The idea that “America is not a country but a corporation” is a concept rooted in legal and historical interpretations of certain legislative acts, governance structures, and corporate practices. While mainstream narratives frame the United States as a sovereign nation founded on democratic principles, some argue that the nation operates, in part, as a corporate entity. This article explores this perspective in depth, providing historical dates, key events, and supporting arguments.
The Act of 1871: A Turning Point
The discussion often begins with the passage of the Act of 1871. On February 21, 1871, the U.S. Congress passed “An Act to Provide a Government for the District of Columbia.” This legislation created a municipal government for Washington, D.C., consolidating its governance under a corporate structure.
Key provisions included:
- Establishment of a Corporate Entity: The Act allowed the federal government to govern Washington, D.C., as a corporate municipality. The district became a legal entity that could sue, be sued, and engage in contracts.
- Separation from States: Washington, D.C., was set apart as a jurisdiction distinct from the individual states, creating a centralized seat of power.
Critics of this act argue that it set a precedent for viewing the United States government as a corporate entity rather than a sovereign union of states.
The Legal Definition of a Corporation
A corporation is a legal entity that acts as a single “person” under the law. It can own property, enter contracts, and be held liable. This framework allowed the U.S. government to function more efficiently in managing its finances, assets, and international obligations.
However, this corporate structure has led to a significant shift in how the U.S. government interacts with its citizens. Some argue that individuals are treated as “assets” of the corporation, particularly under legal terms like Social Security numbers, birth certificates, and taxation.
The Federal Reserve Act of 1913
Another major milestone in the “corporatization” of America was the Federal Reserve Act, passed on December 23, 1913. This act established the Federal Reserve System, a private banking consortium that manages the nation’s money supply. Critics argue that the Federal Reserve shifted control of the nation’s economy from elected officials to private banking interests, further embedding corporate principles into governance.
Implications:
- Debt-Based Economy: The Federal Reserve issues currency as debt, creating perpetual financial obligations for the government and its citizens.
- Privatization of Currency Control: The U.S. Treasury no longer directly controls the creation of money, as this responsibility shifted to the Federal Reserve, a quasi-private institution.
The Role of Maritime and Admiralty Law
Supporters of the “America as a corporation” theory often cite the influence of maritime and admiralty law in the U.S. legal system. Maritime law governs commerce and navigation, and its principles have been incorporated into U.S. statutory law.
Examples include:
- All-Capital Name Theory: Legal documents often refer to individuals in all-capital letters (e.g., JOHN DOE), which some interpret as a corporate designation rather than a representation of a natural person.
- UCC (Uniform Commercial Code): The UCC governs commercial transactions and has been adopted across states, emphasizing the contractual nature of modern governance.
Critics argue that these frameworks prioritize corporate and financial interests over individual sovereignty.
The Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944
Post-World War II, the Bretton Woods Agreement further aligned the U.S. with global corporate interests. This agreement established the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, embedding the country’s financial system into a global economic framework dominated by multinational corporations and international banking systems.
Modern Implications
- Taxation and Debt: Many critics point to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) as evidence of the U.S. operating as a corporate entity, collecting revenue from its “citizens” (viewed as corporate assets) to pay off national debts to private and international entities.
- Birth Certificates and Social Security Numbers: Some theorists suggest that these documents register individuals as “collateral” for the corporate entity of the United States, with Social Security numbers acting as tracking numbers in financial systems.
- Privatization of Government Functions: Over the decades, functions once considered the responsibility of the government, such as prison systems, defense contracts, and infrastructure, have been outsourced to private corporations, further blurring the line between public and private interests.
Key Dates and Milestones
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 21, 1871 | Passage of the Act of 1871, establishing Washington, D.C., as a corporate municipality. |
| December 23, 1913 | Federal Reserve Act creates a private central banking system controlling the nation’s money. |
| July 1, 1944 | Bretton Woods Agreement ties the U.S. economy to global financial systems. |
Books and Resources for Further Reading
- Books:
- The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin (a deep dive into the Federal Reserve system).
- None Dare Call It Conspiracy by Gary Allen.
- Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen (for historical context).
- The Law That Never Was by Bill Benson and Red Beckman (examines taxation and the 16th Amendment).
- Websites:
- Mises Institute: Explores economics and government control.
- Zero Hedge: Offers alternative views on finance and governance.
- The Sovereign Citizen Movement Resources: Insight into individual sovereignty perspectives.
Conclusion
While the United States is undoubtedly a sovereign nation in many respects, its legal, financial, and governance structures bear the hallmarks of a corporate entity. Understanding these elements can empower citizens to critically evaluate the systems they live under and explore avenues for greater individual sovereignty.
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