<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Simple Liberty Foundation: Resource Library]]></title><description><![CDATA[The standards we hold ourselves to, the method behind our research, and where we go to check the facts.]]></description><link>https://www.simpleliberty.com/s/resources</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!HQLh!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9e898810-c8fa-4f8f-a327-ba24d62c9798_1280x1280.png</url><title>Simple Liberty Foundation: Resource Library</title><link>https://www.simpleliberty.com/s/resources</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:53:36 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.simpleliberty.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Simple Liberty Foundation, Inc.]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[simpleliberty@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[simpleliberty@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[David Russell]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[David Russell]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[simpleliberty@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[simpleliberty@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[David Russell]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[The Commons - Rules of Engagement]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Commons exists for every American citizen - and those who want to be aligned with our free society - to work together in a civil manner to develop solutions to America&#8217;s problems.]]></description><link>https://www.simpleliberty.com/p/the-commons-rules-of-engagement</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.simpleliberty.com/p/the-commons-rules-of-engagement</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:29:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png" width="1456" height="445" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!y6TI!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F50f21ce9-0f21-4122-ba35-66b9055daeea_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>In the process, we meet and interact with others who care about America.<span> </span>We rarely agree 100% with anyone - but we commit to be nice as we develop solutions for the common good.</p><p>We come together to more deeply comprehend facts and history - truth - about issues and solutions.<span> </span>Opinions are important, but facts are the foundation for us to develop enduring solutions - as wise, discerning, responsible citizens and voters.</p><p>These Rules of Engagement are for Members - the only ones who can post their thoughts in Discussion areas and participate in certain volunteer meetings online, with in-person gatherings possibly in 2027.</p><p><strong>These are the expectations that guide our community.<span> </span>We require ourselves to live by them, and extend that same standard to all Members.</strong></p><ol><li><p><strong>Be nice.</strong><span> </span>We cannot control how someone else behaves, but we are 100% responsible for our behavior.<span> </span>Think before writing.<span> </span>Work through drafts if necessary to meet or exceed the standards you have set for others.<span> </span>Then post.</p><p></p><p>If someone is rude, cussing, name-calling, harassing, or threatening - simply do not respond.<span> </span>Take a screenshot and report the situation to us.<span> </span>We will investigate.<span> </span>Members who cannot behave will no longer be members.</p><p></p></li><li><p><strong>OK not to agree. </strong>Don&#8217;t be surprised or offended when people politely disagree with you - or when their tone is reasonable but they use words different from yours.<span> </span>Expect it. Accept that people may not be ready to change some of their conclusions - yet.</p><p></p><p>We encourage respectful disagreement and shared suggestions for how to research, define, and improve our solutions.<span> </span>No one knows everything.<span> </span>No one is always totally right.<span> </span>Respect the rights of others to have their opinions and conclusions, just as you want your thoughts sincerely considered - live the Golden Rule.</p><p></p></li><li><p><strong>Respect our process. </strong>We purposefully move at a steady pace to confirm what&#8217;s best for the common good, not the pace of outrage.<span> </span>Not too fast.<span> </span>Not too slow - &#8220;Goldilocks speed.&#8221;</p><p></p><p>This is because (a) Relationships are most important;<span> </span>(b) The best decisions take time.<span> </span>New facts come to light that help clarify what&#8217;s best for the common good - in community, before we formally propose a solution, and after we post content.</p><p></p><p>Remember how we roll:<span> </span>Find the best way.<span> </span>Do the right thing.<span> </span>Everyone matters.</p><p></p><p>Use our 4Q Scrolls (link) questioning process to understand - not to convert.</p><p></p></li><li><p><strong>No self-promotion. </strong>Do not self-promote or spam.<span> </span>Do not offer anything for sale - directly or indirectly.</p></li></ol><ol start="5"><li><p><strong>Share facts. </strong>We encourage you to mention and post links - even your own or those of your organization - that are credible facts, history, studies - even with your opinion.<span> </span>We reserve the right to remove any post that seems to be purposefully misrepresenting the facts, or add a warning to it stating our concern.</p></li></ol><ol start="6"><li><p><strong>Be succinct</strong>.<span> </span>Work with AI if you want to confirm the tone and content of your post, but prompt your AI to confirm your approach is clear, direct, and respectful.</p></li></ol><ol start="7"><li><p><strong>Issue specific</strong>.<span> </span>Post in the discussion space of the issue&#8217;s claim, sub-claim, or post (e.g., Commoners Corner, Paul Revere updates) related to your comment, suggested fact link(s), and/or opinion you would like considered.</p></li></ol><ol start="8"><li><p><strong>Add value</strong>.<span> </span>Sincerely thank people when you agree - and when you disagree - but unless you really feel your wording is more succinct - try not to repeat what they&#8217;ve said in your post.<span> </span>Provide links to facts that reinforce your thoughts.</p></li></ol><ol start="9"><li><p><strong>Real profile</strong>.<span> </span>Have a real profile as a Member.<span> </span>You don&#8217;t have to reveal personal details, but do introduce yourself to others and ideally include a recent photo.<span> </span>We are brothers and sisters in the ongoing competition to maintain our liberty.</p></li></ol><ol start="10"><li><p><strong>No gamification.</strong><span> </span>We purposely do not have a leaderboard or gamify participation.<span> </span>This movement is about all Americans.<span> </span>We win as a team, not as individuals competing with one another for recognition.<span> </span>Let&#8217;s humbly work together for the common good.</p></li></ol><p>We also encourage Members to embrace Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.&#8217;s 1963 Birmingham Civil Rights Movement Pledge as a standard for our behavior.<span> </span>(link)</p><p>The Simple Liberty road will be fun, engaging, and meaningful.<span> </span>But we will be attacked by detractors - the wealthy and political Elites, and other corrupt power seekers bent on forcefully taking away our freedoms.</p><p>Dr. King and his movement taught us how to respond peacefully in love - courageously, wisely, and effectively. Self-defense is always an acceptable response to physical threats. For everything else, we defer to professional law enforcement and the military - the institutions established to maintain order and protect citizens.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png" width="1456" height="445" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!k7hR!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F84a1be73-1506-4633-8a16-24ecb0b4cb12_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><h2><strong>Moderation of The Commons</strong></h2><p>We moderate Member discussions based on behavior - not opinions. If something crosses the line, we may:</p><ul><li><p>Remove a post and warn the Member.</p></li><li><p>Issue a final warning to a Member for violating these Rules of Engagement.</p></li><li><p>Suspend a Member&#8217;s access for a period of time.</p></li><li><p>Remove a Member from The Commons indefinitely for recurring or blatant violation of these Rules of Engagement.</p></li></ul><p>Questions? Send them to: <a href="mailto:info@simpleliberty.com">info@simpleliberty.com</a></p><p>Make a difference.<span> </span>Why?<span> </span>Because you can.</p><p><span>Think for yourself - but join us to revive American values, virtues, safety, peace, and prosperity.</span><em><span>We can do this.</span></em></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[1963 Birmingham Civil Rights Movement Pledge]]></title><description><![CDATA[This pledge - a set of ten commitments - was a Commitment Card that every volunteer in the 1963 Birmingham campaign was required to sign - at a time that was a turning point in America's Civil Rights]]></description><link>https://www.simpleliberty.com/p/1963-birmingham-civil-rights-movement</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.simpleliberty.com/p/1963-birmingham-civil-rights-movement</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:09:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png" width="1456" height="445" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:445,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:795539,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://www.simpleliberty.com/i/207952143?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!juAT!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F58c3b06a-b0e8-4f97-9168-cfe6502848f3_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference asked every participant to root themselves in nonviolence and spiritual discipline, fully committed to justice, love, and peaceful resistance - even in the face of arrest and violence.</p><p>We hold up this pledge not because our trials equal theirs.<span> </span>The men, women, and children of that movement, especially Americans of African descent, bore burdens and dangers we hope to never face.</p><p>We embrace this pledge because they proved something for all Americans: Ordinary citizens, disciplined in love and unshaken by their opponents&#8217; conduct, can change a nation without becoming what they oppose.</p><p>That discipline is what we ask of ourselves at Simple Liberty. We believe the common good is threatened today by the corruption of Elites - the powerful and the privileged - who bend our laws and institutions to their own advantage.</p><p>Throughout history - in America and around the world - the warning is clear: Where corruption and concentrated power go unchallenged, it is ordinary citizens who lose their freedoms. That is why the Simple Liberty movement matters now, for all of us.</p><p>We mean to confront and stop the growing corruption and Elite domination, as the Birmingham movement confronted injustice: Peacefully, truthfully, and without hatred, no matter how our opponents behave.</p><p>Dr. King and his movement taught us how to respond courageously, wisely, and effectively. Self-defense is always an acceptable response to physical threat. For everything else, we defer to professional law enforcement and the military - the institutions established to maintain order and protect citizens.</p><p>Thank you, Dr. King, the SCLC of your time, and every person who lived out this commitment.</p><p><span>We can do this.</span></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png" width="1456" height="445" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Ox0_!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F835ff570-a50a-4b75-9627-c25732763fd3_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><h2><span>The Pledge</span></h2><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;"><em><span>&#8220;I hereby pledge myself - my person and body - to the nonviolent movement. Therefore, I will keep the following ten commandments.&#8221;</span></em></p></div><ol><li><p><strong><span>Meditate</span></strong><span> daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Remember</span></strong><span> always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation - not victory.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Walk and talk</span></strong><span> in the manner of love, for God is love.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Pray</span></strong><span> daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Sacrifice</span></strong><span> personal wishes in order that all men might be free.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Observe</span></strong><span> with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Seek</span></strong><span> to perform regular service for others and for the world.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Refrain</span></strong><span> from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Strive</span></strong><span> to be in good spiritual and bodily health.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Follow</span></strong><span> the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.</span></p></li></ol><p><em>&#8220;I sign this pledge, having seriously considered what I do and with the determination and will to persevere.&#8221;</em></p><p><em><span>The original Commitment Card was printed by the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights, the Birmingham affiliate of the SCLC; Rev. Fred L. Shuttlesworth, President.</span></em></p><p><em><span>We considered many reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King&#8217;s 10 Commandments for the Civil Rights Movement. However, we were inspired most by this one (thank you!) - </span></em><a href="https://www.whitefeatherproject.net">https://www.whitefeatherproject.net/</a></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png" width="1456" height="445" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3dR2!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2caf6c13-b0f8-47a7-bfb5-052a5006ab34_2310x706.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg role="img" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><title></title><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><h2>Who is this for</h2><p><span>The Birmingham movement was rooted in the Black church, and this pledge reflects that faith openly.</span></p><p><span>We present it unchanged as a standard for our Members. At Simple Liberty, you do not have to be a Christian to share its discipline.</span></p><p><span>Like our nation&#8217;s founders who built on a common moral foundation, we welcome Americans of every belief who will live by these principles - courtesy toward friend and foe, service to others, gratitude for our blessings, responsible stewardship, and the resolve to defend clear boundaries of </span>fairness, rights, and peace<span>.</span></p><p><span>This shared moral ground is a cornerstone of what unites us - not a religious test.</span></p>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>