Molon Labe!
Page 57
Think about that: just 107,923 people voting for Liberty in 1996 could have grasped the political reins of the entire state of Wyoming, and that was in the year of its highest voter turnout. In an average turnout year, just 94,954 people could have done it.
Approximately 70% of the population is of voting age. Averaging voter registration/turnout figures from 1978 to 1996:
Worst-case scenario (194,251 relocator voters)
Using these percentages and a state population of 500,000 with 350,000 eligible voters, let us assume a "black sky" scenario wherein not a single native Wyomingite votes for our candidates. This would require that we move in 194,251 new eligible voters (not merely people) to gain a simple majority (i.e., 55.5% of 350,000/2, + 1). This is as infeasible as it is unlikely. Even if we could convince 194,251 adults (and their children) to relocate (which is unlikely), such would increase Wyoming's population by over 40% in far too short a time to house them (much less absorb them into the job and business markets).
Thus, we must win over a large portion of the existing electorate in order to reduce the required number of our relocators. Besides, we are not trying to transform Wyoming into something that it's not.
Low middle-case scenario (117,521 relocator voters)
The current political climate (based on registered voters) is 57% Republican, 31% Democrat, and 12% Other (including Libertarian Party and Natural Law Party).
"Other" is at least 5% in all counties, and up to 20% (Albany) and 28% (Teton), and is a significant/growing "wild card."
Assuming 350,000 eligible voters and an historic average of 55.5% actually voting in the general election (i.e., 194,250), the normal voting pattern would be:
For our "gray sky" scenario, let us assume that we co-opt the following percentage of existing voters from their parties:
for a total of 38,365 of original voters on our side, leaving a balance of 155,885 against us. So, 155,886 (155,885 + 1) minus the 38,365 already for us means we would need to relocate 117,521 new voters. Thus, with mild (i.e., 19.8%) indigenous political support, our relocation is reduced by 76,730 voters, or 40%.
Obviously, these figures rely upon an average 55.5% (80.1% votes cast times the 69.3% registered) voter turnout of native registered voters (including our converts), versus a 100% voter turnout of relocated voters in efficient locations through prepositioning.
Upper middle-case scenario (71,289 relocator voters)
For our "cloudy blue sky" scenario, let us assume that we co-opt the following percentage of existing voters from their parties:
for a total of 61,481 of original voters on our side, leaving a balance of 132,769 against us. So, 132,770 (132,769 + 1) minus the 61,481 already for us means we would need to relocate 71,289 new voters. Thus, with very good (i.e., 31.6%) indigenous political support, our relocation is reduced by 122,961 voters, or 63%.
Taking an average of black vs. cloudy blue sky relocation numbers gives us 132,770, which is just a bit more dire than gray sky.
Best-case scenario (40,790 relocator voters)
For our "blue sky" scenario, let us assume that we co-opt the following percentage of existing voters from their parties:
for a total of 76,730 of original voters on our side, leaving a balance of 117,520 against us. So, 117,521 (117,520 + 1) minus the 76,730 already for us means we would need to relocate 40,790 new voters to round out the excellent (i.e., 39.5%) indigenous political support.
An overview
Every indigenous Wyoming voter we swing to our side reduces by two the number of new voters whom we must import.
It should seem obvious to any reader that it is easier to educate and convert one native voter than it is to achieve two relocators. Granted, we cannot expect to win elections solely through native conversion, however such will go far in reducing the burden of relocation.
Political education and conversion
Republicans
Since 57% of Wyomingites are registered Republicans, and since Republicans are closer to our political philosophy than are Democrats, we must focus most of our efforts on them.
"Other"
Next, we should focus on those registered "Other" as such are Libertarian, Natural Law, and Independent — all of whom exhibit the highest degree of individual thought. Although their total numbers are small (only 12%), we can expect a high conversion percentage. In fact, from those 23,310 voters we can almost get the same number of converts as from 60,218 Democrats.
Democrats
Lastly, the Democrats represent the worst conversion ratio, thus we should only try to persuade the swing voters and libertarian fringe of the DP. (The Mondale/Clinton/Gore crowd — 70% of DP total — however, are hopelessly swaddled in ignorance.)
Phase 1 County relocation/integration
Establishing legal residence in a state does not mean that one must reside there year-round. For example, George Bush, The Elder had merely a hotel room in Houston and successfully passed himself off as a Texas citizen for 1992 voting purposes.
Since Wyoming has no personal or corporate income tax, becoming a Wyoming citizen has huge tax advantages for those in one of the 41 income tax states.
Nearly 6 million tourists enjoy Wyoming each year, with over half of them traveling there in the summer (usually to visit Yellowstone National Park). It would be a simple matter for prospective relocators (especially "infopreneurs") to check out Wyoming, pick a town, choose a sponsor (for address purposes), and change driver's licenses — all while on summer vacation.
There are already hundreds of registered Libertarian voters in Wyoming, and our plan is to ask them to "sponsor" some fellow libertarians from out-of-state. Guest house, spare bedroom, RV spot, tent space, whatever — all they have to do is lend their address to a kindred soul for driver's license purposes (as a mere P.O. Box will not legally suffice). We suspect that such local sponsorship will meet up to 25% of our needs.
At the same time, we will establish in each of the target counties very large mobile home and RV parks for those who cannot find a local sponsor. These "County Colonies" will suffice legally as a bona fide address for new Wyomingites, and will be filled sequentially by county, from the lowest population up, so that we may gain political control of as many counties as possible. Also, they will be filled up only after independent relocators and local sponsorships have been exhausted, so as not to telegraph our political intentions until the last minute.
Phase 2 Winning statewide 2014 election
We must give Wyomingites (and also Americans) initial hope through a dramatic victory at the polls. A liberty-minded governor and congress must totally sweep the elections in 2014. As this study proves, such is eminently possible with resolute action by a sufficient number of libertarians and conservatives.
To vote in Wyoming, one must have been a resident there for only 30 days. To maximize the element of surprise, Tier 3a Relocators will establish residency and register to vote (automatically through their new drivers licenses) no earlier than 60 days prior to 4 November 2014.
Phase 3 First 40 days of general session
The governor must sustain that confidence with a boldly enacted platform locking out further federal tyranny (without causing the USG to overreact). A holding action, if you will.
During this period, Wyoming should brace herself for a great wave of tourism and relocation.
Phase 4 Creating our culture
Gun ownership and training (especially regarding military-pattern rifles) will be greatly encouraged by the administration. A libertarian society is unsustainable without a prevalent citizens' militia (which was notably lacking in the "Galt's Gulch" of Rand's Atlas Shrugged ). What is missing from the classic libertarian model is a sort of martial ardor which inevitably comes from the universal daily bearing of arms by a free people. In Wyoming, many will seek to become riflemen, as only riflemen have historically remained free.
Conversely, a mere armed camp cannot endure as a society without a political philosophy which
clearly respects individual rights of property and conscience. Tomorrow's Wyoming will offer something never before seen in human history — not even in 18th century USA: a defensible, libertarian, militia society backed by the entire wherewithal of the state government and its officers.
Other significant freedoms we will protect are alternative health practices and parental control of schooling (e.g., homeschooling, private schools, etc.) on a free-market basis.
Phase 5 Challenging the USG
The Governor's power consolidated with overwhelming support of the Wyoming people, we shall begin to bring home from Washington, D.C. calculated slices of our lost freedom. At the same time, we will increase Wyoming's self-sufficiency, grow strong, and prove our libertarian case by example.
This will culminate within our Governor's second term in our de facto secession from the coercive Union of vassal states. At first, it will be vital not to declare ourselves in secession, just as Taiwan has not overtly claimed independence from Red China.
Phase 6 Defending Wyoming from the USG
Nevertheless, our actions will be fiercely resisted by the USG, which will likely eventually declare Wyoming in "insurrection." We will be told to "lay down our arms." Our reply will echo one made some 2,500 years ago — that of Spartan King Leonidas when Xerxes I of Persia demanded it at Thermopylae:
Molôn labé!
Come and take them (if you can)!
And that will probably begin the Second American Revolution. Washington, D.C. will have started it back in 1789 with their basely ulterior constitutional system, and the American West will end it with that image of true Liberty penned by Thomas Jefferson in his eternal Declaration of Independence.
ACTION TIMING
We recommend that Phase 1 be commenced in Wyoming at the earliest possibility, preferably no later than July 2002. We recommend that Phase 1a be targeted for the county elections of November 2006, Phase 2a for the county elections of November 2010, and Phase 3a for the general election of 4 November 2014.
Relocator hierarchy
Tier 1a Relocators (have moved to WY by August 2006)
These new Wyomingans will be the vanguard of our plan, which will be tested in 2-5 counties in the 2006 elections. They include those who will run for public office, plus key computing, administrative, and support personnel. Tier 1a Relocators will have actual Wyoming domiciles, jobs, and businesses for months or years before the 2006 elections, and will have fully integrated themselves with their localities.
Tier 1b Relocators (have moved to WY by summer 2008)
Similar to Tier 1a Relocators, but for the 2008 HD and SD elections.
Tier 2a Relocators (have moved to WY by summer 2010)
Similar to Tier 1a Relocators, but for the 3-6 county 2010 elections.
Tier 2b Relocators (have moved to WY by summer 2012)
Similar to Tier 1b Relocators, but for the 2012 HD and SD elections.
Tier 3a Relocators (become residents by 9/2014)
These are our final "surprise" voters, who establish residency 60-31 days prior to the 4 November 2014 election. Locally sponsored to the fullest extent possible before resorting to the County Colonies.
Tier 3b Relocators (have moved to WY by summer 2016)
Similar to Tier 1b Relocators, but for the 2016 HD and SD elections.
Tier 4 Relocators (become residents after 11/2016)
These are people who have foreknowledge of our plan and have committed to relocate after a successful state election.
Tier 5 Relocators (relocate before the 2018 election)
These are not "insiders" but new Wyomingites won over by our election and administration. We will need many thousands to "pack" the state prior to the subsequent general election of 2018 to stave off any defeat. Tier 5 relocators are key to maintaining political power after 2018 with second terms for our state government.
On this point, we must also point out that our plan in no small way depends upon a particular national economic and political climate — one which we did not (prior to 9/11 and the USA PATRIOT Act) believe would likely manifest as early as 2010. Trend analysis indicates that 2014 is the far more probable year of criteria convergence (or, as astrophysicists say, "singularity"), with several macro-issues (such as Social Security crisis, unemployment, inflation, soaring crime, racial tensions, rising energy costs, persistent terrorism, lack of public confidence in government, etc.) peaking at about that time.
Many events, however, could dramatically accelerate our time table: premature domestic economic collapse (which we forecast by 2006), an electoral crisis of similar magnitude to the Bush/Gore election of 2000, spasmodic secessionist pressures, serious and persistent civil disturbances, or a regional war (e.g., the Middle East, Korea, or Taiwan).
The terrorist attack of 9/11 is in retrospect such an event, and the Committee is now considering condensing our plan in order to "strike while the iron is hot."
As Phase 2a is merely a repeat of 1a in other counties, it may be possible to combine the two Phases in 2006 if the relocation numbers allow. Such a powerful start of 5-11 counties (vs. just 2-5) will provide us with a flexibility needed to weather unforeseen events, especially how such relate to post-9/11 and its regulatory/economic/social fallout.
Wyoming Legislature 2006-2016
SO, WHAT DO WE CALL THIS THING?
We should classify along historical models the dynamics of Wyoming's governmental change. What will we have accomplished in 2014? A Revolution? A Civil War? A Pronunciamiento? A Putsch? A Liberation? An Insurgency? A Coup?
The answer is not merely semantic relief, but will illustrate more clearly the obstacles we must overcome.
DIAGNOSIS
The different varieties of upheavals are all distinct from each other, yet often share common characteristics.
For example, of the seven upheavals, at least three employ some elements of the domestic military forces as primary actors. This is not desirable for our purposes. Furthermore, the violence inherent to a Revolution, Civil Liberation, or Insurgency strikes them from candidacy.
This leaves one form of governmental change most similar to our plan: a coup d'état. The object of a coup is to seize power within the present political infrastructure by displacing government from the state.
A rigged election (with a nonviolent aftermath) has long served as one peaceful means of a coup.
Assassinations have also been catalysts for coups. JFK's assassination in November 1963 has often been bitterly referred to as a coup which directly benefited the military and CIA by installing as President the pro-Vietnam War Lyndon Johnson.
HOW TO BAKE A COUP
The seminal work on how to actually plan and execute a successful coup d'état is Edward Luttwak's Coup d'état, which was published in 1979. We shall quote from it extensively:
...[T]he coup d' état is now the normal mode of political change in most member states of the United Nations.
...[During 1963 to 1978] there have been some hundred and twenty military coups, whereas only five guerrilla movements have come to power — and three of these followed the Portuguese coup in 1974. The function of the guerrilla movement has reverted to what it originally was — that of paving the way for and supporting the regular army: it holds the stirrup so that others may get into the saddle.
...[C]oups...are still the only form of political change that can be envisaged at the present time.
— foreword to Coup d' Etat, Edward Luttwak (1979), p. 11
The coup is a much more democratic affair (than a revolution). It can be conducted from the "outside" and it operates in that area outside the government but within the state which is formed by the permanent and professional civil service, the armed forces and police. The aim is to detach the permanent employees of the state from the political leadership, and this cannot usually take place if the two are linked by political, ethnic or traditional loyalties. (at 20)
A coup consists of the infiltration of a small but critical segmen
t of the state apparatus, which is then used to displace the government from its control of the remainder. (at 27)
If we were revolutionaries, wanting to change the structure of society (through warfare), our aim would be to destroy the power of the political forces, and the long and often bloody process of revolutionary attrition can achieve this. Our purpose is, however, quite different: we want to seize power within the system, and we shall stay in power if we embody some new status quo supported by those very forces which a revolution may seek to destroy. Should we want to achieve a fundamental social change we can do so after we have become the government. This is perhaps a more efficient method (and certainly a less painful one) than that of classic revolution.
Though we will try to avoid all conflict with the "political" forces, some of them will almost certainly try to oppose a coup. But this opposition will largely subside when we have substituted our new status quo for the old one, and can enforce it by our control of the state bureaucracy and security forces. This period of transition, which comes after we have emerged into the open and before we are vested with the authority of the state, is the most critical phase of the coup. (at 58)
— Edward Luttwak, Coup d' Etat (1979)
Preconditions of the Coup
A) Political participation confined to a small fraction of the population
(Little/no dialogue between government and people.)
B) Target state must be mostly independent from foreign powers
C) Target state must have a political center
Factors which weaken developed countries:
A) Severe and prolonged economic crisis, with widespread unemployment and/or hyperinflation