new phenomenon, it has gained attention in recent years due to the high-profile incidents involving its members.
For example, in 2016, a group of armed individuals occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, claiming that the federal government had no authority over the land.
In 2020, a member of the movement killed a police officer during a traffic stop in California.
What are State Nationals?
State Nationals are a term used by some members of the Sovereign Citizen Movement to refer to themselves as citizens of their respective states but not as citizens of the United States of America.
They believe that by doing so, they can avoid federal laws and regulations that they deem unconstitutional or unjust.
The concept of State Nationals is rooted in the idea that the United States of America is a corporation, rather than a country.
Sovereign Citizens believe that citizens are employees of the corporation and that they can choose to opt out of the system by becoming State Nationals.
They often claim that this status gives them immunity from federal laws and regulations.
However, the concept of State Nationals is not recognized by legal authorities.
The Sovereign Citizen Movement is problematic for a variety of reasons.
First, its beliefs are based on conspiracy theories and pseudolegal theories that have little basis in reality.
The movement’s rejection of federal authority is thought of as a threat to the rule of law and the stability of the United States.
The Sovereign Citizen Movement has been linked to a number of violent incidents.
Members of the movement have been involved in shootings, bombings, and other acts of violence.
The movement’s rejection of federal authority can make its members more likely to use violence to achieve their goals.
Third, the Sovereign Citizen Movement can put individuals and communities at risk.
Members of the movement may refuse to pay taxes, obtain proper permits, or comply with other legal requirements.
This can lead to dangerous situations, such as when members of the movement occupy government buildings or refuse to leave public lands.
Pros of Being a State National
The ability to live according to one’s own beliefs and principles
One of the main benefits of identifying as a State National is the ability to live according to one’s own beliefs and principles.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals can create their own governance structures and legal systems that align with their values and beliefs.
This can provide a sense of autonomy and independence that is not possible under federal authority.
The feeling of belonging to a smaller, more tightly-knit community
Identifying as a State National can provide a sense of belonging to a smaller, more tightly-knit community.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals often create their own communities that are based on shared beliefs and principles.
This can provide a sense of community and belonging that may be lacking in larger, more diverse communities.
The potential for greater autonomy in decision-making
Identifying as a State National can provide the potential for greater autonomy in decision-making.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals are able to create their own governance structures and legal systems that give them greater control over their lives and communities.
The ability to avoid federal laws and regulations that one may deem unconstitutional or unjust
Another benefit of identifying as a State National is the ability to avoid federal laws and regulations that one may deem unconstitutional or unjust.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals can create their own legal systems that are more aligned with their values and beliefs.
This can allow them to avoid federal laws and regulations that they disagree with.
The ability to reject federal taxes and other financial obligations
Identifying as a State National can provide the ability to reject federal taxes and other financial obligations.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals can create their own economic systems that do not require them to pay federal taxes or other financial obligations that they may disagree with.
The potential for greater privacy and security
Identifying as a State National can provide the potential for greater privacy and security.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals are able to create their own governance structures and legal systems that may be more protective of their privacy and security.
The ability to form one’s own legal system and governance structure
Another benefit of identifying as a State National is the ability to form one’s own legal system and governance structure.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals can create their own governance structures and legal systems that are more aligned with their values and beliefs.
This can provide greater autonomy and control over one’s life and community.
The potential for greater self-sufficiency and independence
Identifying as a State National can provide the potential for greater self-sufficiency and independence.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals are able to create their own economic systems and governance structures that may be more self-sufficient and independent.
The ability to reject federal policies that one may disagree with
Another benefit of identifying as a State National is the ability to reject federal policies that one may disagree with.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals can create their own governance structures and legal systems that do not require them to comply with federal policies that they may deem unconstitutional or unjust.
The potential for greater cultural and linguistic preservation
Identifying as a State National can provide the potential for greater cultural and linguistic preservation.
By rejecting federal authority, State Nationals are able to create their own governance structures and legal systems that may be more supportive of cultural and linguistic diversity.
This can help to preserve and promote cultural and linguistic traditions that may be threatened under federal authority.
Cons of Being a State National
Legal consequences for identifying as a State National
One of the main risks of identifying as a State National is the potential for legal consequences.
State Nationals are not recognized by legal authorities and may be subject to fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences for noncompliance with federal laws and regulations.
The legal consequences of identifying as a State National can be severe and can have lasting effects on an individual’s life.
The potential for social ostracism and isolation
Identifying as a State National can lead to social ostracism and isolation.
State Nationals may be seen as unconventional or extremist by mainstream society, which can lead to social exclusion and discrimination.
Difficulty in accessing federal benefits and resources
Identifying as a State National can make it difficult to access federal benefits and resources.
State Nationals are not recognized by federal authorities, which can limit their access to federal programs and services, such as healthcare, education, and employment assistance.
The potential for legal and financial penalties for noncompliance with federal laws and regulations
Another risk of identifying as a State National is the potential for legal and financial penalties for noncompliance with federal laws and regulations.
State Nationals are not exempt from federal laws and regulations, and noncompliance can result in legal and financial penalties that can be severe.
The potential for greater vulnerability to criminal activity due to lack of federal protection
Identifying as a State National can make individuals more vulnerable to criminal activity due to lack of federal protection.
State Nationals are not recognized by federal authorities, which can make them more vulnerable to criminal activity, such as fraud and scams.
The potential for reduced access to educational and employment opportunities
Identifying as a State National can make it difficult to access educational and employment opportunities.
State Nationals may not have access to federal education and employment programs, which can limit their opportunities for advancement.
The potential for difficulty in obtaining federal identification documents, such as passports or driver’s licenses
Identifying as a State National can make it difficult to obtain federal identification documents, such as passports or driver’s licenses.
State Nationals are not recognized by federal authorities, which can make it difficult for them to obtain the necessary identification documents to travel or work.
The potential for reduced access to healthcare and other essential services
Identifying as a State National can make it difficult to access healthcare and other essential services.
State Nationals may not have access to federal healthcare programs, which can limit their ability to obtain necessary medical care.
The potential for difficulty in traveling outside of one’s state or country
Identifying as a State National can make it difficult to travel outside of one’s state or country.
State Nationals may not have access to federal travel programs, which can limit their ability to travel outside of their state or country.
The potential for increased risk of civil unrest or political conflict
Identifying as a State National can increase the risk of civil unrest or political conflict.
State Nationals may reject federal authority and policies, which can lead to conflict with federal authorities and other members of society who disagree with their beliefs.
This can create an environment of tension and conflict that can be detrimental to the community.
Recent Events involving the Sovereign Citizen Movement
Recent events involving the Sovereign Citizen Movement have raised concerns about the potential threat posed by the movement to public safety and the rule of law in the United States.
The movement, which rejects federal authority and advocates for the creation of separate legal systems and governance structures, has been linked to a number of violent incidents in recent years.
One of the most high-profile incidents involving the Sovereign Citizen Movement occurred in 2016, when a group of armed individuals occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon.
The group, led by Ammon and Ryan Bundy, claimed that the federal government had no authority over the land and that they were acting in accordance with the principles of the movement.
The occupation lasted for 41 days and ended with the arrest of the Bundy brothers and other members of the group.
The incident brought national attention to the Sovereign Citizen Movement and its beliefs, and raised concerns about the potential for violence and conflict between the movement and federal authorities.
More recently, the Sovereign Citizen Movement was linked to the killing of a police officer during a traffic stop in California in 2020.
The suspect, identified as a member of the movement, allegedly opened fire on the officer, killing him instantly.
The incident highlighted the potential for violent confrontations between members of the movement and law enforcement, and raised concerns about the movement’s activities and beliefs.
Other violent incidents involving members of the Sovereign Citizen Movement have also been reported in recent years.
These incidents include shootings, assaults, and threats against government officials and law enforcement officers.
While the movement is loosely organized and decentralized, its beliefs and activities have been linked to a number of violent incidents across the United States.
The recent rise in activity and visibility of the Sovereign Citizen Movement has been attributed to a number of factors.
These include the spread of conspiracy theories and pseudolegal theories on social media and other online platforms, the political polarization of the country, and the erosion of trust in government institutions and traditional sources of authority.
The impact of recent events involving the Sovereign Citizen Movement on law enforcement and public safety has been significant.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have had to develop strategies for identifying and addressing the activities of the movement, which can be difficult to track and predict.
In addition, the movement’s rejection of federal authority and legal systems can create challenges for law enforcement agencies that are tasked with upholding the rule of law.
The rise of the Sovereign Citizen Movement and its activities have also raised concerns about the stability of the United States and the implications for the rule of law.
Some experts have suggested that the movement’s rejection of federal authority and legal systems represents a direct challenge to the legitimacy of the federal
government and the principles of democracy and the rule of law.In response to the recent events involving the Sovereign Citizen Movement, law enforcement agencies have developed strategies for addressing the movement’s activities and potential threats to public safety.
These strategies include community outreach and education initiatives, legal consequences for members of the movement involved in violent incidents, and enhanced intelligence gathering and monitoring of the movement’s activities.
Community outreach and education initiatives are aimed at educating the public about the Sovereign Citizen Movement and its beliefs, and encouraging community members to report suspicious activities to law enforcement.
Legal consequences for members of the movement involved in violent incidents can include prosecution for crimes such as assault and murder, as well as enhanced penalties for crimes committed in the name of the movement.
Enhanced intelligence gathering and monitoring of the movement’s activities can help law enforcement agencies identify potential threats and prevent violent incidents.
This can include monitoring social media and other online platforms for signs of radicalization, as well as working with other law enforcement agencies and intelligence services to share information and coordinate efforts.
Conclusion
while identifying as a State National may provide some benefits, such as autonomy and community, it also carries significant risks, including legal consequences, social ostracism, and limited access to essential services.
As with any belief system, individuals should carefully consider the risks and benefits before identifying as a State National or participating in the Sovereign Citizen Movement.
It is important to weigh personal beliefs against the potential legal, social, and economic consequences of rejecting federal authority.
Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_citizen_movement
https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/sovereign-citizens-movement
es/www.sog.unc.edu/files/Sov%20citizens%20quick%20guide%20Nov%2013.pdf
