Dethroning the Stupid Sovereign Citizen Fallacies: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Sovereign citizens are individuals who believe they are exempt from the laws of the land and that they possess a supreme authority over their own lives. This misplaced belief stems from a gross misinterpretation of legal principles and a profound lack of understanding of how society functions. In this article, we will delve into the most common sovereign citizen fallacies and debunk their unfounded claims.

Fallacy 1: The "Strawman" Argument

Sovereign citizens often claim that they are not subject to the laws because they have a "strawman" identity created by the government. This strawman identity, they assert, is a fictitious entity that is separate from their true "living being" persona. However, this argument is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the legal concept of a "strawman."

In reality, a strawman entity is a legal fiction used to protect individuals from personal liability. It is not a separate persona, and it does not exempt anyone from the laws. The belief that a strawman identity can provide sovereign immunity is a dangerous myth that has led to numerous legal and financial problems for those who embrace it.

Fallacy 2: The "Freemen of the Land" Myth

Another common sovereign citizen fallacy is the belief that they are "freemen of the land" and therefore not subject to modern laws. This claim is based on the outdated idea that common law, which was developed in England centuries ago, is still the supreme law of the land in the United States. However, this is simply not true.

The United States Constitution and statutory laws have superseded common law, and the "freemen of the land" movement has been rejected by every court that has considered it. Attempts to assert "freeman" status have resulted in criminal charges and convictions for numerous individuals.

Fallacy 3: The "Legalistic Nonsense"

Sovereign citizens often resort to legalistic jargon and obscure legal theories to support their claims. They may cite obscure statutes, misinterpret legal principles, and engage in nonsensical arguments that have no basis in reality. This "legalistic nonsense" is used to confuse and intimidate others, but it ultimately damages their credibility and exposes their lack of legal understanding.

Fallacy 4: The "Tax-Exemption" Scam

Many sovereign citizens claim that they are exempt from paying taxes because they are not "citizens" of the United States. This is a blatant lie. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has consistently held that individuals who earn income in the United States are subject to taxation, regardless of their beliefs or claims of "sovereignty."

Attempts to evade taxes using sovereign citizen arguments have resulted in numerous criminal prosecutions and substantial financial penalties. The IRS has estimated that sovereign citizen tax scams cost the government billions of dollars each year.

Fallacy 5: The "Jury Nullification" Argument

Sovereign citizens sometimes argue that they have the right to nullify jury verdicts if they believe the laws being applied are unjust. This is a profound misunderstanding of the role of the jury. The jury's duty is to determine the facts of the case and apply the law as instructed by the judge. They do not have the authority to overrule the law or impose their own personal beliefs.

Fallacy 6: The "Fictitious Legal Documents"

Sovereign citizens often create and file fictitious legal documents, such as "quitclaims" and "sovereign citizen declarations," in an attempt to evade the law. These documents are not recognized by the courts and have no legal effect. In fact, filing these documents may result in criminal charges or sanctions.

Fallacy 7: The "Violent Resistance" Syndrome

In extreme cases, sovereign citizens have resorted to violence to resist law enforcement. This is a dangerous and misguided response that puts both the individual and others at risk. Law enforcement officers have the authority to use force to protect themselves and the public, and any attempt to resist them can lead to serious consequences, including death.

Consequences of Sovereign Citizen Beliefs

The belief in sovereign citizen fallacies can have serious consequences, including:

• Legal problems: Sovereign citizens who refuse to comply with the law face criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment.
• Financial problems: Tax evasion, fraudulent document filing, and other financial scams associated with sovereign citizen beliefs can result in substantial financial penalties.
• Personal problems: The isolation, paranoia, and conflict that often accompany sovereign citizen beliefs can damage personal relationships and lead to mental health problems.

Conclusion

Sovereign citizen fallacies are dangerous and unfounded beliefs that have no basis in law or reality. They can lead to serious legal, financial, and personal problems for those who embrace them. By understanding these fallacies and debunking their false claims, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the harmful effects of this misguided movement.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: The Tax-Evading Freemen

In 2011, a group of sovereign citizens known as the "Freemen of Montana" were indicted on federal charges of tax evasion and other crimes. The group claimed that they were not subject to the laws of the United States and that they had created their own "common law" system. However, a federal jury found them guilty on all charges, and they were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 25 years.

Lesson: Attempting to evade taxes using sovereign citizen arguments will likely result in criminal charges and imprisonment.

Story 2: The Fictitious Document Scam

In 2015, a woman named Tammy Richards was arrested in California for filing a fraudulent "quitclaim" document with the county recorder's office. Richards claimed that the quitclaim released her from all debts and liens and that she was now immune from the law. However, the court rejected her arguments and sentenced her to three years in prison for perjury and forgery.

Lesson: Filing fictitious legal documents will not protect you from the law and may result in criminal charges.

Story 3: The Violent Resistance Tragedy

In 2016, a sovereign citizen named Lavoy Finicum was killed by law enforcement officers during a standoff at an Oregon wildlife refuge. Finicum and other armed occupiers had seized the refuge and were demanding the release of two ranchers who had been convicted of arson. When law enforcement officers attempted to arrest Finicum, he refused to surrender and brandished a weapon. A deputy shot and killed Finicum, who was later found to be carrying a loaded gun.

Lesson: Resisting law enforcement with violence can have deadly consequences.

How to Approach a Sovereign Citizen

If you encounter someone who identifies as a sovereign citizen, it is important to approach the situation with caution and respect. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Stay calm and collected. Do not let their beliefs or behavior provoke you.
2. Listen to what they have to say. Allow them to express their views, but do not engage in a debate.
3. Respect their right to have their own beliefs. However, make it clear that you do not agree with them.
4. Inform them of the consequences of their actions. Explain that they are subject to the law and that their actions may have legal consequences.
5. Offer to help them find resources. There are organizations that can provide support and counseling to people who have become involved in sovereign citizen beliefs.

Comparison Pros and Cons

Pros of Sovereign Citizen Fallacies:

• None.

Cons of Sovereign Citizen Fallacies:

• Legal problems
• Financial problems
• Personal problems
• Isolation
• Paranoia
• Conflict

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a sovereign citizen and a patriot?

Sovereign citizens believe they are exempt from the laws of the land, while patriots believe in upholding the Constitution and laws of their country.

2. Are sovereign citizens dangerous?

Yes, sovereign citizens can be dangerous because they may refuse to comply with the law and may resort to violence to resist law enforcement.

3. What should I do if I encounter a sovereign citizen?

Approach the situation with caution and respect, listen to what they have to say, inform them of the consequences of their actions, and offer to help them find resources.

4. How can I protect myself from sovereign citizen scams?

Be aware of the common sovereign citizen fallacies, avoid signing any documents they present to you, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

5. What are the penalties for sovereign citizen crimes?

The penalties for sovereign citizen crimes vary depending on the severity of the offense. They may include fines, imprisonment, or both.

6. How can I get help if I have been affected by sovereign citizen beliefs?

There are organizations that can provide support and counseling to people who have become involved in sovereign citizen beliefs. You can find a list of these organizations on the website of the Southern Poverty Law Center.