The tragedy in Sandy Hook has kicked us all emotionally, I think.
In recent days we at the Citadel Project have received Media requests from local papers in the Benewah area, regional press, radio programs, the Associated Press and even the BBC has invited us for discussions regarding a television program. As our Media page explains, it is simply too early in the evolutionary stages of the Citadel Project to accept these invitations.
The Citadel Project is nothing more than a community of like-minded, patriotic Americans who recognize societal threats, and choose to live together in a planned community among one another.
Sandy Hook would not have happened in our Community, once we realize our goals. The perils in the aftermath of Hurricanes Sandy or Katrina simply will not be able to happen in our community once we are finished building.
My husband and I are proud to stand with so many other Americans who are striving to build a small community where neighbors really do support one another in times of need. We are proud with every email and every comment of support and interest. We are proud to be working with all of you, and that we have all accomplished so much, in so little time.
Many of us have each "taken point" on one task or another, since the scope of the Citadel Project cannot be accomplished without the work of many, many Patriots devoting their time, energy, specific skill-sets, life experience and collective entrepreneurial vision. And let's not forget the "guts" and thick skins we all know we need to move through the inevitable mud-slinging, name-calling, foul attacks & intentional saboteurs shouting that we are scammers or crazy, right-wing gun nuts, or extremists of one flavor or another, or some other claims of nefarious intent. Folks do love drama even when there is none.
At first blush, because our concept of The Citadel is "big-think" few people new to the concept will be able to wrap their heads around it. We are easy fodder for those who play fast and loose with facts. They'll not care that we are decent human beings looking for an affordable, safe haven for ourselves and our families. They'll not care about our commitment to free enterprise and to helping everyone in the Citadel Community, as well as the wider community, prosper.
As many of us decided, my husband and I have placed ourselves sufficiently out-front -- in the vanguard -- of the Citadel Project knowing that we would personally absorb the first wave of attacks. We're accustomed to it. Big Whoop! Old News! Stand tall everyone. We all have each other's backs. Disregard the derision--and there will be plenty of it. Just continue moving forward. We have years of work ahead of us to bring our complete vision to reality. But pieces are falling into place.
Happy Holidays!
Holly
III
As a "seasoned" couple living in North Idaho, my wife and I are watching this with considerable interest.
ReplyDeleteIn January of 2007, on a message board supporting the Second Amendment, I posed the question to the other members, whether they would go out of their way to live near other like-minded (pro-gun) individuals. It was the second time I had suggested something along that theme. Neither discussion generated a lot of interest, which irked me a little, given that the board had a membership in the thousands.
So it is acutely interesting to us that someone with a plan, someone with the means, someone who can apply the initial spark, is interested in doing just this.
My thoughts also vectored to this project as one of the mental way-points in the cascade of contemplations following the Sandy Hook incident.
I have worked as a volunteer in a rehab and education, even running a nursery and teaching college classes at different times of my life. In all of those environments except college, security was tight, and it was as much a mindset as anything procedural: if you want to hurt these kids, you'll have to go through me. And, in all of those environments (save college) we were trained and drilled to "repel boarders."
The very idea of passing legislation forbidding the tools of self defense where dozens or hundreds of children are housed and taught is absurd.
If you want real security for schools, churches, and the like, you need to eliminate the "soft target" mentality. Mass murderers don't attack hard targets. Hard targets shoot back, and that makes a hostile work environment for killers.
I have every confidence that the children housed, boarded, and schooled in any facility managed by the Citidel project will never have to report to the parents of those children that "we were unable to protect your child" in the face of violent spree killers or their ilk.
Sorry for the rambling comment; there's a bit of "mindstorming" going on.
~~ CitizenScribe
No apology needed, CS. Mindstorming is a pretty good description for what happened to most of us when we found this project and got involved.
DeleteOur Tribe will continue to grow as more people like you find us and realize this project is for real and is what they have been looking for.
Sounds like you "get it". Hope you stick around and that we will be hearing more from you.
VJ
What can I do to encourage more Conservatives to move to Idaho? I live in Louisiana.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for this project! I just found your blog and site through one of the alternative news sites and I haven't been able to stop reading through your site. I don't have a lot of money but have a skill set focused in engineering and facilities. For years, I have searched for individuals who could put aside their differences and learn to work together regardless of who they are or where they are from. You can rest assured that I will be submitting an app. I REALLY HAVE HIGH HOPES FOR THIS PROJECT and will pray for your success! email techengine@engineer.com
ReplyDeleteThis all sounds like a good idea if you can keep it from becoming a Jim Jones, Richard Butler, David Koresh, etc. type of community. I am a prepper and am located in Northern California. For years I lived in Northern Idaho north of Priest River on rural property. What we found during the 16 years we lived there is that most of the people who live in Northern Idaho are x logger/bar going/ hippy types that just do not like outsiders. We moved to Idaho in 1986 as part of the "back-to-the-landers" movement. What drove us back to California was a 90 day growing period for your vegetable garden and all that snow and cold weather you have to deal with. You will find that the electric grid is iffy during storms. During the winter you can be snowed in for days unless you have your own snow plow. However, if you work out and have to go to work everyday, beware that even if you do plow your own driveway, the county road crews may not be plowing your rural road for days. Northern Idaho is a beautiful place until it gets to 20 degrees below zero with 3 feet of snow outside and you cannot get to work. You talk about Lake Coeur D Alene - be advised that the lower part of that lake is so poluted from the run off from the silver mines out of Kellog that it is recommended that you do not eat fish taken from that part of the lake. You are moving into a state full of local wako malitia groups who don't think like you do and who won't want you pushing your weight around in their back yard. That's another thing - you will be under a microscope by the Feds because they're going to think you all are another wacko group. I commend you for trying this but you have alot of barriers to overcome to make your endever a success. I would like to start the same thing in my area here in Northern California (were I have a 12 month growing period for one thing or another) and don't have to deal with all that snow and cold weather. I currently own 2 pieces of property. A 10 acre and 5 acre piece that I would like to turn into a group community of a half dozen people who want to live here and become 110% self sufficient. If you know any others in my area who may be interested in joining our group they can e-mail me at binkyscorner@yahoo.com. Good luck to you all - DC
ReplyDeleteI laugh at your naiveté! "Sandy Hook would not have happened in our Community..." The shooter got his weapons and ammo from his mother, who legally owned them. She was the first person he shot, then he took his mother's guns to the school. People do not have control over MENTAL ILLNESS. Have a nice day.
ReplyDeleteTwo people walk into a building that has a big sign on the door that says "No guns allowed". The first person thinks "This is great. I'll be safe here because there are no guns." The second personal, a MENTALLY ILL individual with a gun thinks "This is great. I'll be safe here because there are no guns so no one will shoot back when I open fire."
DeleteTell me, which of these two has a better grasp of reality, regardless of their state of mental health?
If a MENTALLY ILL person can figure this out, why can't you?
VJ
What a surprise that you post as "Anonymous". Typical. What you, the Govt., and especially the press have completely ignored is why a woman that was well trained and familiar with weapons, had a cache of weapons and ammo, AND a mentally ill adult son living with her that she was trying to get committed, had the weapons and ammo easily available to that sick child of hers. How in the world could she be so stupid? SHE is the one that really is to blame for that tragedy. He may have pulled the trigger, but had she used even a tiny amount of common sene, she would have made those weapons and ammo secure so that he could not get ahold of them. For Heavens sake, she had told him she was wanting to have him committed.
DeleteBut no one to this day, that I have read or heard on every media outlet (including Fox), has asked that question.
Next time, grow a set and post your name. If you are that paranoid, maybe YOU need a firearm to protect yourself.
I hope I can find a way to become part of this fantastic idea!
I am amazed at your Naïveté!
DeleteNot one person on multiple blogs, newspapers, nor media outlets (including Fox) have addressed the REAL problem for this tragedy. That problem was a woman, well trained and familiar with arms, owning AR rifles and a cache of ammo, yet was so irresponsible as to not secure them so that her twisted and I'll son (who knew she was trying to have him committed) could not get access to them. Why will no one bring that up instead of focusing on what new law needs passing, what weapon or magazine needs banning, etc. if anything should be done that makes sense, is that the ATF should have reported to them, by law, those with severe mental illness who although, have no restriction on their having weapons simply because they are not a felon. That's common sense. We have no-fly lists for people suspected of ties with terrorist groups, sometimes even minor ties, yet someone insane with no felony on their record can buy these weapons legally, because only their shrink and family know they are nuts? Ridiculous.
The bans are coming. I only wish I had the funds to buy more guns and magazines before they are banned, or so ridiculously priced that I cannot afford them.
I sure would like to be a part of your Fantastic idea! Fingers crossed that by the time the building starts, I can get on board and you have available sites.
I am quite interested and glad that I found your site.
ReplyDeleteI have a few questions.
How will the community handle domestic violence, sexual abuse (rape/incest), drunk/alcoholic rage/violence, and crime? I know these cover a lot of areas but I am very interested in how the community intends to deal with people who enter appearing one way but live a hidden life of harm to others. In many of these situations only the family members know something is going on.
Also what about the freedom on one neighbor infringing on another. Let's say one loves loud music and hanging out with friends late until the night but another has a small young family or just happen to be a quiet couple, how will their be ways to give liberty to both differing types.
What about signs, decorations, art/sculptures, etc? Will there be any city or neighborhood regulations?
I love libraries. I am a college educated teacher but have homeschool my children. I also love to write. Will there be opportunities to apply for some of the jobs in the community, like teaching or the library? I would also love to write for a newspaper or magazine within the community. How will these type of positions be filled?
Will all movies, books, entertainment, etc be allowed within the community or will X-rated materials/events be a welcome part of the community?
Last item, in this long winding list of questions: Will people have to be screened to mental and physical health or will the community be supportive of members who need extra assistance. It is sad that so many people now consider mental illness as a lead-way to massacres/violence. If we look at the health of the influences, relationships and life events of many of the large massacres/shooting people will find that there were a lot of problems and often the medication was given to cover/control the behavior instead of dealing with problems head on.
Thank you.
The community will be covered by the same laws as the rest of the residents of the county, state and country. The county sheriff will have full legal jurisdiction.
DeleteRhetorical question - if activities are hidden, how would we know about them?
This is a planned community, not a commune or religious retreat. We aren't forming a city government or creating rules other than respect for Rightful Liberty. We have the Patriot Agreement also, but that is our agreement with each other on how to protect ourselves and our homes.
If anyone feels the need to tell their neighbor that they can't have signs or sculptures on their property, you are not a good fit for the Citadel. On the other hand, Rightful Liberty includes an absolute requirement to respect the rights of others. We will let every resident know that we are serious about this aspect of it and expect adult behavior from everyone. For the times there are differing opinions, we have included the agreement to arbitration.
The Citadel will have a more cohesive social structure than most communities today because of our underlying philosophy and because of our militia participation. This changes the way people interact with each other. Members of the same "club" tend to get along better than total strangers.
Screening will be based on acceptance of Rightful Liberty as a fundamental philosophy and upon signing and living the Patriot Agreement.
VJ
So what happens when a resident becomes too old or infirm to meet the marksmanship and/or mustering requirements? Are they cast out of the community?
ReplyDeleteWe understand people age, or will simply not be able to meet the requirement due to say, blindness. This will not exclude/expel the individual from living with us as the requirement reads "able-bodied."
DeleteYou know what they say about why you don't pick fights with old guys don't you? You don't do it because they lack the strength to duke it out so they just shoot you.
DeleteSo Bonnie...what happens once people get too old and infirm? Lots of people will grow old and no longer be able-bodied. Where do they go? Who takes care of them? What if they have nobody to come and get them and they gave up their former lives and fortunes to join this Liberty-based community?
DeleteThose questions need to be answered no matter where you live. Our community will have a retirement center. We have a number of medical professionals who are already planning on living in the Citadel. One of them is interested in an assisted care facility and has offered to research the state requirements.
DeleteAs a community with a greater level of interaction and common purpose than is typical, we will be more inclined to look out for each other. A very modest community volunteer effort would make it practical for retirees to stay in their homes and live independent lives. The reality is that most are able to do that with just a little assistance.
The rugged, independent, isolated survivalist stereotype doesn't fit the people who are applying to the Citadel. One of the most common themes among our applicants is looking forward to being part of a real community, not just a random collection of people living in the same area. We will take care of our own because that is how we want to live.
VJ
These questions need to be answered no matter where you live? Perhaps, but this community has a specific set of requirements: residents have to be able-bodied, self-sufficient, fit to muster and drill. They're also committed to their 30-year lease payment. What happens when they can't live up to these commitments? It seems a little naive to assume the other residents will just shoulder the burden. Is there something in the Patriot agreement that says you have to do a certain amount of community service? Caring for the elderly and infirm, sometimes for days or weeks at a time?
DeleteWe don't say everyone has to be able bodied, we said those who are able bodied have requirements. Every single one of us will get old, so designing a system that will abandon us would be very short sighted.
DeleteNo matter where you live, you have to make your house payments or pay your rent to stay on your house. Why would that change in this one place?
Each person is responsible for his own life. Our association with each other is voluntary. If someone needs help, the help will be voluntary. Americans are very generous people and have a strong history of mutual aid. But, there are ONLY two choices, voluntary or coerced.
Your arguement is a variation of the "we need big government to control our lives or we will all die" idea. The fundamental loss of freedom we are facing comes primarily from this idea that the only possible way to survive is to force everyone to live a certain way. That's the statist model that always ends with the people being literal or virtual slaves to the government. We will NOT trade one slave master for another. If you don't think we can survive and thrive without being forced to take care of each other (and the only way to do that is always at gunpoint) and that free markets don't work to provide goods and services, you shouldn't apply to the Citadel. The only two choices are Liberty or slavery. There is no "just a little bit of coercion for your own good".
VJ
To say we are fed up with the direction that this country has taken would be an understatement, but the possibility of having a community of Patriots living out their values and standing for their beliefs and ready to fight to defend this great nation, give me pause to seriously consider this for our family. Thank you for sharing this vision. An you are right: we could care less what the rest of the country or world may think. We don't need them.
ReplyDeleteThe "Sandy Hook Tragedy" could have been prevented. the Mother of the Shooter knew he was mentaly ill. My Brother has a child that has the same mental illness as the shooter. when he found this out, all guns where removed from his house. not by the goverment or local police, but by him a responsible gun owner. He knew he needed to take care of the safety of his family and the people the child would come in contact with.
ReplyDeleteThe Cidatel is offering classes and programs that are making leaps and bounds on what should be done for gun control. instead of trying to Idiot proofing the United States of Greed.
I see this as too good to be true, very suspicious I am. Maybe I am too paranoid, cynical or too much of a conspiracy theorist?? I'd like to know more about who is at the bottom of this or behind it all and how they are doing this? Lots of money has to be involved here.
ReplyDeleteIf everything is on the up and up, then I see it as a god way to get a lot of patriots in one spot for an "accidental" drone malfunction or mishap....of course it would be yet another false flag and blamed on terrorist
About the medical center...will it be bound by federal, state and local laws/regulation covering the healthcare industry?
ReplyDeleteYes Larry, we are bound by federal/state and local laws, just like everything else.
DeleteWhat's the religion background of this community? Or is there? That is where I foresee problems.... I would think that all tenants would have to be all of the same spiritual beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThis community is not religiously based, but rather Liberty based.
Delete