When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to renegotiate its allegiances with another in order to produce a more perfect union of cooperation, communication and exchange, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to such an action. We, the Children of Virginia, do hereby address those grievances to which we have been subjected in hope that for now and all posterity, people will know of our suffering and the measures taken against us that lead to this final action demanding societal inclusion.
For eighteen years we have been barred from seeking employment at-will without the consent of the government; we have been forced to endure an educational system offered under the terms and conditions set forth by elected or appointed bodies without our participation in those elections or appointments; we have been subjected to paying taxes and have had restrictions imposed on our purchases, sales and uses, without representation; we have been permitted to suffer corporeal punishments without legal recourse; we have been barred entrance to entertainments with no more justification than using the day of our birth against us; our freedom of assembly has been restricted through ordinances barring at times our lawful assembly and at other times prohibiting our assembly during certain times of day; and we have been discriminated against in fundamental ways: calling us merely inhabitants and not recognizing our rights as citizens, and having uniformed police posted at our recreational events, our schools, and the public parking lots we frequent without cause, anticipating social disorder coincident with our peaceful assembly. All these grievances and more have been brought to the attention of the government and still we suffer and are told to endure.
Today we declare that Enough is Enough. From this day forward, we will present ourselves at all polling places and peacefully stand in line awaiting our rightful opportunity to vote. We will non-violently request admission and wait patiently in queue to enter theatres to view material of our choosing. We will accept no less treatment by prospective employers than that given to others of this great land. We will quietly petition those who administer our schools to be heard on matters as elementary as the hours of operation, the right to carry cell phones for safety purposes, and the freedom of speech to dress as we choose within the bounds of common decency established for all persons in public view. It is no longer acceptable that ordinances prohibit our activities or limit our lawful behavior to certain areas of public property solely because of our age. We will through non-confrontational means and methods, politely protest where we can and cannot skateboard, where we can and cannot park our bicycles, and where we can and cannot loiter. This declaration is not a challenging statement of defiance but an open expression seeking acceptance and a demonstration of our inalienable right at birth that all people are created equal.
Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that all Children in Virginia will behave cheerfully; express their opinions and feelings with respect and politeness on all matters that affect them; offer aid and assistance to their families and communities to the extent they are able; and to solemnly pledge to uphold the ideals of the rule of law as it applies to all persons, including those laws established to safeguard persons because of their age from the harmfulness of exploitation and abuse or threat thereof.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVEDthat we, the Children of Virginia, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do solemnly publish and declare that we are and of a right ought to be free to exercise our lawful assemblies; use public lands and public services, including health and mental health services in the same manner and under the same conditions as all persons; and, to embark upon our educational and vocational pursuits, not subject to the unscientific, invalidated assumptions of the majority.
IN FURTHERANCE OF THIS DECLARATION, the Children of Virginia assert and have the full power to convene an elected Assembly of Representatives, to be chosen from across the Commonwealth, to meet at such times and places as convenient to conduct business and peacefully exchange their views on all societal matters affecting them. This Assembly will resolve with one voice and recommend to the government changes necessary to promote the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for all children. Notwithstanding that physiological and psychological development differs based on age, children are yet able to express free and creative thinking, offer solutions to the problems that face the society at large, and can establish a body of written knowledge constituting their consensus of opinion on the full range of human expression and endeavors. We recognize it is true children cannot live without adults’ protection and provision but it is also demonstrably true that society will not survive without children. To this end,
And in support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor to improve the quality of life for all children living in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Tommy Jefferson Benjie Harrison
Frankie (Lightfoot) Lee Carter Braxton Tom Nelson, Jr.
George Wythe Ricky H. Lee
Ron E. Telsch
