[Traficant Update: Supporters of maverick James Traficant - currently held as a political prisoner - have filed with the Federal Elections Commission in hopes of campaigning for Traficant to run for president in 2004. Democratic Nationalists, are urging Congressman Traficant to formally declare his candidacy in the upcoming primaries. Campaign manager Marcus Belk stated, "Jim Traficant best represents what the average Democrat believes - putting 'America first.' In a time when almost every American believes that no politician will remain true to his beliefs when he comes under political pressure, Jim has never wavered. Jim says what he means and means what he says."]

The synopsis of James Traficant's imprisonment goes like this… when a senator, congressman or government employee, starts spouting the truth, you can bet it will only be a matter of time before he/she will be discredited or defamed. If you're anti-American you will be praised and promoted! If you're a God fearing patriot you will be slandered and silenced! Instead of the slogan, United We Stand - how about - Let's Railroad All Flag Wavin' Truth Seekin' Zealots. Representative James A. Traficant, Jr., who served the Youngstown, Ohio 17th Congressional District, since 1984, can attest to what I speak. He now occupies a cubicle containing a bunk-bed, desk and a locker, in the Allenwood Federal Prison in White Deer, PA.

Traficant alienated his fellow Democrats by backing Republican Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. He lost his committee assignments because of it. Clinton set the ball in motion to nail him but it was King George's administration who did the crucifying. He was railroaded on charges of bribery and racketeering and accused of accepting cash and other things of value from businessman whom he helped, and having staffers work on his farm and boat. He was voted out of Congress by so-called friends - who should now be labeled "gutless backstabbers." Ironically, Gary Condit was the single vote for him.

After reading Traficant's speech, "The Bankruptcy of the United States" delivered on the floor of Congress in 1993, it was evident why THEY wanted to shut him up. He proclaimed, "The United States Federal government has been dissolved by the Emergency Banking Act, March 9, 1933, declared by President Roosevelt. The receivers of the United States bankruptcy are the International bankers, via the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. All United States offices, officials and departments are now operating within a de facto status in name only under Emergency War powers. This new form of government is known as a Democracy (instead of a Republic), being an established Socialist/Communist order under a new governor for America."

Before you dismiss Traficant as a wild and crazy "conspiracy kind of guy", check out his track record and speeches (Google.com). In the August 14, 2001 issue of the Washington Weekly, it was reported that Traficant requested FBI files on Janet Reno. He alleged Corruption and Treason within the Justice Department. Research also shows that he has NEVER voted with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Is it any wonder he's toast!

Last year he vowed that he would run his re-election campaign from prison, running as an Independent. However, the Justice Department's Bureau of Prison's made it all but impossible by removing him from his home state of Ohio. The Constitution requires three qualifications for elected Representatives: age, citizenship and residency in the state. When I talked with his Youngstown office, they informed me that the House has restricted their actions and any contact with their former boss is off-limits.

As his trial drew to a close, Traficant accused U.S. District Judge Lesley Wells of tainting the jury and turning the Constitution in to "toilet paper." Tact is not his strong suite. His colorful outbursts certainly did not make points with the Judge - she sentenced him to eight years instead of the seven that were asked for. He said, "I will die in jail before I admit to something I didn't do. I had no intent to break any laws. There's one big word in this legal dictionary and it's called 'intent.'" I'm surprised I haven't seen this Traficant quote on a bumper sticker - "I love America, but I hate the government."

Traficant, 61, is healthy and fit so he may be required to either work as a furniture maker in the prison factory, or he could end up as a groundskeeper or plumber. What a wasteful shame for a man that has served his country well to be wearing black steel-toe shoes everyday. Many believe that he should have been stripped of his Congressional pension. Happy day, his pension will remain intact for the remainder of his life.

He could have gone-along-to-get-along, but he chose to reveal "truth" and stand firm for his beliefs and convictions. May God shine down and reward him. We who are in agreement with his "patriotic" views will do well not turn our backs on him - anyone of us could be next!

To offer your support write: James A. Traficant, Jr.
No. 31213-060
LSCI Allenwood
P.O. Box 1000
White Deer, PA 17887

April Shenandoah

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Other articles by April

History of American's Education Part 1
History of America's Education Part 2
History of America's Education Part 3
Bye, Bye Santa Clause and Christmas As We Know It 12/14/2002