In the context of the Sovereign Citizen Movement, the term State National is used by its members to describe themselves as citizens of their states rather than citizens of the United States of America.
They hold the belief that this self-identification allows them to circumvent federal laws and regulations they consider unconstitutional or unjust.
However, this belief is typically dismissed by legal authorities, often leading to legal issues for those who identify as State Nationals.
The Sovereign Citizen Movement comprises a loosely organized group of individuals who assert that they are exempt from most federal and state laws.
These individuals often claim the titles State Nationals or American Nationals and outright reject federal authority.
While this movement is not entirely new, it has garnered significant attention in recent years due to a number of high-profile incidents involving its members.
In this article, we will delve into the Sovereign Citizen Movement, the concept of State Nationals, and the reasons why this movement is problematic.
The Sovereign Citizen Movement asserts that the federal government is illegitimate and that true authority lies only with the state governments of each individual.
Members of this movement claim that the United States of America is essentially a corporation rather than a country, and that citizens are merely employees of this corporation.
Their beliefs are deeply rooted in a mix of conspiracy theories and pseudolegal concepts.
For instance, some adherents think that a shadowy cabal of bankers has taken over the U.S. government and that the income tax is unconstitutional.
Others hold more extreme views, like believing that the government has been replaced by a reptilian alien group.
Although the Sovereign Citizen Movement is not a new phenomenon, it has drawn more attention recently due to several high-profile incidents involving its members.
In 2016, a notable event occurred when a group of armed individuals seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, arguing that the federal government lacked authority over the land.
More tragically, in 2020, a member of the movement killed a police officer during a traffic stop in California, highlighting the potential danger associated with their beliefs.
What are State Nationals?
State Nationals is a term used by some within the Sovereign Citizen Movement to identify themselves as citizens of their individual states but not as citizens of the United States of America.
These individuals believe that by claiming this status, they can avoid federal laws and regulations, which they consider unconstitutional or unfair.
The concept of State Nationals is rooted in the notion that the United States is actually a corporation, not a country.
According to Sovereign Citizens, being a citizen equates to being an employee of this corporation, and they assert that they can opt out of this system by becoming State Nationals.
They frequently argue that this status grants them immunity from federal laws and regulations.
However, this idea is not recognized by any legal authorities.
The Sovereign Citizen Movement presents numerous challenges.
Firstly, their beliefs are built on conspiracy theories and pseudolegal concepts that lack factual basis.
Their rejection of federal authority poses a threat to the rule of law and the stability of the United States.
The movement has been associated with several violent incidents.
Members have been involved in shootings, bombings, and other forms of violence.
The group’s defiance of federal authority often increases the likelihood of violence as they pursue their goals.
Furthermore, the Sovereign Citizen Movement endangers both individuals and communities.
Members may refuse to pay taxes, obtain necessary permits, or comply with other legal requirements.
Such actions can create dangerous situations, like when they occupy government buildings or refuse to vacate 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.
