MANIFESTO OF INDEPENDENCE:
A FAST FOR LIFE, LIBERTY
AND THE PURSUIT OF
HAPPINESS
June 3, 1981
The purpose of my life is to acquire wisdom and attain moral perfection.
I live as a penniless wanderer and a pilgrim
Wisdom compels me to recognize that moral perfection is impossible
for a member of an amoral nation-state.
In the course of wandering the world I discovered the role the United
States plays in destroying the Earth and exploiting its inhabitants. I
learned I could not attain moral perfection while availing myself of
benefits gained through the sufferings of others. So I exercised the
freedom to personally determine what I would be: I ceased to be an
American citizen and destroyed my American passport.
Consequently, I was "deported" from England to this country against my
will and in violation of law. On October 2, 1980 I was forcefully removed
from an airplane at the JFK International Airport and compelled to enter
the United States despite my vigorous objection.
I now demand that the United States government return me to Great
Britain so I can resume my pilgrimage.
I intend to fast until the American government recognizes the ideals
from which it draws its authority and allows me to live my life as I see
fit. This is not an act of self destruction but an effort to persuade this
nation to return to the principles of the Declaration of Independence upon
which it was founded.
Given the option of living my life ion decadent luxury at the expense
of my fellow creatures, or voluntarily laying it down in the service of
Truth, Justice and Freedom, I would choose the latter. I entreat those who
understand my words to confront the evils of the nation-state by gathering
at the White House to pray for Reason and Sanity and an End to War in
illustration of the ideals of non-violence.
Your friend,
Thomas