Read all about the FIRST NON-HOSTILE REPORT ON THE REPUBLIC BY THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS. You'll like it! You'll find it in the "Media Coverage" section.

Read Alden Nellis' "Open Letter to the Governor." You'll find it in the "Editorials by Alden Nellis."

Well, another productive General Council Meeting has come and gone. This last one in the Metroplex Area. Thanks to all who participated in the planning, arrangements and attendance to this meeting. The next scheduled meeting of the General Council will be held in San Antonio. You'll find the details in the "Meeting Schedule" section.

FLASH REPORT

AUSTIN - Citizens of the Republic of Texas, and others who file "phony" court documents against their adversaries, will face stiff penalties as "criminals" under a bill passed Tuesday by the Senate. The action initiated by Sen. Teel Bivins, R-Amarillo, is aimed at stopping "the growing use of fraudulent court records and property liens," which critics say have overwhelmed the courts and forced "huge legal expenses on state and local governments."  The senators approved the bill on a voice vote, sending it to the House, which has already passed similar legislation. "This targets anybody who engages in these practices," said Mr. Bivins, adding that "phony documents are being used increasingly in divorce cases and legal disputes." The contention is that Republic of Texas citizens and/or supporters have filed "false liens" against government officials as part of their campaign to take Texas out of the United States.

During yet another misguided media telephone interview with Richard McLaren, former member of the Republic's General Council, he questioned the legality of the Senate and House bills which outlaw "bogus liens." "Everything they are doing is illegal," said Mr. McLaren, who still describes himself as "Chief Ambassador and Consul General" of the Republic of Texas. He said the Legislature lacks authority to pass laws because it was not lawfully established. "This is just a clear example of them violating the law. These bills are just lawyers passing laws to protect lawyers," he said.  Mr. McLaren also said that "Republic members" are setting up a "national prize court" that will consider lawsuits against the Legislature and seizure of the Capitol and other state properties. "The paper war is just beginning," he said.  

Senator Bivins said the crackdown on "bogus liens" was actually suggested by a group of county clerks in his Senate district, before the alleged "Republic of Texas liens" became an issue. Under the bill, a first offense would be considered a Class A misdemeanor, subject to a maximum of one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. A person with two prior convictions would face felony charges, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000. Mr. Bivins said an important provision in his bill would allow victims of "fraudulent" records or liens to go to court to have the documents declared invalid. "This will give victims [?] a legal mechanism to clear the record," he said.

Property liens can cause financial and legal difficulties when an owner attempts to sell the property or list it as an asset in a financial transaction. Existence of a lien, whether it is legal or not, can delay or block the sale of a property.

Last week, the House passed a similar measure, after sponsors said the Republic of Texas was waging "paper terrorism" against government officials. The House's document includes provisions not found in the Senate bill, including one that would make it a crime to "impersonate a public official."  This is aimed at Republic of Texas citizens' "plans" to have their own court system. "The House bill is much broader than my bill, and if the Legislature is willing to pass it I am sure I will vote for it," Mr. Bivins said. He voiced reservations, however, about the language that prohibits impersonation of a public official, saying it would be difficult to prove. The differences between the House and Senate bills would be "worked out later."

Just TWO more days until the D/FW Council Meeting at the Omni Richardson. Don't forget! The first session is on Friday (21) at 7:00 p.m. See you there! Click here for more details.

There are more articles added to the "Editorials" section, under "Alden Nellis' Editorials" and "Editorials by Lauren Savage."

The "Definitions" in the section "About the Republic" have been updated now. I urge you to learn them or have them handy to explain and answer questions about the RT.

Just five more days until the D/FW Council Meeting at the Omni Richardson. Don't forget! The first session is on Friday (21) at 7:00 p.m. See you there! Click here for more details.

Check out the new sub-section of "Editorials" called "Editorials by Lauren Savage."

Please follow this link to read an important NEWS RELEASE concerning the situation in Fort Davis, Jeff Davis County. VERY IMPORTANT!

New addition to the "Editorials" section: "Texas Injustice." More coming soon - Keep watching.

Once again, I've updated the site with more information and even a new section or two. Please see: "Judicial Affairs." Also check for changes and additions in the "Meeting Schedule" section.

See the news report "Warning of Danger Ahead," submitted by our Vice-President, Jesse Enloe.

Repeat announcement: The General Council Meeting originally scheduled to be in Fort Worth (Mar. 22) will be held at the Omni Richardson Hotel, in Richardson. Please make note of change. Reservations for the Omni Richardson must be made no later than March 7, 1997. Limited accomodations available. Further details are posted to the "Meeting Schedule" section.

NOTE: My use of the "RTD" (Republic of Texas Date) is not (as yet) an "official" practice (in case you wondered). It is meant to be a suggestion, to remind us of our nation's birth. In this case, it is the year 161, the first month and the fifth day of the Republic.

More meeting minutes have been posted to the "Meeting Summary" section. Check them out to stay abreast of events.

The new issue of the "Official Newsletter of the Republic of Texas" (No.3, Mar.1) is hot off the press. You can order it at:
[Unavailable at this time.]

Today is Independence Day!! I trust you are enjoying it and recalling our history, as well as talking about it with your friends and relatives. It's a cold, rainy and dreary day here in Dallas. I so wanted to be in San Antonio today, at the Alamo. But it was not possible. If you were there today, I'd love to hear about it. Will you drop me a line? Write to:

The General Council Meeting in Victoria was a huge success. Thank you all for your cooperation in these efforts. Go to the "Meeting Summary" section to see the minutes for the previous meetings.

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