#Reopenmaryland Protest and an Open Letter to the Governor
#Reopenmaryland Protest and an Open Letter to the Governor
by Dominic MacAulay
Co-organized by IOTC graduate and instructor, Tim Walters (seen below) #reopenmaryland was in full vigor.
IOTC graduates and amazing patriots like Jeff Mix, Joe Delimater (pictured), Sueann West, and many more showed up to capital in Annapolis, MD, confronting the Governor with the true law of the land. The rally made national news and was posted on Glen Beck’s “The Blaze"
Rallies and demonstrations all over the country have erupted and hundreds of IOTC graduates are standing and Marching for liberty. We encourage you all to get involved soon. Don’t delay, for your liberties are far too valuable.
Please see an open Letter to Maryland Governor written by IOTC Senior Instructor, Pastor David Whitney:
Honorable Governor Hogan,
Thank you for your service to the people of the State of Maryland at this time of crisis.
Perhaps because the suddenness of this crisis, as Legislators we have not had adequate time to think through the implications of what we have experienced since March 9th 2020. But further reflection leads to what we believe are some valuable insights which must inform decisions made from this moment forward.
There may be widespread debate about what is the best way to handle this crisis as there is with any crisis that comes upon us. But one thing is clear no matter what the crisis, we must uphold the rule of law. Without that commitment we will descend either into anarchy or despotism.
George Washington in his famous farewell address said, “It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free Country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective Constitutional spheres; avoiding in the exercise of the Powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create whatever the form of government, a real despotism… the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.”
Washington’s warning was well understood by those who crafted and ratified our Maryland State Constitution. Our State Constitution begins with the Declaration of Rights. These 47 Articles set forth the God given rights of the people and they are the very reason why the people brought this government into existence. The people formed the government to secure and protect their God given rights.
In Declaration of Rights Article 8. it states, “That the Legislative, Executive and Judicial powers of Government ought to be forever separate and distinct from each other; and no person exercising the functions of one of said Departments shall assume or discharge the duties of any other.”
All lawmaking authority resides with the Legislative Branch leaving zero law making power with the Executive Branch. Some may cite various Public Safety Laws, particularly those dealing with the Governor’s Emergency powers. But that would claim that a law which is violative of our Maryland Constitution is some how constitutional. That cannot be. It is not not law.
When we swore upon oath before Almighty God “that I will support the Constitution of the United States; and that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the State of Maryland, and support the Constitution and Laws thereof; and that I will, to the best of my skill and judgment, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, execute the office of________________, according to the Constitution and Laws of this State,” there is no exception in that oath. Consider what that Constitution says regarding suspending laws.
In Declaration of Rights Article 9. it states, “That no power of suspending Laws or the execution of Laws, unless by, or derived from the Legislature, ought to be exercised, or allowed.”
Thus only the Legislative Branch can suspend laws, not the Executive. So any Emergency Powers legislation which would claim otherwise is not constitutional and not be regarded by the Executive as actual law. Note also here that none of the three Branches can ever suspend the Constitution of Maryland, only people are able to do that through the Amendment process.
As Declaration of Rights Article 1 states, “That all Government of right originates from the People, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government in such manner as they may deem expedient.” No one but the people can “alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government.”
And we must take note of the protection of God given rights secured by our Constitution. In Declaration of Rights Article 24. it states, That no man ought to be taken or imprisoned or disseized of his freehold, liberties or privileges, or outlawed, or exiled, or, in any manner, destroyed, or deprived of his life, liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers, or by the Law of the land.” No edict or Executive Order can punish the people and deprive them, only a jury of one’s peers.
In Declaration of Rights Article 36. it states, “That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all persons are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty; wherefore, no person ought by any law to be molested in his person or estate, on account of his religious persuasion, or profession, or for his religious practice,… No one in any branch of Maryland Government can deprive any citizen of their God given right to worship, and enjoyment of their religious liberty. For the Christian, the command of the Lord Jesus Christ is clear, “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, as is the manner of some.” The shuttering of Churches in Maryland is not only a violation of the Declaration of Rights Article 36, but more importantly a violation of the command of our Lord Jesus Christ. So clearly no penalty can be imposed on worshippers who meet in person no matter what number gather, “for no person ought by any law to be molested … for his religious practice.”
And for the over all perspective look at Declaration of Rights Article 44. It states, “That the provisions of the Constitution of the United States, and of this State, apply, as well in time of war, as in time of peace; and any departure therefrom, or violation thereof, under the plea of necessity, or any other plea, is subversive of good Government, and tends to anarchy and despotism.“
There are many who are saying this crisis brings the necessity of this lockdown, but notice how constitutionally that doesn’t hold water. Any plea that this crisis is greater than any other denies this clear statement. “The provisions of …this State [Constitution], apply, as well in time of war, as in time of peace; and any departure therefrom, or violation thereof, under the plea of necessity, or any other plea, is subversive of good Government, and tends to anarchy and despotism.“ We believe that we are now at a point where we are entering the territory of despotism. This is very dangerous. We believe the time is now to bring an end to the Maryland lockdown.