THE AMERICAN PIRATE MANIFESTO Over 230 years ago citizens throughout the colonies, realized self reliance was not enough. Attempting to take care of oneself along with family and property, in conjunction with participating in some type of community was becoming hindered by outside influences. The human need to belong and be recognized by one’s peers was becoming controlled by unseen, uncareing, unyielding foreign military powers. Commerce was being influenced more by political agendas than “supply and demand”. The average family had to adapt and learn to be self reliant.Develope a way of life that was prosperous and not effected by outside influences, whether of a political, military or trade organization. The average “citizen” realized that laws and tariffs were not fairly developed or enforced equally to all. “TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION” was not just a hollow battle cry! By a small number of dissidents who were spoiling for a fight. It was a fact of life for everyone and its effects were felt on every level of day to day life. An argument can be made for this type of situation in the U.S. today as well. We face many of the same challenges that are Country Men faced over hundreds of years ago. These challenges have a profound effect on the individual’s quality of life. Financial influences by far away global corporations that have no interest or concern for anything other than “profit”! Political organizations that have forgotten what “PUBLIC SERVICE” truly means. Even today we have taxation without representation by our own Country Men. Who lose touch with the very citizens that elected them to serve in public office. The very citizens who sacrifice a percentage of every dollar earned for that elected individuals salary. There is a difference between vigilantism and being vigilant. To protect ones family and property is never more paramount than in the times we now face...The citizens of THE UNITED STATES are vulnerable to many dangerous countries and global corporations, unfortunately some dangers are right here in our own land. We must take responsibility for our own actions and how we live our lives. Doing nothing and allowing one self to be carried downstream by individuals and others, who care nothing of a single citizen’s rights or quality of life. If the current of the stream is strong, become a strong swimmer. If the stream is going in a direction that is not in your best interest, you need to get out of the stream and walk. Or change the direction of the stream! Do something to regain control of your present and future life!! Most citizens of this country are not prepared for most unforeseen situations. Floods, earthquakes, intense heat or cold. Terrorism from abroad or at home has little if any true obstacles in their path. Each day thousands cross our borders without any difficulties at all. Our military is doing their very best to protect us all. Yet each of us has a duty to ourselves and the many who have sacrificed so much to give us what we have as a way of life. This duty is to prosper and conduct ourselves with a certain “Honor” and self awareness that responsibility starts and ends with each citizen. It is easy to have “Morals” and “Principles” when they are not challenged. Yet the true measure of one’s “Morals” and “Principles” , is to stand by them and defend them when they cost you dearly. Only then is there value in having them and living by those beliefs. In today’s society the beliefs and the way one lives their life, has become a low priority. Profit and personal gain are now the rule to live by for many of our Country Men. It is this type of thinking that has lost the respect of our allies and has given incentive for our global enemies to become more active. We as a country are “weak”, yet as an individual you can become strong! The vast majority of citizens in this country panic .When their electricity or water is not available to them on demand. Take notice of what one large traffic accident or construction zone does to your local road system. Two or three days of bad weather shuts down most large cities. Impending reports of “bad weather” clear the shelves of your local stores of most needed supplies. The government whether it is local or federal has proven time and time again to be of little use in times of “disaster”! These agencies have always given themselves the excuse that you the individual most be ready to rely on your own. Yet you still must obey their commands that have no real bearing on what is best for you. “AMERICAN PIRATE” is here to try and show those who wish to “swim stronger” or “change” the streams direction. With information on survival skills, food and water storeing.Self defense of the individual and of the individuals property. To be a forum for the exchanging of ideas and information, to learn from each other to be strong and realize we are not alone. “FEAR” is in everyone! Controlling it, learning that the best “weapon” against fear is information. Being prepared for all events and situations that could harm you or your fellow Country Men, is what this Web Site and Internet Radio Show is here to achieve!! In the 1700’s citizens who came together to help each other stand alone. To live a life of prosperity and safety, a life with purpose and dignity, came to refer and call themselves as “PATIOTS”,”FREE BOOTERS”, “PRIVATEERS”, ”BUCCANEERS” AND “PIRATES”! Some chose the Sea for its vast open spaces and the ability to do as one chooses, without hindrance from others. Some chose to stay on land and “forge” out a living and way of life that you and I enjoy today. This decision was costly to our forefathers, yet it is the strength of their conviction that molded this country long ago. If they could see what has become of their beloved land, I wonder how the cost and sacrifice would be measured? I do not encourage you to join me. I have no wish to enforce your participation. Yet if you feel that there is “danger” in your life. That possibly a “change” is needed, then I invite you to participate and share in this endeavor. To be “stronger”, “safer”, more independent of anyone or any organizations attempt to influence or control your future. When the very safety and future of your loved ones is also at risk .Survival in any situation is more “mental “preparedness than physical ability. There are a couple of sayings in my way of living, “DOWN IN 24 HOURS AND DEAD IN 48 “!! “IF YOU CANNOT CARRY IT AND WALK A MILE”, “IT WILL KILL YOU, NOT SAVE YOU “ ! My fellow Country Men , my fellow Citizens, you can “ SURVIVE “ ! My name is BJ RICKARD and I am an “AMERICAN PIRATE” ……………………..