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Viva le Republic ! Nooo! don't start waving your flag and singing La Marseillaise! We're talking about on April 18, 1982, when the United States Border Patrol established a roadblock on U.S. Highway 1, just south of Florida City. The only access point by land from the Florida Keys to the mainland was closed, and people leaving the Keys were treated as though they were exiting a foreign country. The U.S. Border Patrol claimed the roadblock was established to stop “illegal” immigrants from entering the mainland United States from the Florida Keys. Every car leaving the Keys was checked thoroughly by the Border Patrol, including unlikely hiding places such as glove compartments and under seats. The seventeen mile traffic jams accompanied the roadblock had an immediate negative impact on tourism in the Florida Keys. Reservations were cancelled, hotels stood empty, and local attractions had no customers. Community leaders from Key West filed an injunction against the U.S. Border Patrol roadblock in Federal Court in Miami. The court ruled the roadblock could continue. As Key West Mayor Dennis Wardlow left the courthouse, he was greeted by press from around the world. When asked what would happen next, the mayor said, “Tomorrow at noon, the Florida Keys will secede from the Union!” The press, and Federal agents, flooded Key West the next day. As promised, at noon on April 23, 1982, Mayor Wardlow read a Proclamation of Secession, declaring Key West would now be a sovereign nation known as the Conch Republic. Having changed his title from Mayor of Key West to Prime Minister of the Conch Republic, Dennis Wardlow followed his secession with a declaration of war on the United States. The “war” started and ended with loaves of stale Cuban bread being broken over the head of a man dressed in a U.S. Navy uniform. After one minute of rebellion, Prime Minister Wardlow surrendered to Union forces at the Navy Base in Key West. He immediately demanded one billion dollars in foreign aid and war relief “to rebuild our nation after the long Federal siege.” With their highly publicized secession and the Federalist war of aggression against the residents of Key West successfully concluded by use of humor to bring attention to a serious issue affecting the local economy. Following widespread reports of the establishment of the Conch Republic, the U.S. Border Patrol roadblock was quickly and unceremoniously removed. Today, the Conch Republic continues to issue its own passport. The republic has its own flag with the motto “We Seceded Where Others Failed.” In April each year, Key West residents and visitors celebrate the independence of the Conch Republic. Happy 37th anniversary to the Conch Republic! They seceded where others failed! |
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23/4/2019 9:50 am |
The check point by the United States Border Patrol was the same as if intering the USA from a foreign country!
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23/4/2019 9:51 am |
High handed Gestapo tactics against US CITIZENS!
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23/4/2019 9:52 am |
No one was taking responsibility for that high handed display.
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23/4/2019 9:53 am |
It is suggested President Reagan stepped in finally.
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You mean I could have went down there and been appointed 5 star General of the military forces?
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23/4/2019 12:38 pm |
You mean I could have went down there and been appointed 5 star General of the military forces?
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The mouse that roared??
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23/4/2019 1:38 pm |
The mouse that roared??
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I love that shell Greg !! I think I have one very similar, too !! (in storage, LO
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Always learning something new here !! Thanks Bret !!
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23/4/2019 6:35 pm |
Ours is in the mainfloor bathroom on the toilet cfor everyone to see.
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23/4/2019 6:37 pm |
The passport was like $200 that is mine and comes with sufficient data and photo to get you in and out of Canada.... LOL!
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23/4/2019 6:38 pm |
I love that shell Greg !! I think I have one very similar, too !! (in storage, LO
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23/4/2019 6:40 pm |
Always learning something new here !! Thanks Bret !!
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Very interesting blog post, Bret. I had no idea the Keys had that much power to defeat the Border Patrol. The US Border Patrol personnel are the reason I no longer visit the US. They are egotistical maniacs.
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23/4/2019 9:29 pm |
Very interesting blog post, Bret. I had no idea the Keys had that much power to defeat the Border Patrol. The US Border Patrol personnel are the reason I no longer visit the US. They are egotistical maniacs.
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The mouse that roared??
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Sal get it out and display it with pride!
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24/4/2019 7:04 pm |
Heck yaaa If the Canadians are nice enuff to honour the Conch Republic Passport If the US Customs guy is a jerk We'll report him to Homeland Security and they can move him down chasing Mexicans around in the dessert!
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24/4/2019 7:05 pm |
You read my mind
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24/4/2019 7:06 pm |
The next time I go to storage, out it comes !!
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24/4/2019 7:07 pm |
Maybe he has a BIG Stick!
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24/4/2019 11:06 pm |
You'll find even MORE items to tease your fancy!
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