What Kind Of Patriot Are You?

We implore you to be the former.  Take a stand for your beliefs and your convictions.  You know what is right, do not let others divert you from what you believe in your soul to be true.

Citadel: Taking III Reservations

There is a reservation form at IIICitadel.com for any Patriot who wants to be part of the Citadel, or even if you are just on the fence about going to Idaho.

Reserve your place prior to the 6th.  Once Citadel advertising goes national on the 6th, reservations will be purely first come, first served.

Here's the link.

III

Living Small

Self sufficiency will be important to the long term viability of the Citadel. We have to do as many things as we can to make our community viable in a grid down situation. Fortunately many of the things we will do for self sufficiency will also reduce our cost of living. When I say "living small" I mostly mean reducing our dependance on complex systems and outside resources, as well as the more obvious meaning of literally using less space and less stuff to provide for ourselves. Efficient use of space and resources improves our chances of success. That doesn't mean giving up quality of life, just making the best use of what we have. Starting from scratch gives us the opportunity to do just that.

For instance - composting toilets. The idea of composting toilets is, to be honest, not one that thrills me. However, a sewer system and sewage treatment plant are both a large expense and a vulnerability as well as using up valuable space. Having a sewer system fail could make the Citadel uninhabitable. That's an unacceptable risk. The up side is one less expense for us. Water and sewer bills can be surprisingly large.

The Rocket Stoves that have been discussed are another example. If they turn out to be a viable choice, they could provide nearly all of the heating needs of Citadel residents at a fraction of the cost that most people pay now. Additionally, wood is a local, renewable resource. Again, reducing outside dependance and reducing cost.

Poured concrete construction throughout the Citadel means that fire will be a relatively minor threat. That reduces the need for fire equipment and personnel to man it.

A suggestion was made to run heating pipes under our roads and sidewalks for snow clearance in the winter time. This might seem counter intuitive to the saving money idea, but it ties into the grid down situation. Grid down could mean no more fuel for vehicles, or at least very limited fuel such as biodiesel. The pipes could be heated with larger versions of the Rocket Stove, using local wood. This would eliminate the need for large road clearing equipment and the fuel and crews to run it.

Self sufficiency and reduced expenses both make the Citadel less dependent on outside resources. That includes money. The less it costs to live in the Citadel, the less need there will be for businesses that bring in outside dollars and the easier it will be for someone to live here on a modest budget. That in turn makes it possible for residents to make a living with a business that might not be viable in a more expensive location. Having local clothing made from wool and shoes, belts and coats made from leather  are just two examples of this. The classic shop with living quarters above it would help with only a single expense for home and business. We should do everything we can to make small businesses more viable. These businesses will, in turn, improve our self sufficiency. Everybody wins.

These are just a few examples. I'm sure there are many more possibilities.

When I am living in the Citadel, I don't expect to leave very often except to visit friends and family.  That means no commuting expenses and lower vehicle expenses. I might decide to go partners on a car for occasional use and reduce my expenses even further. The more that can be produced locally the more I will buy locally. I don't expect to need much, so I will buy locally even if it is more expensive, knowing that this will contribute to our long term viability. Manufactured goods that I can't buy locally can be mail ordered. I anticipate there being plenty of social activities to keep my life interesting. I expect to live a much less materialistic but much more fulfilling and enjoyable life in the Citadel.

There will be a wide range of living space available in the Citadel. Everything from a modest studio in a condo to a large house on a big lot. Maybe even a simple bunkhouse for those of very limited means. Each individual and family will have to choose what suits them best and, more importantly, what they can afford with the resources they bring or create in the Citadel. I would personally  recommend moving away from trying to find satisfaction in material wealth and instead look to the far greater satisfaction that will be found in being an active part of this unique Liberty oriented community.

Give it some thought. Decide what your true priorities are. Make it happen. Live small so you can live free.

VJ

Who's got your back?

Imagine living in a community that is physically safe.  Most Americans already live in relative safety, but imagine a community in which crimes against others would likely be nearly non-existent, aside from the possible occassional domestic fuss.  Imagine living in a community where you know that residing in every single home in the neighborhood are people who think much as do you, respect most of the values as do you, and will not try to force any of their values on you or your children.  Imagine living in a neighborhood where you know every single neighbor on your street, in your neighborhood, and in the entire town, has qualified Riflemen inside, ready to come to your aid at a moments notice, whether to help you change a tire, fix a problem, or cover your back in a firefight with an Enemy of Liberty.

You do not need to imagine such a community, because we are building that community.  Right now.

Patriots banded together to seed a company that will serve as a means of income for the first waves of Patriots who choose to live in this community.  Patriots have banded together to offer their personal time and professional skills to help evolve the project.  Patriots are choosing to enter into voluntary agreements with one another to once again pledge lives, fortunes and sacred honor to one another with a singular fundamental premise: Liberty.  Rightful Liberty, as defined by Thomas Jefferson.

Why?

Read Miss Violet's answer to a "Why" question, here.

If you seek Liberty, if you seek to shelter your family from the Marxists who control most of America, if you seek to live in a place where genuine Free Enterprise is permitted to exist, where you can build your dream business or simply fill a niche with your skills to improve your station in life, if you seek to join a Tribe that will number in the thousands of like-minded families, consider the Citadel.

The Citadel will become a community where you will know that everyone has your back.

If this sounds like a community in which you would choose to live, you can reserve a place for you and your family, here.

III to III.

III

Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. ~ Thomas Jefferson

A Day In The Life

(With apologies to The Beatles)

What will daily life be like in the Citadel?

I can make some educated guesses based on past experience. I served 14 years in the Air Force and many of those years were spent living on base. There are many similarities, both physically and socially to the Citadel.

The bases were, in essence, gated communities. In addition, there was a common culture of military service. Violent crime was virtually non existent. Except for kids stealing bicycles once in a while and occasional domestic disputes, not much happened. The last place I lived, my neighbor across the street left his golf clubs in their wheeled bag sitting in his driveway for several days. It surprised me a little, but no one touched them. You could go out walking anywhere, any time, day or night with no fear at all.

I think the common culture was even more responsible for that than the guarded gates. One of the most tragic losses in modern America is that loss of a common culture, a common expectation of civil behavior, a feeling of being part of something. Very few places have that any more. Being an intentional community, with a common core philosophy, the Citadel has a chance to bring that back.

Something that I can't predict, but am hoping for, is a greater level of social interaction. Neighborhood barbeques, musical jam sessions and plays at the amphitheater or the Citadel Society club house, interest groups, clubs, organized and spontaneous activities of all sorts. I enjoy board games, myself, and used to go to a game club every Friday night. We'll have some great pubs with local brews, walking and bicycle paths, a firing range you don't have to drive a half hour or more to get to. Maybe a hill with a rope tow for sliding down on inner tubes in the winter time. Militia training will also have a unifying social aspect to it.

It's un PC to say this, but I think the type of people who will be attracted to the Citadel will tend to be above average intelligence, less likely to sit around watching TV, more physically active and generally have more interests and hobbies and be more interesting than the average American.  At the very least, there will be a lot of gunnies who want to go out shooting together!

And here's a final thought for you. If love of Liberty has a genetic component, and I think it does, would we literally become a breeding ground for Liberty?

VJ

The Citadel Society

The Citadel is a unique venture that is in some ways similar to a hunting lodge or a resort condo, but in other ways very different. It is a business that will lease residential and commercial property in a gated community that has a very specific purpose - to provide a secure living space for Liberty minded individuals who are willing to actively work to defend that living space. This business will be responsible for things like facility maintenance, snow removal, grounds maintenance and similar tasks - a fairly narrow focus, actually. There are many things we can and should do for ourselves in the Citadel that will fall outside the responsibility of this business.

The Citadel Society that I have in mind would be similar to fraternal organizations like the Elks or Moose Lodge in their original form. We have already discussed the idea that volunteerism will be a major factor in the success of the Citadel. Having some level of organization can make volunteer efforts much more effective.

Most people don't realize that those fraternal societies started out as much more than social groups. Before the days of Social Security, workman's comp, unemployment insurance, sick leave, medical insurance, etc., these mutual support societies were how the prudent man protected himself and his family. In exchange for membership dues, those societies provided a support system that would help in times of trouble. Sickness or injury could be devastating. No work, no pay. The group could provide food, assistance and enough money to cover basic expenses during recovery. If someone needed help with moving, or some similar task, there was help available. Some provided nurses for their members to go to for minor illness or injury. If you were laid off from work you had a built in network to help find other work. If you moved to a new city, a letter of good standing from your old Lodge would instantly give you a social group who would trust and support you. And, of course, you had a social group that you belonged to and felt a part of.

Here are my suggestions for possible functions of The Citadel Society. It's not a definitive list, just a starting point for discussion. The Society could run a thrift store, a library, a cannery and similar activities to benefit its members but that might not typically be well suited to a full time business. There could be a co-op to make group buys of bulk materials to save money and help make our preparations easier. It could have a newsletter or magazine to spread our message of Liberty. Tours of the Citadel could be run by volunteers from the Society. Interest groups for activities and hobbies could be sponsored, especially those that might have long term grid down survival benefits. A club house and recreation facility could be available to members for activities and events. The Society could provide the training and certification for compliance with the Patriot Agreement and encouragement to keep up those certifications by making compliance with the Patriot Agreement a requirement for membership. A group medical plan and facilities could be available to members. The Society might be an auxiliary to the militia and provide logistics support and possibly a means for those unable to actively serve in the militia to still support it. The Society could be the focal point for sponsoring outside activities like Three Gun, IDPA, RenFair and similar events. It could also grant scholarships to children of Citadel residents. And, of course, could sponsor social gatherings and activities. There could be different levels of membership for residents, non residents and those who simply want to support our goals. It might even form the basis for a national organization with chapters all around the country.

The specific activities of the Society aren't as important as the idea of organizing our volunteer efforts in a way that will improve our quality of life and chances for success in the Citadel.

There is a potential side benefit of this volunteer activity in that it may help reduce our cost of living. Our internal economy will be important. Every dollar that doesn't have to be earned and spent is a dollar that won't be taxed and a dollar that doesn't have to be made just to afford to live in the Citadel. This could be the difference between some businesses being viable or not. It could also reduce our dependance on outside income.

This organization will be totally voluntary and run by volunteers, but should provide such clear benefits for membership that joining and participating will be an easy choice.

VJ

Experts

Among our number are people with a wide variety of backgrounds. They have education, experience, knowledge and talents that probably cover most common areas of interest. When we start to actually design the Citadel, we need to draw on these backgrounds for advise. I think this is especially true for critical skills and resources that the Citadel may be able to aid or enhance by design. I'll give a couple of examples to illustrate what I'm talking about.

Our beekeeper is an example of a critical skill and resource. Besides the benefit of local honey there is the pollination of our food crops that comes from having a local bee colony. When it comes time to build, our beekeeper should be asked if there is anything we can do to improve the safety and performance of his colony. Maybe a special walled section for the bee hives or some sort of niches built into the south facing wall (for sunshine/warmth maybe?). I don't know the answer and that is the point. We need to ask the person who would know.

 Another example is designing our shooting ranges and training areas. Someone like John Moseby (http://mountainguerrilla.blogspot.com/) could be asked for advice. Even if he doesn't want to live in or around the Citadel he might be sympathetic to our cause and be willing to help. He has demonstrated both extensive knowledge of unconventional and small unit warfare and an ability to effectively teach his subject. The after action reports by those who have taken his training are very positive. And, who knows, after having our training facilities designed to his specifications, he might decide to join us. We would then have the benefit of his expertise and he would have the benefit of a first class training environment to offer his classes in. It's worth asking!

 Our friend at wildcookery could be consulted on what edible plants could be used in the landscaping of the Citadel. Making the most use of our available space improves our chances of being successful.

Basically, any area that benefits a large portion of the Citadel population in any way is a good candidate for getting expert opinion early on in the process. Using the design of the Citadel to improve the benefits or performance of that area would pay off in the long term.

 As you cruise the internet and go about your daily life, look for people and information that can help us make the Citadel more productive, more secure and more successful. And, any suggestions for possible design features to consider would be helpful.

VJ

17 Days...

Seventeen days from now Miller & Company will go live on the IIIArmsCompany website for orders for III Arms built 1911s and ARs.

That is the day that will determine if III Arms will survive and that is the day that will decide if the Citadel will be built.

Remember that the only reason people pulled together to build III Arms was so the profits from the company could build the Strategic Outpost of Liberty we have come to call the Citadel.  Without the fundamental revenue stream that comes from building III Arms and shipping them to customers, there will never be a Citadel.  The first wave of III Pioneers to head toward Idaho will probably be those people working for Miller at III Arms.

No orders on November 6th = no Citadel.

Why is November 6th the litmus test?  Because every member of the III sector of the Liberty Movement knows about III Arms and the Citadel.  We have a rough, general idea how many people are in this audience, and we can extrapolate the number of orders on November 6th to a larger audience.

If you, fellow III Patriots, will not buy III Arms, why would any businessman ever expect the larger gun community to buy III Arms?

If you support III Arms, the III Citadel, and indeed, the III - You can best show that support on November 6th by adding a serious III Arms Fighting Firearm to your gear.

III

Rocket Mass Heater Workshop: Missoula, Montana - October 26-28th, 2012

UPDATE: I just found another workshop in California North of San Francisco, TOMORROW 10/20/12, $60.  Details HERE.

-----

We have been discussing the Rocket Mass Heaters in the posts below,  but I don't think any of us have hands-on experience with this system.  If you are in the Missoula, Montana area October 26th-28th, there is a Workshop for these efficient heaters.  Details HERE.

More info on the Rocket Heater HERE

Long Comment Won't Fit!

Hbbil tried to enter this comment under the King/Queen of the Citadel post, but being long, it wouldn't go through.  The only way I can get it published is to do it as a post.
Miss Violet



Miss Violet has brokered the question, given the aspect of tourism as a part of the Citadel, "what kind of image do we want to project and play upon"?  She has even offered some suggestions based on proposed architecture of the center piece of the Citadel, the location and culture of the surrounding area up to and including "we could just put it all  in the blender and come up with something uniquely American."  It is this last one that I will address.  It can certainly be done outside the walls to each individuals taste but I will throw it out there for use inside as well.

Before I offer a suggestion however, I want to make it abundantly clear that I am NOT a free to be you and me hug a tree eco Nazi.  I do however believe we should be good stewards of this world and pick up after ourselves, we should use ALL resources available to us, petroleum products, coal natural gas as well as green.  I personally abhor the Green movement and the politics they put into play that have caused a lot of the issues we have today with the growing loss of freedom.  That however is the subject of another paper.  As onerous as I feel they are, they do however from time to time come up with some good ideas.

Long before the III was even a glimpse in anyone's eye, I had considered a move to the Pacific Northwest or to that area now referred to as the American Redoubt.  I researched a lot of stuff but before I could make the move, the Southeast Asian War Games got underway and my life changed.  Now it looks as if I have come full circle and anticipate moving in that direction again.  One of the main things that I took into consideration was the climate and the cost of heating and cooling.  The best answer I came up with was earth sheltered homes.  The ambient temperature of the soil remains fairly constant at points below the frost line and acts as an insulator against both heat and cold making it easy to maintain an even temperature in your house year round with little or no expenditure of energy (money or time and effort if you are going to heat with wood).

Need an example?  In a winter survival situation when you are caught in a snowstorm one of the best ways to get shelter is to build a snow cave, your body heat alone is often enough to insure survival in one of these.  That's just snow.  The earth being a lot denser has better insulating properties.  So...we should all dig holes and live in dark musty caves, right?  Contrary to popular belief, modern earth sheltered homes are full of light and well ventilated.  Since I first looked into this man years ago technology has made a lot more things possible now to the point where a concept called "earthships" has come about, where the home is completely self contained, heat, cooling, water from rain on the roof to a cistern and more.  The earthship homes use a lot of recycled material, used tires filled with rammed earth for example for walls.  I can't help but think that those would make excellent bullet stoppers and lord knows there are lots of used tires and earth available.  Concrete and steel earth covered domes are another development.  Using geothermal exchange pumps to heat and cool.  Solar panels are way more efficient these days.  We don't have to follow these concepts blindly, just take what works for us and use it.  Think also that in the event of a siege, you can always grow your food on your roof or slopes.

Given the vertical nature of the terrain that seems to be prevalent in our area of interest, this might not be a bad idea.  Cut a notch in a hill and build a house right up against it.  Safe room and covered escape route out the back, not to be overlooked.  Yeah, I know...my bunker mentality is showing through.

Rather than go into detail on my own, a sure way to lose a lot in the translation, I will provide a few links below.  I will be meeting with BonnieGadsden and a fell III per from points north of us on 3 Nov for a III to III meet and greet.  Since BF is in the construction industry and heading up III Construction, I will broach the subject and feasibility of it with him.

I had planned on doing that anyway and getting off a note to Mr Kerodin, but Miss Violet seems to have "forced my hand:. ;)

Want to make the Citadel a showplace?  This is one possibility and could show a means to true independence by living off grid as much as possible.  It might even drum up some business for III Construction and its employees once we have taken care of our own needs.  Besides...in a SHTF situation you will want to economize resources as much as possible.

For what ever reason, the site will not let me post a hyperlink so here they are another way.   GOOGLE these.

Formworks building
This next link show what is possible.  Take the photo tour.
formworks building house-for-sale

More possibilities:

ourcoolhouse

Lots of interesting concepts;
earthship

hbbill, founder
Somewhere behind enemy lines,
Peoples Republik of Kalifornistan

Go Say "Hi"

Here is an awesome blog that we think a lot of our Patriots will appreciate. It really fits in with our self sufficient goals.  Go over and take a look and welcome this Patriot into the fold.

http://wildcookery.wordpress.com/

The best thing since sliced bread.

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Wild Cookery!

Crusty, artisan bread. With loads of real organic butter. Yum!

Seriously. It is rare that I post anything non-Wild Cookery related here, but I’m making an exception for this.

Go read the rest!

King/Queen of the Citadel

We've been talking about a lot of very serious issues lately.  There have been the Citadel Application Process, Citadel: Entrepreneurs & Businesses, Citadel Location: Benewah County, and of course we can't have any of those conversations without the III Arms Company.

We have discussed The Citadel Patriot Agreement and the Command Structure.  We have dissected rules, regs, and personal preferences.  We have debated uniforms, comms, and guns and ammo, and badges and food storage.

I say enough!  Or, at least for the moment.  Let's take a break and let our imaginations  rev up and see what we can come up with concerning the "look" of the Citadel.

It seems that the aspect of tourism always creeps into our conversations, so let's take a look at that.  If we plan this out correctly we should be able to establish a lucrative tourist industry centered around the Citadel, with of course, III Arms being the Jewel of the Crown.

Here are the facts:

• The Citadel will look like a medieval castle. 
• The main industry will be the III Arms factory.  
• It will be set in the West, in logging and mining country.  
• It will be populated by freedom loving, Liberty seeking Patriots.

What kind of image do we want to project and play upon? 

1.  Do you want to go the whole nine yards with the  medieval theme? Granted there would be a lot to play on with that theme, but it could be limiting too.
2. How about a lodge/hunting theme?
3. Or perhaps, you see an old fashioned western town in your mind?  Personally, I have trouble reconciling the castle in the background with this one, but hey, that's just me.  Not to mention, the area really isn't "cowboy".  
4. Maybe we should play down the obvious and just go with the guns and ammo theme?
5. Or should we go all Colonial and emphasise our American history, our Constitution, and the men and the times that brought it about?

Number 1 and 2 could possibly be combined...
Number 3 and 4 could be combined....

We could just put it all in the blender and come up with something uniquely American. 

We have to keep in mind that no matter what we decide our look is going to be, we always need to be mindful of Rightful Liberty and that we are a Martial Endeavor.  Those two ideas, have to always be seamlessly worked into our everyday lives.

So Patriots, what do you think?  What "look" do you want the Citadel to project?  Pretend that you're the King/Queen of the Citadel, what would you proclaim?  

Be wild, be crazy, throw those thoughts out there!  This is where we seperate the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Idaho Asset for III Patriots

For Patriots considering Idaho and the Citadel, there is a local advertiser circular called the Nickel's Worth that is a good place to begin looking for used gear, property, autos, everything.  Many areas have such publications, and this one is pretty good.

NickelsWorth.com

III

FYI: Citadel Pilots

For Patriots who fly and are considering the Citadel, St Maries has an airstrip and seaplanes are all over the place in this area.

One of the biggest selling points the Citadel will have when negotiating with the County (Be it Benewah or any other location) is the revenue that will come from establishing a tourism trade.  The Citadel must have a strong attractive force to draw tourists to the area.  Tourism is a very, very powerful economic force, which must be harnessed by the American Patriots who intend to live in the Citadel.

Use that information as you will.

III

Metal Buildings

Montana Quality Structures, Inc (mqsbarn.com) offers this steel building for $17,900 - installed.

Dimensions: 30' x 48' x 16' with a poured concrete floor.

$17,900 installed.  That sounds like a great price to me.

I have never spent any time in such a building, but they are all over the place in Idaho.

My initial thought is that with insulation on the walls and radiant tubing in the floor, such a building would serve both III Arms and the Citadel well during the early stages of development.

Does anyone have any experience with these things?

III

Citadel: III

My husband had an idea: Let's help Patriots build a fortress.  Uh-huh.  Sure, honey.  Go buy some Leggos.

Believe it or not, it is one of his more conventional ideas.  You should hear a few that I rejected!

But, here I am in Idaho.  It is beautiful here!  From rugged mountains to rolling fields, all within a single glance of the landscape in most places.  And this beautiful lake is awesome!

Our day today has convinced me that this idea is not only possible, but it is real, it is something serious people are working to make happen.  Today I signed paperwork to secure 20 acres atop a mountain just a bit southwest of St. Maries.  I'm told I will need to learn to drive a 4 wheel drive truck.  Anybody have a helicopter?  I am not looking forward to driving up and down this mountain in winter!

I have had meetings with Zoning officials, employees at the County Clerk's office, the Courthouse, and this evening I met a woman, we'll call her Ms. X, who convinced me that the Citadel as envisioned by K is an ideal fit for Benewah County. 

Ms. X and I met and spoke for more than an hour. 

I left that meeting knowing in my heart that unless something very, very drastic happens, Benewah County will be the home of the Citadel.

I am in this with my husband and with you, 100%.  I can't truly say I was 100% convinced until this evening and my meeting with Ms. X.  We have allies here already, powerful allies who are motivated to make things happen.  We will make this happen.

I will not post often, and I am not really suited to commenting much, or often.  But I am here, in the background, and I have got your backs.

As others have said: We've got this!  Now pull that darned rope!

Holly
III

Fair Weather Patriots

Some of us, from the inception of this idea of belonging to a society of Liberty minded people, have known that this is what we want.  This idea, despite the work that will come with it, is what we were born to do.  That's right, I said it.  Born to be part of the Citadel and everything it stands for.

Then there are others, who are intrigued by the concept, but just aren't sure if they want to be part of it.  That is acceptable.  I have no quibble with someone who wants to make sure they want to be a part of the Citadel.  After all, committing to live in the Citadel is committing to a big chunk of responsibility.  Some people can't commit to one person, let alone 3500 families.  It's good they work it out before hand.

Then there are people within the III whom I call fair weather Patriots.

It's pretty easy to recognize people who are out and out hostile to our concept of the Citadel.  But, have you ever thought about how Patriots that have taken a "wait and see" position about the Citadel affect us?  People who are waiting for us to succeed at the huge endeavor we have taken on because then they can live "under our wings of protection."  They are not willing to put a part of themselves out there for the bringing about of the Citadel, but who are more than willing to fully take all the advantages of living in the Citadel's shadow once it is a physical reality.  They rather remind me of the people who don't put away food storage but jokingly tell you if the SHTF they'll come to your house.

This is what I say to them.  I understand if you don't have money to bring to the table.  But what of your time?  If you want to truly be a part of building the Citadel then figure out a way to contribute your time and effort.  Do what you can to support III Arms.  Volunteer in some way with either III Arms or the Citadel.  This is going to take all of us, working hard, working together, and bringing these projects into their full potential.  This is where we stand shoulder to shoulder in the here and now.  If we have to do so later against enemies we will be comfortable and confident who is beside us because we will have already done it.

Remember the Premise

One must always remember the premise - the reason any of us are even considering a town of our own, with Patriots we trust at our shoulders, flanks and rear.

The Citadel is a Strategic evolution based upon our predictions that very hard and ugly times are headed our way.  Hunger.  Disease.  Men who mean to be Masters.  Slavers.  Rapers of our women.

We are Patriots who have been considering the likely future, and how best to meet that future for ourselves, our families, our posterity, and for Liberty itself.

The Citadel is not an online game.

When it is time to decide who will - and who will not - be permitted to live within our town, we'd better be damned sure our selection process is as sound as we can make it.  As we have seen already, every attack thus far against our concept has come from people who claim to be Patriots and share our values.  We have also watched over the last 2+ years that sometimes it takes a while for a "Patriot" to reveal his true colors, to reveal he is as much Tyrant as those he claims to stand against.

Liberty must be the glue that binds those who will be at our shoulders and our backs. 

And Rightful Liberty is the only acceptable definition, as penned by Jefferson: Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others.

I do not give a damn how Joe Blow or John Doe define "Liberty".  I do not give a whit if you pray to any of the Gods known to the memory of Man.  I do not care about who or what you want to do sexually, so long as there is consent of all involved (even if the behavior offends me).

Rightful Liberty is the stick by which all must be measured.  And so long as FedGov and the State of Idaho remain entities, they must be respected.

I do hope everyone is considering the hard nuts and bolts of just how we select those who will be permitted at our shoulders.  And I hope everyone is ready to be hardcore when in a SHTF world the few bad apples who slip through the process will be excised.  Compassion is noble.  But stupidity is lethal.  When we find one who insists on violating Rightful Liberty and the Patriot Agreement, the herd must be culled lest it die.

The Citadel is Strategic.  The people permitted to live as your neighbor and your Fire Team Members are Strategic choices.  The decision to build the Citadel around an Arms factory is Strategic.  The decision to locate the Citadel off the primary lines of conflict is Strategic.  The decision to locate in an area capable of sustaining herds of meat, orchards of fruit and plots of vegetables and access to fish is Strategic.

The strategy is premised upon your desire to live and prevail.  The man or woman at your shoulder is a Strategic choice.  If it is our goal to build a Tribe of 3,500 or more families based upon the Strategy of the Citadel, we'd better devise our selection process prudently.

Let's figure out the "How" of it all now.

III

Law and Government

 (Reposted from the Command Structure blog)

I'd like to emphasize something about the Citadel, the Patriot Agreement and the Command Structure discussions. We are NOT attempting to replace existing government or existing laws.

The Citadel is both a physical and social structure that is intended to improve our ability to survive any form of major disruption in our society, be it social, political and/or economic and in the mean time live in a community of like minded individuals.

The Patriot Agreement is about how we will go about implementing that plan to survive. Again, our goal is not to replace existing law, but to exercise a level of self control that will improve our chances of survival and minimize our need to involve "outside authority" in our affairs. That outside authority will always carry a risk of interfering with our plans and reducing our chances of survival. It's simply best to not give them a reason to get involved with us.

The Command Structure discussion is also not about replacing government or even about governing, rather it is about how to organize the militia. That is an important distinction. The militia serves the community, it doesn't run it.

None of these discussions are about rules in the traditional sense of the word. They are about a group of people deciding to voluntarily live together as a community, choosing what we think is the best approach to achieve our goals and promising each other that we will do our very best to follow this plan. Those who think this plan is a good idea are welcome to join us. Those who don't - stay away. No one is forced to do anything.

That being said, we are dead serious about this effort. If you join us and promise to follow this plan, we expect you to keep your word. Don't think this is just some meaningless words on a piece of paper that will be filed away in a folder somewhere and forgotten.

Our greatest strength will be that voluntary commitment from each of us to defend our Rightful Liberty. For those who join us, these words are primarily a way to organize our thoughts, our goals and our plans. They are what we would do anyway, once we joined together. They are a filter that excludes those who are not willing to do what it takes to make the Citadel a success. They are how we will create the future we desire.

VJ

What are the Goals of the III Citadel?

This will end up being part of the III Citadel FAQ.  This is my first crack at it, but this is our project, so please weigh in below to polish this up.  Many of our specific goals will end up falling under a broader heading, so let's try to keep this short and sweet.

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What are the Goals of the III Citadel?

1. To provide a community for like minded Patriots to live in Jefferson's Rightful Liberty
2. To be removed and protected from peril in order to preserve our selves, our posterity, and Liberty
3. To live a free/freer life in Idaho amongst the current strong, self-reliant and Liberty loving residents of the region

For Our Posterity,
BonnieGadsden

Churches In The Citadel

I have noticed every time K throws a line out about  churches within the Citadel, everyone seems to go mute.  I'm really curious as to why that is?  Is that subject taboo?  Are you too Politically Correct when it comes to religion?  Are you afraid to reveal your religion, or perhaps you don't believe in any religion?  Are you afraid you're going to get dog piled if you speak up?

We're going to have to discuss the subject sooner or later so lets just do it.  I'll start. Considering the space limitations that we will have within the Citadel walls I do not see any huge cathedrals or temples being built.  Small churches of different "flavors" scattered here and there, perhaps.  But, I would think that particular church group would have to lease the land/building.  I don't think churches should have special privileges or exemptions within the Citadel.  Or here's a thought.  People who have similar religious leanings meet in each other's homes for their study and or worship.

Personally, I abhor large organized religion as much as I loathe large government.  Pretty much for the same reasons too.  Abuse of Power.

Obviously religion is not the "glue" that will hold the Citadel together, but the moral fiber of it's inhabitants, no matter what their religion, will be a factor.

Perhaps churches and temples of different denominations would prefer to exists outside the Citadel gates.  That really isn't a bad idea.

So, please, tell me, what are your thoughts on churches within the Citadel. I know y'all aren't shy so don't make me taunt you with names and double dog dare you...or perhaps you just want someone else to decide for you?  Please tell me that isn't it.  I would be so disappointed.  If it is what you want, and the decisions are made without your input, there will be no whining about it later.

20-20 Hindsight

Folks, as we are discussing the Citadel, I'd like you to keep an image in your mind. Picture yourself watching the Citadel gate closing on the outside world after some type of major collapse. Really try to put yourself in that situation. Imagine not knowing if it would be days, weeks or even years before that gate might reopen on anything like a normal world. How would you feel? More importantly, would you be thinking something like, "I sure wish we had done ______ while we had the chance, before the gate closed?"

Let's do our best to have that 20-20 hindsight before the gate closes, rather than after.

VJ

No City Government

Why no Citadel city government? Good question.

What functions does a city government provide? The big ones are police, courts and schools. In our case we will have the county sheriff and the county courts to take care of those functions. We also plan on having our own private schools, so that one is covered as well. What else?

In my current situation, I live just outside the city limits of a town of about 50,000 population. Unless you look on a map, you can't tell where the city limit is located. I live on a quiet residential street that looks just like the ones on the other side of the city limit line. I'm on the city water and sewer system, but that was just a matter of convenience for the developer. It's easier to hook into their system than build a whole new water treatment plant. My garbage gets picked up by the same company that picks up all over the city. I imagine that the city gave them an exclusive contract. The city isn't providing the service, they are just granting the monopoly.

The only real difference is that my property tax bill comes from the county instead of the city and it doesn't include a fee for the city library. If I want to, I can pay a $50 annual fee to get library cards for everyone in my household. Since I don't use the library, I don't bother. The nice thing here is that I have a choice.

Look around next time you drive out of town. Just because you aren't inside the city limits, doesn't mean that there is no law and order, no services and no "civilization". The sad reality is that outside of the police, courts and schools, most of what the city does is provide a way for your neighbors to reach into your pocket through the tax system and get you to pay for their favorite pet projects. That could be mass transit, parks, a convention center, a sports stadium or any number of other "nice to have" features. If 51% of your neighbors want it, you will be forced to pay for it, whether you want it or not.

A city government for the Citadel would provide no added value. Our Patriot Agreement covers everything we agree to for living inside the wall. After that, we will buy the goods and services that we choose, not what the 51% mob says we have to buy. We don't need a mayor or city council or various administrators to be paid six figure salaries to run our lives. We will do that ourselves and have far better results for it.

VJ

Why Idaho?

 Some of you reading this have been involved with the III Pioneer Project from inception, but others of you are new to this "crazy" idea.  One common question that comes up is: Why Idaho?

Many other groups have been thinking of setting up a retreat, a fall back position, or safe zone for when "it" happens.  Whatever that event ends up being, whether natural, nuclear, political, or economic, these groups think Idaho is a viable option to protect ones self and ones family.

Who are these groups?

• Free Sate Project was thinking of Idaho, but ended up with New Hampshire.  Read what they had to say about Idaho HERE.
• The Survival community thinks Idaho is a great place as well.  James Wesley, Rawles of SurvivalBlog.com believes Idaho will withstand any disasters that are to come, after all, that's where he lives.  Read more about the American Redoubt HERE.

There are many other groups of Liberty Loving individuals that prefer Idaho, but these are two of the most organized.  I encourage you to read the above links and decide if this region suits you.  If you see merit in the region and specifically the State of Idaho, come back here and see if the people who will take residence in the Citadel are the type of people you would be happy to have as your neighbor in good times, your brother in arms in bad times, and your second family always.

For Our Posterity,
BonnieGadsden