Nine truths in honor of the truth that is Usurpation Day, 9 April 1792.
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1 Usurpation Day was born 9 April 1792 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Clifford “Tippy” E. Rowe was born 22 April 1923 in Shullsburg Wisconsin. The Raving By A. E. Poe or C. E. Rowe Once upon a mission dreary, When of combat I’ve grown weary, I had flown a thousand hours And was sure to fly some more. When suddenly there came a knocking, Sounded like some ack-ack popping – Popping like the very devil Just beneath my bomb-bay doors. T’is some Jerry quickly tho’t I Wishing to improve his score. I will use evasive tactics Even if he does get sore. Turning then I saw before me Blacker now than ere before Ack ack bursting close and heavy Guess I’d better turn some more. Opening wide I swung the bomb-bay doors And to my surprise and horror Flashing fast and bright beneath me Were some hundred guns or more. And above the shrapnel shrieking When they told us with much speech That there were only three or four. 2 At the end of WWI, US President Woodrow Wilson presented defeated Germany with a constitution, one unlike ours; it did not represent people according to numbers, like George Washington and the founders intended: Wilson's plan was an epic failure and catalyst for Hitler and the Nazis. Clifford Rowe graduates from Shullsburg High School in May 1940 with valedictorian honors, the same month Hitler invades Belgium, the Netherlands and France. Tippy joins the Army Air Corps in ‘42 and becomes a navigator for the B-17 bomber; he trains in Texas and leaves for Europe in June 1944. Leveling then I made a bomb run Which was not a very long one For the Varsity was on duty And I’d seen their work before. Then an engine coughed and clattered And the glass around me splattered Then I knew they had my number Just my number, nothing more. Then at last the bombs were toggled And alone away I hobbled With some fifty-seven inches And a feathered number four. While outside like ducks migrating Was a drove of ME’s waiting – Waiting all with itching fingers Just to finish up my score. I had lost my upper turret And now alone, defenseless, worried I was the saddest creature Mortal woman ever bore. And now each bright and beaming traces Coming nearer, ever nearer, Made my spirit sink within me Just my spirit, nothing more. 3 Usurpation Day is a day of remembrance for those who serve for the duration even when they are torn and tattered, nerves completely shattered. Tippy Rowe didn’t want to be a bomber anymore and yet kept being a bomber. That’s a spirit of perseverance in the face of death: just my number, nothing more, just my spirit, nothing more. Lt. Rowe was killed on 5 Nov 1944 while on a bombing raid over Mannheim Germany; the B-17 he was in was hit by anti-aircraft fire, went out of control, into a spin, and was nevermore. Then at last to my elation I caught up to my formation And the ME’s turned and left me By the tens and by the score. But my wings were torn and tattered And my nerves completely shattered And as far as I’m concerned The war is over, forevermore. Now I’ve found the joy of living And my secret I am giving To the rest of those among you Who might care to live some more. For my sinus starts to seeping Everytime they mention briefing No more flying, no more combat No more missions, Nevermore??????? Posted by Bryan W. Brickner Usurpation: America’s We the People Represented According to Numbers Law is a Tool for Conviviality3/6/2023 A 1973 book, Tools for Conviviality by Ivan Illich, argues our dream was to build machines to replace slaves, and instead we have become enslaved to machines. “To formulate a theory about a future society both very modern and not dominated by industry, it will be necessary to recognize natural scales and limits. We must come to admit that only within limits can machines take the place of slaves; beyond these limits they lead to a new kind of serfdom. Only within limits can education fit people into a manmade environment: beyond these limits lies the universal schoolhouse, hospital ward, or prison.” (xii) Fifty years on and Illich is still apt. “The foreseeable catastrophe will be a true crisis – that is, the occasion for a choice – only if at the moment it strikes the necessary social demands can be effectively expressed. They must be represented by people who can demonstrate that the breakdown of the current industrial illusion is for them a condition for choosing an effective and convivial mode of production. The preparation of such groups is the key task of new politics at the present moment.” (114, bold added) Illich argues the available convivial tool: “can only be the formal structure of politics and law.” (115) Our foreseeable catastrophe is the true crisis of We the People not being represented according to numbers. Our politics is the usurpation and its supporters. Our law is Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3 of the US Constitution … and its supporters. The choice is between usurpation, which is the law of rule, and the US Constitution, which is the rule of law. Choose. Posted by Bryan W. Brickner Part XIII of XIII “… We were going to summarize.” “Treasonous acts.” “And then to Washington to see the smudge.” “Sounds good.” “What’d we learn Yank?” “Look out for people who leave their flank in the air.” “How’ll that work in DC?” “Dereliction of duty.” “That does work.” “You Reb?” “Look out for people wasting resources.” “The batteries.” “Time.” “Choir.” “Cavalry.” “We are talking about the moves of usurpers.” “What else Gus?” “Kyd …” “… People change.” “Some might act one way and then differently.” “Gotta let people come back.” “Sounds like grace.” “Grace vigilant.” “Word.” “Lots of people in Washington Reb.” “We’ll fit in.” “May we see some sights?” “Imagine so Gus.” “I never went there and you helped build it.” “And tried to destroy it.” “Forgive yourself Reb.” “On it.” “Shall we land on the Mall?” “Up to you.” “Let’s wing it.” “Wing it let’s.” “Up Reb!” “To Washington!” Next Up: To be determined. Posted by Bryan W. Brickner Part VIII of XIII “… It’s Usurpation Day Johnny.” “It is Gus.” “Two hundred and thirty years ago …” “Keep going.” “George vetoed a bill.” “The young nation’s first.” “Because Congress used the thirty Thousand in Article 1 but dropped the remainder, the fraction.” “The Constitution says ‘shall not exceed.’” “And Washington said they did.” “True.” “Congress couldn’t override George’s veto?” “Correct.” “So then what Johnny?” “On 9 April 1792, Elbridge Gerry and others voted a new representation bill, one that used thirty-three thousand instead of thirty.” “A number not in Article 1.” “Nor one ratified by the states.” “Making today, 9 April, the usurpation’s date of birth.” “An end date is needed.” “Amen Johnny.” “To the bridge Gus.” “To the bridge …” Next Up: 12 April and part IX of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Somewhere: Bridge. Posted by Bryan W. Brickner Part X of XIII “… Happy Constitution Day Yank.” “Smudge Day Johnny.” “Yupper.” “Tell the story again, about how George had the founders put a smudge on the Constitution.” “I thought you might ask Gus.” “Oh?” “Yes.” “So you have something prepared?” “Let me present, Constitution Day 1787.” “Let’s go Reb.” “Nowhere to go Yank, as we can story-tell right here.” “Okay.” “Conjure and imagine, if you will, the interior of … INDEPENDENCE HALL, PHILADELPHIA PA – DAY 17 SEP 1787 GEORGE WASHINGTON (55) is chairing the Constitutional Convention and it is the last day, signing day, 17 September 1787. The hall is full of founders, such as ALEXANDER HAMILTON (30), JAMES MADISON (36), and BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (81); they are all gathered to conclude the convention and begin their journeys home. The (almost) completed Constitution is read aloud as well as a speech written by Franklin. WE HEAR the MURMUR of restive and attentive voices as NATHANIAL GORHAM (49), someone known to all in the room, rises to speak; he is a Massachusetts delegate, Chairman of the Whole during the convention, and Washington acknowledges him from the podium. WASHINGTON I see Nathanial, the honorable Mr. Gorham, would like to speak. GORHAM Gentlemen, if it is not too late, I would like that the clause declaring, 'the number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every forty Thousand,' be reconsidered. WASHINGTON You mean the representation clause. GORHAM Yes, and since it produced so much discussion, perhaps we should reconsider it. WASHINGTON Your proposal? GORHAM For a greater representation of the people, I propose we strike out 'forty' Thousand and insert 'thirty' Thousand. HAMILTON Agreed! FRANKLIN Yes! Madison nods agreement. WASHINGTON (pauses) Although my situation has hitherto restrained me from offering sentiments on questions before the convention, and perhaps ought to now – LAUGHTER. I can’t forbear expressing my wish that the change proposed might take place. HAMILTON Say more. WASHINGTON It is much desired that the objections to the plan recommended might be as few as possible, and the smallness of the proportion of Representatives was considered by many members of the Convention, an insufficient security for the rights and interests of the people. FRANKLIN Yes. WASHINGTON The representation ratio had always seemed to me to be the exceptionable part of the plan, and late as the present moment was for admitting amendments, I believe it of so much consequence that it would give much satisfaction to see it adopted. The founders then vote and the change is unanimously accepted. Madison and a clerk make the edit to the Constitution by altering the word 'forty' into 'thirty,' and in doing so leave a smudge.” “Thanks for The Story of Smudge Day Johnny.” “You’re welcome.” “What’s the word on the usurpers and the surrender?” “Merrick Garland.” “Who’s that?” “The Attorney General for We the People.” “Word is?” “We’ve asked for support.” “I like it.” “Also, there’s some news about Sarah.” “Berry?” “Right, …” Next Up: 1 October and part XI of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Sarah. Posted by Bryan W. Brickner Part IX of XIII “… How’s this?” “Thanks Reb.” “Them crows got to ya Yank.” “I wasn’t sure what to think?” “I heard ‘em too.” “There are a lot of crows in Berryville.” “Yes.” “There’s even a street named Crow.” “That’s for a family.” “I thought so too, and said so to the crows.” “And?” “The crows, they wondered who that family would be named after, if not them?” “Crows.” “What is with these obelisks Johnny?” “Good question Gus.” “They’re … ” “… How much slavery was there here in Berryville?” “Clarke County was about half enslaved in 1860.” “Berryville’s in Clarke.” “County seat.” “These stone obelisks, crosses and testimonials, were built with slave coin.” “I hear ya.” “The stained glass windows, the brick church.” “Economy of slavery.” “We can see what enslaved people built, what their labors contributed.” “We can.” “It’s right here, here in these stones.” “And the stained glass.” “What’s next Johnny?” “Got some news Gus.” “Do tell.” “The truth has come.” “The thirty Thousand.” “And the falsehood shall vanish.” “The usurpation.” “And shall not come back.” “Sounds like you’ve gotten word.” “Word is expected by 17 September Gus.” “Constitution Day.” “Yes.” “What if no word?” “Then the Office of the - ” “- Don’t say Reb.” “Right.” “Soon enough, we’ll all know.” “Meantime … let’s look for some Berrys.” “Johnny: I had forgotten our purpose.” “This way Gus …” Next Up: 17 September and part X of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Smudge Day 2021. Posted by Bryan W. Brickner Part VII of XIII “… Something is happening Gus.” “Tell me more Reb.” “There doesn’t appear to be any resistance.” “No one will defend the 435.” “Correct.” “Have the usurpers surrendered to the Constitution?” “No.” “I remember that feeling.” “What do you remember?” “Well, as Gus Kotka, I didn’t know about the thirty Thousand.” “Right.” “But as Gus Yank, well lots of Yanks knew, just like Jefferson Davis knew.” “I hear ya.” “Since we didn’t surrender to the Constitution until later …” “… It makes sense they are feeling what we felt.” “What would George say?” “Political theory: George would ask Madison.” “James would say?” “Build a coalition of the constitutionally willing.” “Sounds like us Reb.” “Madison said there is a peculiarity in the Constitution.” “What peculiarity?” “With the Senate designed to represent states, and the House population, the peculiarity is that the largest populated states will align against the smallest concerning representation.” “California vs. Delaware you’re saying Reb.” “Texas vs. Rhode Island.” “I understand.” “That’s what’s happening Yank.” “The formation of a coalition of the constitutionally willing.” “In support of constitutional representation and the Seventh Amendment.” “America’s been doing We the People wrong for 230 years.” “Time to do We the People right.” “Let’s visit a Reb.” “Over here Yank, and up close …” Next Up: 21 July and part VIII of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Greenland Gap. Posted by Bryan W. Brickner Part V of XIII “… Here we are Yank.” “Reb, you never said how you knew the other day was The Day for George Washington’s thirty Thousand.” “Knowbody said, ‘It is time.’” “Right.” “The 'time' Knowbody meant was this Congress taking the oath of office.” “Since they now took the oath, they must now defend that oath.” “As individuals, this group of legislators must choose.” “Choose?” “Do you support the US Constitution or the Usurpation?” “Constitutionalist or Usurper?” “You got it Yank.” “What did the Speaker say Johnny?” “Gave us a suggestion that’s being pursued.” “What about the thirty Thousand?” “We should look at what the Speaker didn’t say Gus.” “The Speaker didn’t refute the thirty Thousand.” “Correct.” “Bob said something about giving that might help us.” “What did Marley say?” “’How could you ever give your more to receive your less?’” “Misty Morning.” “No, just a bit smoky.” “Bob was talking about the sun, and, in speaking to you, might have meant you too.” “The sun just keeps giving.” “It does.” “I was thinking of George Washington’s thirty Thousand, and how it also gives more than it receives.” “True.” “Why did you think of me?” “I imagine Bob enjoyed meeting you, someone like Augustus Kotka, KIA 11 August 1864.” “I hear ya.” “You did something that changed lives.” “Moving on Reb.” “Gus, you gave more than you received.” “Is that Grace I hear calling Johnny?” “After you friend.” “With Grace …” Next Up: 31 May and part VI of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Memorials. Posted by Bryan W. Brickner Part IV of XIII “… I’ll wait.” “Wait’s over Yank.” “You mean today’s the day?” “Yes.” “Did Tell-Lie-Vision show it Johnny?” “Tell-Lie-Vision showed the consequences of the representation usurpation.” “But no George Washington’s thirty Thousand?” “Correct.” “Then what happened?” “The Speaker of the House has been contacted.” “About the thirty Thousand?” “Yes.” “And?” “Let’s give it a bit.” “So you’re saying let’s wait to see what the Speaker says?” “Yes.” “What should we do in the meantime?” “Grace.” “Let’s go ~ touching elbows Reb.” “Touching elbows Yank …” Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Peace to the United States of America. The US Constitution, in Article 1 Section 2 Clause 3, guarantees We the People representation in the House of Representatives at the ratio of one for every thirty Thousand: this is not what happens. This representation usurpation is unconstitutional, against the expressed wish of George Washington, and undermines We the People. Please address this issue with the power of the Speaker’s office and your spirit of perseverance. A citizen, Bryan W. Brickner Next Up: Usurpation Day 2021 and part V of the series Johnny Reb and Gus Yank Berryvillin’: Grace. Posted by Bryan W. Brickner |
AuthorBrickner has a 1997 political science doctorate from Purdue University, cofounded Illinois NORML in 2001, and was a 2007 National NORML Cannabis Advocate Awardee. He is also publisher and coauthor of the 2011 book banned by the Illinois Department of Corrections – The Cannabis Papers: A Citizen’s Guide to Cannabinoids. Archives
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