FT 13.04 – Kansan Liberty Resolution (Passed)

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

AN ACT
to recognize the cause of Kansan liberty

Section 1 (Title)
i. The long title of this Resolution shall be, the "John Brown—Kansan Liberty Resolution." It may be cited as the "Kansan Liberty Resolution."

Section 2 (Preamble)
WHEREAS, one hundred sixty years ago the people of Kansas waged a hard and bloody war for independence from the despotic dominion of border ruffians and the Southern slave power;

WHEREAS, in light of this history, the continued rule of the State of Kansas by the so-called Southern Region is injurious and contemptible;

WHEREAS, the late action of the Chamber of Delegates, by which the battle flag of the traitorous so-called "Army of Northern Virginia" is to be raised over Kansas, is equally contemptible;

WHEREAS, the referendum which informed the act of the Chamber of Delegates was ill-conceived and ill-ordered, the people having been denied the right to vote on all proposed designs for the flag;

WHEREAS, in any case the rebel flag flying above Kansas is an unacceptable outcome;

Section 3 (Resolution)
RESOLVED, the Parliament of Frémont do propose the "John Brown Flag" as the flag of Free Kansas, for the use of those who desire a uniquely Kansan and irredentist banner;
FURTHER RESOLVED, the design of the flag shall be: "nine horizontal stripes, alternating buff and red, forming a rectangle 2:3 in proportion; a blue canton, and in it twenty buff stars to represent the twenty free states who stood in solidarity with Kansas in her hour of need."

Appendix

Sponsor: Harry S Truman, Speaker

The member from North Dakota has the floor.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

The story of Kansas' struggle against the dominion of Southern tyrants is written in the blood of the brave patriots who gave their lives for the freedom of the West. In time, we may hope that Kansas will be liberated from her Southern occupiers and delivered to the communion of Frémont; but that day is not today. This resolution would not change Kansas' constitutional relationship with either region under the Fourth Constitution, but merely recognize the validity of the historical symbol of Kansan resistance: a banner for all people, regardless of party affiliation, who struggle for liberty and against oppression.

I do not anticipate this being a popular sentiment in this chamber, but that is no reason not to try.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

To respectfully disagree, I believe our regions are made stronger by healthy competition. A strong identity begets a stronger Commonwealth: and the identity of Frémont as a home for all Westerners is inexorably tied to the liberty of Kansas. This is not to say that Frémont should adopt violent or illegal means to press her case; yet the solidarity of the Western people is the very thing which allowed our Commonwealth to weather the crises recalled by the first minister. Respect for the Constitution should not mean that we neglect to assert our rights where the Constitution is in error. If that were so, slavery should yet stain the majesty of our republic, the Radicals should have triumphed in 2015, and all the struggle of the last four years had been a dream undreamt for fear of the future. As Kansas learned in 1856, so we must recall today: a peace purchased at the price of silence is no true peace.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Mind you, it was a Kansan who led the charge to keep the rebel flag from flying over the Southern Region.

How true, indeed. Kansans are already beginning to feel the yoke of Southern oppression and assert their rights, even if some are not yet ready to embrace their destiny within the Frémontian Commonwealth.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Seeing no objection, we proceed to a vote. Members will vote Aye, Nay, or abstain. Voting will last 48 hours or until all members have voted.


Aye.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

With four votes in favor and one opposed, the resolution carries.

Hey, while your at it, why not vote to recognize a new pope or to recognize St. Petersburg as the capital of Russia or to recognize December 25th as Independence Day for Australia? It has the same value.

All excellent ideas, especially declaring a Frémontian antipope!

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

I'm not sure if I can sign or veto this resolution as resolutions passed by Parliament are usually not legally-binding (which this bill isn't as it does not officially designate the Flag of Kansas; it merely proposes one).

I don't think resolutions have ever required the FM's signature.