Alaska Independence Movement
The people of Alaska are "masters in their own house" and entitled to decide on their own future. Considering the availability of our natural resources and unique character of Alaskans, complete Independence would be the best logical outcome. We have a great respect for U.S. Constitution, most Alaskans see it as divinely inspired document and would like to keep as the Law of the Land. AIP would oppose any oppressive form of taxation and all the expenditures would be legislated locally in correlation with the Nation’s revenues.
7. Do you foresee conducting relations with other countries independently?
As stated in Burlington Declaration, a document adopted during 2006 First North America Secessionist Convention: “Nations once independent should engage in peace, commerce, good will and honest friendship with all nations.” We are prepared to keep good working relations with U.S., while developing strong commercial ties with our neighbors: Canada, Russia, Japan and China. Commerce and Free Trade is one of the hallmarks of a sovereign Nation.
8. What reaction have you had from the two major parties and their leaders?
They often attempt to marginalize or ignore us. However, they also often appeal to our members for support. Overall, however, AIP is widely respected and our history is well known.
9. Can you elaborate on the reference made to a "certain political elite"?
For example..."During 2nd North American Secessionist Convention in 2007 the following truths have been agreed upon: (excerpt)
2. The privileges, monopolies, and powers that private corporations have won from government threaten everyone's health, prosperity, and liberty, and have already killed American self, government by the people.
3. The power of corporations endangers liberty as much as government power, especially when they are combined as in the American Empire.
Today American politicians in Washington DC, instead of representing the interest of American people, are promoting the interests of greedy International Corporations. This is why we believe the power must rest in the hands of the people and not with corrupt Washington DC “elite."
10. Can you familiarize our readers with the international laws you are relying upon to pursue your claims?
General Assembly Resolution 637, 16 December, 1952, (VII), considering the Right of people’s for self- Determination and a basic Human Right makes it clear: “3. The States Members of the United Nations responsible for the administration of Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories shall take the practical steps, pending the realization of the right of self-determination and in preparation thereof, to ensure the direct participation of the indigenous populations in the legislative and executive organs of government of those territories, and to prepare them for complete self-government or independence”.
The U.S. Government completely neglected its responsibilities to the people of Alaska, which UN considered to be a Non-Self-Governing Territory, and did nothing to inform Alaskans about their Rights under that resolution. By allowing the U.S. Military Personnel and their of age dependents to vote on Alaska statehood on August 26, 1958, the U.S. Government forced its will on Alaskans. We believe that all these actions of the U.S. Government make the “statehood vote” of 1958 illegal and Alaska should retain the status of Non-Self-Governing Territory.
11. As you have presented your case to the UN, have you had any response as of yet from them or the international community?
Just when Mr. Vogler had letter in hand confirming UN sponsor contact, he was kidnapped and murdered. We start again.
12. Can you expand upon the official statement which alluded to the United States and the theft of natural resources in Alaska?
The AIP founder Mr. Joseph E. Vogler, described the situation the best: “An Alaskan economy (except for oil and government employment, financed by oil royalties and taxes) is practically non-existent. We are not allowed to process our oil before exporting it to the United States, and as mentioned before, they have the audacity to openly state that, ‘the production of Alaska's resources will create a great many jobs in other states, where they will be taken for manufacture and distribution.’ Alaska is nothing more than a colonial warehouse of natural resources to fuel the factories of the United States”. Today the situation remains pretty much the same.
13. What will become of US military assets or bases located in Alaska?
As an Independent Nation, and, with the understanding of the strategic location of Alaska, it would serve Alaskan interests to maintain a U.S. presence. The military have been good neighbors. However, as a sovereign nation, Alaska could broker the leasing of the land and air space reserved for military installations and set the requirements for environmental responsibility in the use of that land. We would also insist that all environmental damage as a result of past military activities be comprehensibly addressed and remedied.
14. What reaction if any have you had from the US government about secession plans?
None. Which leads one to believe either AIP is correct, or we're all under surveillance!
Lisa KARPOVA
PRAVDA.Ru
USA/CANADA
