This manuscript (draft e-June, 1995) was transcribed from a paper written by Livingstone Fagan, a student of David Koresh, and of the Seven Seals of the Book of Revelation. It is the author's wish for this manuscript be copied and passed on free of charge to all who are interested in the truth, providing it is reproduced in its entirety. Forward any comments, or requests to the transcriber via E-mail to: mswett@mainelink.net or write Mark Swett, 25 Declaration Drive Westbrook, Maine 04092 , or call (207) 797-8544
Livingstone Fagan, born in 1957, is a British minister and father of two. He left Mount Carmel during the siege to be spokesperson for the group. His wife Evette and mother Doris died during the April 19, 1993 fire.
Fagan, who faced a rigged trial with government witnesses who lied about him and a judge who effectively prevented witnesses from testifying on his behalf, was convicted of aiding and abetting voluntary manslaughter--only because the judge failed to tell jurors they could find him innocent of this charge if they believe he acted in self-defense. The jurors found him guilty of a gun charge--tied only to a charge of which he was found innocent--because the jury form did not specify this to jurors. Jurors believed Fagan and other Davidians convicted should receive little more than time served. Fagan and four other Davidians received the maximum sentence of 40 years. (Others received 20, 15, 5 and 3 year sentences.)
If you would like to write Livingstone Fagan directly, his address is: Livingstone Fagan #60550-080 (must include registery number) Federal Correctional Institution, Box 500, Oxford, WI 53952.
While this manuscript is uncopyrighted, contributions to the Mount Carmel Survivors Memorial Fund, Inc. as a percentage of any profits made from its commercial sale would be appreciated. The Fund was created by and is administered by surviving Branch Davidians who studied with David Koresh. They are survivors of the siege at Mount Carmel. Money helps maintain the Mount Carmel site as a memorial to the victims and to help the nine Davidian prisoners, Renos Avraam, Brad Branch, Jaime Castillo, Graeme Craddock, Livingstone Fagan, Paul Fatta, Ruth Riddle, Kathryn Schroeder and Kevin Whitecliff. Send contributions to: Mount Carmel Survivors Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 120, Axtell, Texas 76624 (817) 799-7556
This version formatted and distributed by Carol Moore, author of THE DAVIDIAN MASSACRE, a systematic analysis of BATF/FBI crimes against the Branch Davidians. cmoore@capaccess.org or Box 65518, Washington, D.C. 20035 202/986-1847. (Note: This version distributed in asci. Double starred sections (**) indicate this section should have been formatted in italics.) [** have been converted in the hyptertext version]
What is a man, but his beliefs. What is his beliefs, but the judgments he makes on the things he sees. What is the strength of his beliefs, but the clarity by which he sees. Where be his seeing; the spirit of his mind or sight of his eyes? The Seven Seals reveal the mystery of God, a truth imperceptible to the eyes of the body. God is a spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
CONTENTS
Introduction
1. Mt. Carmel: Out Of The Ashes
2. Sealed With Seven Seals
3. Salvation And The Book Of Revelation
4. "And I Saw When The Lamb Opened One Of The Seals..."
5. The Decoded Message of the Seven Seals by David Koresh;
Summary And Conclusion
6. "Mt. Carmel: The Unseen Reality" Appendix A
7. Appendix B
8. Intuition - The Emerging Soul
It has been several months now, since the events of Mt. Carmel and the deaths of those whom I have loved. Since March of 1993, I have experienced life on a number of jail cells across the State of Texas. As a continuation of the injustice practiced against us, we were also made to endure this governments shameful attempt to hide its atrocities through the judicial process. For seven weeks, we were dragged through the courts, shackled hands and feet. By courtesy of the electronic media, we were paraded before the world, humiliated, demonized and lied about. Although judged and convicted, I remain unconvinced of any guilt. In my soul I am continually reminded of my innocence, and the innocence of my family and friends who were there with me. We have become part of the continuing story of justice undone. Since the dawn of time, the endurance by the just of the injustice of the unjust. Another case for the statute books, showing the frailty of the judgments of men separated from a knowledge of God.
In his humanity, mankind beholds the evils he perpetuates. Through his conscience he is reminded of its evilness. But his heart fails him of the will and power to do good. Justice is left undone. In his fearfulness of pending judgment he hides his guilt. But he remains insecure in his hiding places.
With each passing day I am reminded how transient our experience here really is. The onset of age, the sights of death etches in the chambers of the mind, how little control we hold over the body and its life. In our exasperation we seek solace in engulfing ourselves in what we call living. Getting on with life, for time is too short to think about it. But we are not comforted. For after the body has received its fill, the soul cries out for satisfaction. The utterances of the past, that once satisfied, are now worn out empty phrases. Like vomit offered before us. We have grown! Experience has pushed us beyond that which we were. We have become, and require new forms, material and abstract, capturing and expressing that which we now are. Comforting us in our birth pains and inspiring us in our newly emerging hopes and dreams.
My desire and will to pursue what was once of interest, has been steadily sucked from me. I now live and breathe the truth of the Seven Seals and the future it envisions. A future according to the will of God. We have seen it, tasted it, now nothing else will do. The plans of the UN government are unworkable. The scars we bear from the shortcomings of the family, local and national governmental institutions, remain as witnesses to the fact, that mankind cannot govern himself. To seek to collectively govern billions of people can only end in disaster. Evidently, the lessons of history along with present observations, continue to be ignored. Right was the testimony of the prophet Jeremiah;
The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
Further;
O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man that walketh to direct his step. (Jeremiah 10:23)
This present external reality in all its forms, material and abstract, is but an irritating distraction from the truth of my soul. My interaction with this reality has become one of necessity, and a want not to offend. At best it has become burdensome. I contend with God daily, to bring this nightmare humans call living to its conclusion. My contention reaches to the point of bartering my souls salvation. I find myself at a place in my spiritual journey, where losing my soul and ceasing to exist, offers itself as a more preferable alternative than to remain in the body, albeit with the knowledge of God. I hate the flesh with a passion. In this state of mind, it is a constant source of irritation having to interact with minds still confined to thoughts arising out of the fleshly concerns. It calls forth much patience to endure. In my present circumstances I am left little choice.
My situation intensifies as my mind expands, deepening its grasp of the knowledge of God and His Christ. I am powerless to stop this process, designed to restore the soul after the divine order. On the one hand I love it passionately, on the other I hate it with a vengeance. My being present in the flesh, is the source of this hatred. It arises from the pain experienced by the mind of the flesh, as it is pressed out of existence, being replaced by the mind of the Spirit. Conversely, my love for it arises out of the greater good envisioned in the mind of the Spirit. One vision of reality with its hopes and dreams, being replaced by another far greater. It is not always easy to give up that which one has dedicated so much energy and effort to, let alone ones entire perception of reality. Nevertheless, from time to time such requirements do occur. The love of wisdom and understanding, leaves one little choice, but to adjust ones perceptions.
I know of a certainty, that I am a recipient of Gods saving work for this generation. The knowledge and spirit of the Seven Seals attest to this fact. Consequently, I take pleasure in the knowledge He is acting on my behalf for my ultimate advantage, in spite of the cost to myself. I am further comforted by my being able to communicate something of the truths I speak, albeit limited. Thus far, experience has taught me, the limitations of contemporary thought perceptions, and the near absence of genuine faith in this late twentieth century. As a matter of fact, it has been quite a challenge, finding minds that can intelligently consider the issues our faith raises for the present religious consciousness. Granted, many have been moved by its demonstration and effect, in bringing to light significant issues relative to church and civil government.
In writing this book, it has been challenging to find suitable language, in which to house the spirit of Mt. Carmel. Its effective communication, in lieu of the high cost of lives, has been something of a sacred concern to me. I have come to appreciate experientially true freedom. It is of inestimably greater value than life in this body of death. I dedicate this book to the many who have awakened to the knowledge of this most precious of all divine gifts. Some have shown their awakening through the sacrifice of their lives for a higher purpose. Others, through suffering incarceration for its principles. Others still yet, by refusing to be insulted in the belief that, access to materialism enabling the satisfaction of the lusts of the body, constitutes freedom. We refuse to submit our integrity as beings, created in the image of God, to that of base man-made forms, material and abstract. They are there to serve us, and not us them. We continue to hold to the ultimate justice of the supreme God. Hoping in his soon coming Kingdom and reign here on earth. May our hopes be soon realized and with it the destruction of all wickedness and corruption, and those who perpetuate such.
I make particular mention of my family and friends at Mt. Carmel. In the short time we are apart whether by death or distance, I honor the memory. Also to the many friends I have come to know since these events, I salute your virtue. May our friendship be as enduring as God, and equally as rewarding.
Mt. Carmel: Out of the Ashes
In my experience of this justice system, in the wake of events at Mt. Carmel, I am left in no doubts, that the judicial process no longer serves justice. It has in fact bowed, to the service of the political economy. I have further come to appreciate experientially, the fallacy of the commonly held belief, that governmental administration is a vehicle for the will of the people. In writing this book, I bypass the judicial process of appeal, and appeal directly to the good citizens of this nation.
To many the spirit of Mt. Carmel, expressed in the book Sealed with Seven Seals of the book of Revelation, remains a mystery. In their observations, they see the material events which occurred on February 28th, through April 19th of 1993. These events they judge in the spirit of their own minds. Many correctly conclude, that something seriously amiss took place. But beyond these judgments there exist a deeper meaning. It is my hope that by saturating the pages of this book, with the spirit and purpose of Mt. Carmel, many might catch a vision of what hitherto has been a mystery. Further, they might be brought to a place in their consciousness, where they can see the future envisioned by GOD.
It is a fact of reality, that freedom begins at the level of the soul. Being free to think and act in harmony with ones self. To be so disposed is further dependent, on the persons ability to think and make sound truthful judgments. This ability, arises out of a heart faithful to sound spiritual truths, as they exist in the mind of God and not in the imagination of self-serving and corrupt men. Essentially we are all children of God. Being aware of this heritage, we are free to pursue His will for us or pursue the imagination of our now corrupt hearts. Many have chosen the latter, the results of which we see everyday around us. The innocent and the defenseless become the victims, being forced to honor their integrity at a cost to their lives. Mt. Carmel was just such a case in point.
Based in the authority of the Word of God, an authority claimed acknowledgment in the Constitution of this nation, it is considered the right and obligation of all men to pursue God. Further, to pursue Him in the way shape or form, He should choose, He be pursued. Is this not a sacred trust, that no institution of man, has the right to infringe? Mt. Carmel was established for the pursuit of just such a purpose. On February 28th 1993, under the guise of serving a search warrant, this right, was unlawfully challenged. A challenge subsequently met with a response, arising out of conscientious obligation.
It is not my intention or purpose at this stage, to contend with peoples uninformed opinions and misguided judgments regarding the conduct and actions of David Koresh. But rather, to focus on significant information, placing the events of Mt. Carmel, in the spirit and perspective of its residents. The propaganda disseminated by this government, in its effort to disguise it's immoral actions, has left much confusion in the minds of many. Significantly, this propaganda sought to sensationalize certain accusations made against us regarding our beliefs and conduct. It will be seen that the government totally disregarded our efforts to address these issues. It ignored the evidence of our previous cooperation with the authorities. Above all, it totally ignored our position of faith, the premise from which our actions and behavior could clearly be shown to be of God. The fact that such propaganda had to be employed in the first place, is to me clear proof the government had no real legal justification to mount such an attack. I remain convinced that the government was operating from a hidden agenda, for which it employed the cover of law and propaganda, to conceal. It will be seen from a basic introduction to our beliefs that this government is bogus and lacking of the divine mandate for its rule.
Against this background and knowledge of the will of God contained in the Seven Seals one will be better placed to understand the reasons behind the events of Mt. Carmel.
Since these events, I have been comforted in the knowledge that, inspite of the propaganda, there were some who were not fooled. As a matter of fact, the actions of the government, merely served to confirm in their minds, the extent of governmental corruption and control over the minds of the American people. This information is available on record. Therefore, it can be checked for its accuracy and detail.
The historical context of Mt. Carmel is well documented. Consequently I shall not waste much time by covering familiar ground. Only to say that, for many years Mt. Carmel was a place where people came from many parts of the world, for serious pursuit of the scriptures. The Center had been graced by the presence of a succession of inspired teachers. Although they might not have been recognized as such by the wider religious establishment, they were nevertheless respected and were left alone in their pursuit. The Constitution afforded a measure of protection. Through these teachers, much insights were gained into the many truths of the scriptures. In time, these truths became part of the culture of the Mt. Carmel residents. As a matter of fact the way Mt. Carmel was organized, was really no different from a monastery. The prototype to your modern day theological seminary. The basic difference being, Mt. Carmel was concerned not with a theory of religion and God, but rather, the reality. We were deadly serious about God.
My initial involvement with Mt. Carmel began in late summer of 1988. At the time I was a theology student at a seminary in England, pursuing a Masters degree. David visited the campus, conducting some unscheduled studies on the nature of God and Salvation. Shortly before he concluded, I had the opportunity to hear a couple of his studies. This was approximately three hours in total. During that short time, I had perceived more significant biblical truths than I had done, the entire eight years I had been involved with organized religion. Admittedly, my background knowledge of theological issues, provided me with a significant advantage.
Following the completion of my course of studies, in December of that year, I visited the United States, on a tour of some Seventh Day Adventist institutions. This was the church organization I belonged to at that time. I also took the opportunity of visiting Mt. Carmel, a response to an invitation David had given while he was in England. I was further able to hear more of what he had to say from the scriptures. My interest continued to develop. It is important to note that, we were dealing with an highly intelligent and systematic inquiry into the text of scripture. After spending four weeks in the United States I returned home to England. I made several additional trips to Mt. Carmel, of varying duration, prior to April 1992. At each visit the subject of study intensified. By April 1992, I felt it necessary to return to America on an extended stay, in order to keep pace with the truths being revealed. This may not be understood by all, but the concept of a continuing revelation of truth is entirely biblical.
On this last visit, culminating in the attack on Mt. Carmel, my wife, children, mother and cousin, visited also. They too, had developed a strong interest and wanted to pursue this interest further. Previously they had visited on a couple of occasions. They attested to their faith, by their deaths in the fire of April 19th. On this last visit, approximately six months into our study, it was in our opinion impossible to leave without doing damage to our grasp of this continuing revelation of truth. We therefore decided to stay. It is important to note, the purpose of Mt. Carmel was the pursuit of truth.
Sometime around January 1993, we began discussing arrangements for returning to England. By February, the events of which the scriptures spoke, began to manifest themselves more clearly. By the end of the month they had culminated into the full blown attack, witnessed by the world, on February 28th. From that time to the present I have been falsely incarcerated by this government, in its effort to cover its misdeeds. This account is typical of how many of us became fortunate enough, to have had opportunity of direct contact with David Koresh and Mt. Carmel.
As a center for serious biblical studies, Mt. Carmel was designed for purposes of holistically transcending, this present artificial and sensory based consciousness. The perceiving of the truths of the Seven seals, demanded it. This concept is neither new, or is it foreign to scriptures. Consider the following comments and experiences recorded in scripture: 2Peter 1:16, 20-21; Romans 16:25-26; Acts 9:1-6; 1Corinthians 2; Revelation 1:9-17; 4:1ff; 22:8; 10:7; 1John 1:1-4; Hosea 12:10; Daniel 2:19; 7:1ff; 8:1ff; 9:20-22; 10:1-7; Isaiah 1:1; 6: 1-8; Jeremiah 1:1-4; Ezekiel 1:1-3; 8:1-3; Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1-2; 2; Jonah 1:1; Micah 1:1, 2. These men were not telling stories. They gave accurate accounts of their encounters with the supernatural. It is our choice to believe or reject their claims. The whole nation of Israel experienced such an encounter. The height of which, under the leadership of Moses. In these encounters they were forced to go beyond the common experience of the mind. Today we read about these experiences, but we would be mistaken to conclude that reading about them constitutes comprehending them. At best, our experience is but a belief that, what is recorded is in fact true.
The transcendence of the sensory based human perceptions, opens the mind to hearing God in the light, or context of God. This is in contrast to interpreting God, in the light of ourselves. The thoughts of God are not as human thoughts. We are dealing with an entirely different spectrum of thinking (Isaiah 55:6-9; 1Corinthians 2:7-16). Appreciating Gods thinking requires man to go beyond himself.
Mt. Carmel was designed of heaven for purposes of accomplishing the above transcendence. This process is distinctly identified in scriptures as, the 'quickening.' Through this process, God accomplishes His recreative work on the mind. Note the following references on this subject: Ephesians 2:1, 4, 5; I Corinthians 15: 45-47; Isaiah 11:1-4; Psalm 1:1-3; 119:27, 35, 40, 48, 50, 68, 78, 93, 99, 107, 159, 154, 156, 159, 172. It involves choice experiences and an extensive grasp of the scriptural text. Further, honesty and openness, with a willingness to relinquish all human aspirations. All of this takes place in an atmosphere of faith. Finally, and most important, inspiration, direct divine intervention. By these experiences, the residents of Mt. Carmel, were able to hear God's word, while blocking out the artificial noise of humanity. This is what the government labeled brainwashing, and the judge at our trial, termed fanaticism! No, the truth is, it is the world that is brainwashed.
Human sensory perceptions, have a electro-chemical basis. Through the electronic media, peoples thought perceptions have become artificially shaped and manipulated, by the merchants of the earth for profit. A person is programmed according to the information he receives. This information forms the basis of his thinking and subsequent judgments. Through the electronic media, radio and television etc., the government did a brainwashing job on its people. By controlling and manipulating the information people received regarding Mt. Carmel, the government sought to maintain control over peoples thinking and judgments. Further, by labeling the residents at Mt. Carmel as brainwashed, along with all the other tactical language it employed, the government was able to shield its own brainwashing tactics on its people, from its people.
Similarly, by placing the bogus charges of conspiracy against the survivors, it was able to shield its own conspiracy. It is necessary to transcend the bounds of these mind games, to properly appreciate what is going on. These are ingeniously simple, but effective techniques of deception. The electronic media, has made it possible to deceive and manipulate, countless numbers of people. Being so pervasive, it is almost impossible to be subject to it without being affected by its deceptive influence. People are constantly being led to believe they are thinking for themselves, making their choices, when in fact, they are being manipulated.
With regards to the truth of Mt. Camel, the government, by perpetrating such a crime, demonstrated the depths of its moral degradation and corruption. That section of the citizenry, that willingly swallowed this deception, also demonstrated the state of its morality. There are those who want to cover themselves in deception. They love the soul destroying sins they practice, and desire to be left alone in these habits. Deception is a way of shielding them from the painful light of truth, concerning what they do.
Our experience at Mt. Camel, is typical of those who have sought God wholeheartedly in the past. They certainly did not conform to the popular life styles and thinking of their day. The process of the 'quickening' is designed to bring the mind into harmony, with the divine nature. This has been referred to as what constitutes salvation. (2Peter 1:1-4; Hebrews 12:1-10; Psalms 119:9, 40, 172, 173, 174; Isaiah 28: 9-13; 55:3, 4, 7-10; Ezekiel 20:33-38).
The public are generally unaware of, the numerous efforts that were made by the residents of Mt. Carmel, to prevent this attack. Through the testimony and spirit of the prophetic scriptures, we were informed several years before that, an attack would be launched against us. This attack would occur because of the position of faith and thinking we held. From the above one can begin to see the impact of this thinking, in appraising us of the governments deceptions and corrupt practices. Also its impact in equipping one to forcibly resist the governments encroachment upon ones person. In any event, this foreknowledge was employed, in a succession of efforts to avert this attack against us, through peaceful means. The limits of these efforts did not include surrendering our faith and thinking. This was non-negotiable. The significance of this will become increasingly apparent as we proceed.
While it is true that, we were aware of the fact they were coming, even before they knew they were coming, it was not inevitable that events had to end the way they did. The final outcome was contingent on, our adversaries response to our efforts to communicate our position of faith. It will be clearly seen that, all our efforts were ignored. Evidently the government wanted its deception, both for itself and its people.
In spite of what has been reported, much goodwill had been established between the Mt. Carmel residents and the Waco community. This included the sheriffs office. In the interest of brevity, I shall confine my focus directly to the federal authorities. Our first encounter with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, (BATF) was in the latter part of 1992. Two agents visited the dealers premises from whom David purchased his guns. Their stated purpose was to inspect his sales records. While they were there on the premises, the dealer contacted David by phone, informing him of their presence and interest in the purchases he had made. David told him, to tell them, to come to the Mt. Carmel premises, where they can physically inspect his purchases. This invitation was flatly rejected. We were later informed, the agents said, they did not want to do it that way! This is significant, since the BATF places heavy emphasis, on the inspection of David's guns, as justification for their actions on February 28th 1993. It seems evident to me, they had other ideas in their minds, than just the inspection of guns. As a matter of fact, their deceitful intentions became increasingly clear when the undercover operation was set up. They were looking for a prey. In any event, David took the opportunity of faxing his gun purchase receipts to the dealer, for the purposes of assisting the agents with their inquiry. This was to be the beginning of a number of attempts to communicate with the Feds, that were to be ignored.
In January 1993, approximately two months before the attack against the Mt. Carmel property, the BATF had set up, what is now generally known as the surveillance house. This was located opposite the Mt. Carmel center. The agents posed as, students attending a local college. Some of the men from Mt. Carmel had on an occasion visited the house, as a welcome gesture to our new neighbors. Adjacent to this house was another neighbor, whom we had frequently visited, and who also visited with us. As a matter of fact he had lived in the house these agents were now occupying. When he moved to the adjacent house, we assisted him and his family to redecorate, at expense to ourselves. Our contacts with the agents on this occasion was also rejected. Nevertheless an invitation was left for them to visit us. One agent did in fact visit, and on a few occasions, part of the undercover operation. By this time, it was becoming increasingly clear that, these people were not being truthful with us. Nevertheless we cordially accepted their visits. While on our premises he participated in our bible studies, and also practiced shooting, on a makeshift shooting range at the rear of the building.
It was hoped that by his participation in the bible studies, he might understand something of the nature and importance of our beliefs, and our commitment to God. Much time, experience, and an extensive grasp of the biblical text, had gone into the establishment of our faith. Likewise, it required more than a casual acquaintance with us, to properly understand where we're coming from. It was our hope that, by introducing this agent to our faith, he might communicate its authenticity to his superiors. It was felt that, since they were not listening to us they might listen to one of their own. The studies continued through the latter half of February, to literally minutes before the attack. I later learned, he did in fact seek to communicate with his superiors, but he too was ignored. Further, after the attack ended in disaster, he was snubbed by his colleagues. He felt a need to hire an attorney. It is important to note that, during his visits with us, he was treated with the utmost courtesy. I remember this agent testifying in the courtroom that, during the closing minutes before the attack, he feared for his life. That fear could not have been from any action on our part. David extended to him that morning, the same hospitality he had always done. When he was leaving, we shook his hand calling him by his first name and wishing him good luck. He went to his vehicle and drove off. In my opinion, the fear he felt arose out of a knowledge of the deceitful intentions of the BATF, in planning to attack us. Knowing we were aware of their intentions, he probably expected some retaliation, beginning with himself. We had no such intentions. Their evil thoughts were not ours. We were seeking to stop this attack, not fuel it. But we were nevertheless prepared to defend ourselves if the need arose. That need did arise. In retrospect, it is right that he should be paranoid, they were about to perpetrate a sacrilegious and criminal act under the garb of carrying out the law.
So then, this effort also failed, but we did not end there. When the cattle trailers, which were filled with fully armed agents arrived, David opened the front door unarmed, to meet with these agents. He stated there were women and children in the building and we needed to talk about this. It was then he sustained gunshot wounds to the hand and side. Much was happening at this time. The helicopters were round the back of the building firing. There was a team on the roof trying to break in. Inside, the residents of Mt. Carmel. were orientating themselves to what was happening. After his being wounded, the front door was slammed shut. The sounds of gunfire increased in intensity. Interestingly, the BATF via the media, would have the public believe, David opened the door snickered, shut the door and the residents of Mt. Carmel began firing. To use an English phrase, this is 'poppycock'! The BATF have not only shown itself to be incompetent, but also possessed of a highly fictitious imagination. A possible relic from their former days of glory. In any event, risking his life, David had once again sought to communicate to these agents, but again was ignored.
Once more our efforts to stop this attack did not stop there. As an indication of our defensive intent, it was seconds into the attack on us, that the attorney Wayne Martin contacted 911, in an effort to call a cease-fire. Its implementation was delayed for at least 10 minutes. It was during this period of time that most of the casualties were sustained. The delay in establishing the cease-fire, resulted from the BATF's poorly thought out system of communication. The dispatcher had to go through numerous obstacles before making contact with the command center and then the field units. This was in spite of the fact that he was previously appraised of the attack. When the cease- fire was finally established we allowed them to come and remove their injured requesting no assistance for our own. Just prior to this we had allowed them to leave our land, during which, no further harm came to them. In the ensuing siege against us, our efforts to stop the tragedy escalating continued. It was evident that these agents were angry, they had just received a major blow to their pride and arrogancy. This was fueled further by the fact that the FBI was called in to take over operations. Through the negotiations we sought to draw attention to what we had been trying to draw attention to, all along. The significance of our position of faith. Doubtless, there is a supreme authority called God. Being subject to that authority, all other authorities become insignificant. We tried to tell them this as nicely as possible, but to no avail. The FBI would have the public believe David controlled the minds of the residents at Mt. Carmel. Interestingly, who controlled David? Who controlled the FBI, the ATF and all the other agencies involved in this? We know one thing, we were not under their control! As a matter of fact, we were under the mandate of the Divine will. Whether or not people chose to believe this is simply their choice. It really makes little difference to us. We know what we know and believe what we believe. In the final analysis, there is a God who sits on a throne, to whom we will all have to answer to. Throughout the siege they continued to ignore us, responding to us with contempt. We were made to suffer successive acts of torture and aggression. In the process misrepresented in the media, in an effort to cover up and justify their murderous actions against us.
Not only our efforts were ignored, but also that of others. During the siege, noted theologians, such as Dr. James Tabor of North Carolina University, and Dr. Philip Arnold of the Reunion Institute, in Houston, offered advice on matters of the Spirit. Additionally, there was their own behavioral scientist. They too were ignored. These agents demonstrated a level of ignorance and contempt for the scared and the innocent, that can only be described as devilish.
We were ignored by a defacto government, who sees through its eyes only. A government who refused to take our position of faith seriously, and by what authority? They called us a cult, demonizing us, yet they knew us not. They characterized David as some vile maniac. They became victims of their own propaganda.
It is true, we did have guns on the premises. It is also true that, these guns were deployed during the attack against us. But this was because we had no alternative. Our lives were in danger and our faith challenged. Further. our efforts to avoid this predicament were ignored. Our use of these guns were with restraint and strictly defensive. It is tragic that people were harmed, but were our intentions anything but defensive, the death toll would have been much higher. In defense of our faith and position, we were willing to fight to the last man.
Some have argued that, these were policing agents, suggesting the residents of Mt. Carmel should have responded to their demands without question! I find this sheepish line of reasoning quite remarkable. These people show little understanding of matters of spirit and conscience. What about the authority of God? Do they suppose God sanctioned the actions of these agents. Of a certainty, we do not recognize them or their superiors as Gods. The police are not beyond the realms of corruption and abuse of their delegated authority. This is not the first time these government agents have acted in this matter. Many may recall the Randy Weaver Murders.
Significantly, after burning our home and killing our people, they had the audacity to raise their flags on our flag pole. Additionally, take pictures of themselves, with the still flaming building of Mt. Carmel in the background. The bodies of men, women, babes and sucklings, being consumed by the flames. Their ideal of conquest, these people are gutless cowards. It is a painful truth, coming to the realization that, this generation has become irretrievably desensitized to evil. This being true, nobody is safe.
Our children's deaths have been a source of soul stirring for many. Largely because they fear for their own. I have heard many voices of complaint directed at the residents of Mt. Carmel as a consequence. These people have no knowledge whatsoever, about our children. Children have been suffering and dying throughout the world for years. How much concern have these people shown to them. What contributions have they made to improve the lot of humanity, lightening its burden, and at what cost to themselves! Personally I remain unconvinced by their pretentious, fleshly morality and concerns. In my view such a morality arises out of a selfish and deceitful heart. The residents of Mt. Carmel are fully persuaded of Gods approval of their actions. The faithfulness to truth, of these courageous self sacrificing men, women, babes and sucklings stands as a witness against this generation. No amount of mental gymnastics on the part of those who would seek to hide from this reality, is going to change the fact. There is simply no excuse. Our children are highly honored in heaven where it really matters. It is my hope that, our sacrifice may jolt the conscience of some, to the end they might give greater consideration to their souls final destiny.
The ignorance and arrogance displayed by the government, resulting in this tragedy, did not end on the field of Mt. Carmel. It was to continue in the court. The trial lasted approximately seven weeks. We were escorted daily to and from the courthouse by motorcade, our hands and feet shackled during the process. On top of what we had already been through, this was an extraordinarily demanding ordeal.
In the trial itself, the government sought to cover itself in numbers. Over two hundred witnesses were planned. They also placed heavy emphasis on the number of guns that were at Mt. Carmel. This tactic amounted to a diversion from the real issues. As a matter of fact, these diversionary tactics were characteristic of the governments action throughout this whole episode. Such was the surveillance house, the cattle trailers filled with fully armed hoodlums posing as agents, the helicopters, the control of the, the tank attacks against the Mt. Carmel buildings, that was not supposed to be attacks; the list goes on. Eventually these diversionary ploys developed into outright lies. These too became a matter of the numbers game. I suppose the government operated on the premise, the more lies told the greater the likelihood people will believe them.
Nevertheless, through the testimony of their own witnesses, the BATF showed they conspired together for the sole purpose of mounting an attack against innocent civilians. During this process, they trained with the use of live fire and supported by specialized military personnel. They gave no consideration whatsoever to the concerns, fears, hopes, or wishes of the people they were targeting. As a matter of fact, based on the faulty intelligence these people were acting on, we were already tried and convicted. The attack against us was merely the execution. Further, no consideration was given to the possibility of something going wrong. When it did they continued regardless, endangering the lives of their own agents in addition to the lives of the people they were targeting. I question, who do these people think they are, and by what authority do they do these things.
I am not an American citizen, but I am not un-American. In my understanding of the Constitution, assuming it to be still in force, it is the right of the citizens of this nation, not to be subject to unreasonable search and seizure. I don't believe it takes much intelligence to conclude that, approximately 100 fully armed agents, 3 military styled helicopters, plus all that hardware that came against us, constitutes unreasonable search and seizure. This was not a fictitious movie you watch on television, sitting in the comfort of your living room, it was reality. Perhaps this nation has lost the ability to differentiate between reality and fantasy, and appreciate the different responses required of the two. The fact that the element of surprise was knowingly lost, yet the attack took place regardless, is definitive proof of unreasonable search and seizure. Through the testimony of their own witnesses, we are informed that the planners of this attack, relied heavily on the element of surprise being present, for any reasonable expectation of success. By reverse logic, one must conclude that, the absence of this element, significantly reduces or removes altogether any reasonable expectation of success. To know that the element of surprise was lost, yet proceed regardless, cannot be excused as an accident. It can either be seen as a deliberate intention to commit murder, or a flagrant display of arrogance at the expense of peoples lives. In any event both are inexcusable. The fact that we are here dealing with human lives, the executing of such an attack, with or without this element of surprise, should never have occurred in the first place. The real truth is, we were attacked by a bunch of hoodlums under the covof bogus laws. Through the surrender of their conscientious judgment for monetary gain, these agents became instrumental in bringing about this murderous conspiracy. The fact that they were at fault, has been significantly attested to, by the disciplinary actions taken against the agents responsible. Incidentally none of these agents had the courage to testify at the trial. Additionally, those who did clearly showed they had conspired together in the testimony they brought before the court. In my opinion, the action taken against these agents is not a show of disapproval for their wrongs, but rather for executing this wrong unsuccessfully. It also represents an attempt to appease the public, an insult to the intelligence of the American people.
Against the background of the above, it is extremely difficult for me to justify why myself and my colleagues, were the ones put on trial. The evidence arising from the way the trial was conducted leaves me no choice but to conclude that, this is an attempt by the government to cover up its corruption. Evidently, the mentality exists that, agents of the government and therefore the government, can do no wrong and are not answerable to the criminal legal process. This situation conveniently shields the government from a public exposure of its corruption. It is significant that what cases have slipped through the net, have done just that. The trial of myself and my colleagues, has served to highlight that the justice system is the subject of manipulation by the government for its own self preservation and political ends.
So then, my experience of the trial has left me convinced that the same misguided judgment, of the BATF and FBI resulting in the tragedy of Mt. Carmel, was repeated in the courtroom. The judicial process also, lacked the necessary competence to judge matters of the spirit. Additionally, there were significant aspects of the legal practice, which were highly questionable. With regards to this last point. The prosecuting attorneys were involved with the raid planning, yet they played a significant role in determining the indictments and in the subsequent trial. The head of the Justice Department, Janet Reno, was also involved with the attack. The D.A.'s office is ultimately responsible to the Justice Department. Evidently, the government has the potential power, to arbitrarily decide who will be indicted and who will not. This state of affairs enables it to cover its mistakes at the expense of the people.
At the conclusion of the trial, I was found not guilty of the original conspiracy charges unjustly brought against me, an evident blow to the government. However, I was found guilty of aiding and abetting involuntary manslaughter. Also, the possession of a weapon in the commission of a violent crime. The crime was with reference to the original conspiracy charges. I was subsequently sentenced to 40 years and over $250,000 fine. How these two latter charges tie together, let alone relate to the evidence, remains a mystery to me. Significantly my original indictment did not include aiding and abetting involuntary manslaughter. It included the conspiracy and weapons charges. Inoluntary manslaughter was added by the defense attorneys, in consultation with the judge and prosecution. Further, this was done after myself and my colleagues had agreed to rest our case. Being convinced there was no conspiracy and the evidence of the trial did not support a conspiracy, we did not think it necessary to take the stand. Our attorneys acted on their own without consulting or consent from us, by including the charge of voluntary manslaughter. As a matter of fact, I specifically told my attorney not to alter the original indictment. It is important to also note that, when the jury returned the verdict of not guilty on the original charge of conspiracy, the weapons charge, being contingent on the conspiracy charge, should have been dropped. The judge did in fact rule to drop this additional charge, but later reneged on this decision. In my judgment these are legitimate issues of judicial misconduct and ineffective assistance of counsel. It was clearly evident in the trial that the attorneys were subject to the judge, who controls the court. To trust ones attorney essentially means, to be subject to, and therefore to trust the judge. That, the judge had taken the governments position was blatantly obvious from the outset. What transpired at this trial was merely an attempt, at the appearance of justice. Even then, the judge did an extremely unprofessional job, and so the incompetence continues. As noted earlier, we are not dealing with justice, but rather, the interest of the political economy.
The judges conduct with the jury was also a matter of great concern. It is noteworthy, that a significant number of the jury were pro-gun control. They were also misguided by the judge. The jury foreperson wrote a letter to the judge stating this, in addition tearfully repeated this on national television.
In the face of all this, how can it be said that justice has been done. Why should I be forced to address these blatant injustices in the judicial process, through an appeal. Could it be that, what we have here is nothing but another industry. There seems to be a clear vested interest in maintaining an unjust judicial system. Between the courts and the prison system, a tremendous amount of money is generated. Most certainly, the attorneys are happy about it.
The sentencing phase of the trial was also of great interest. Washing his hand of responsibility for his actions, in his opening statement, the judge blamed the people via the jury and congress, for what he was about to do and why!
During this process, he remarked concerning our commitment of faith, this fanaticism is difficult to understand! In the pretrial hearing he had ruled out issues of our faith and rights under the constitution. It is no wonder he made the above comment. Further analysis reveals this comment to be illogical. How can he in one breath define our commitment as fanatical, while in the same breath state he does not understand it? One cannot label something accurately without first understanding it. Moreover, by stating he does not understand it how can it be said that, the issues of this trial were established beyond reasonable doubt. Evidently the jury saw no intent or conspiracy to murder federal agents. Their decision on involuntary manslaughter can only be construed a political compromise, arising from the judges deliberate misguidance. Notice the judge was not quick to respond to the juries pleas following their mistake.
Judge Smith also made the comment, David was a false prophet. This was the most alarming of all his comments. In his own mind he was evidently sitting in judgment on our faith. Yet assuredly, he does not have the slightest clue of the subject matter of our beliefs, let alone its spirit. In making such a comment, he has shown that, the government through the justice system, now decides what constitutes matters of the state and matters of Religion. Further, what is true and false Religion. At no time did the judge declare his criterion of judgment on both the above. As a matter of fact, he stated he did not understand us. It would be implied from the nature of the trial, that any group professing to be religious, yet thinks differently from the governments accepted boundary of thinking, would be highly suspect as false. Further, should such a group be willing to defend its thinking, actively demonstrating this, against attacks by the government, it would most certainly be judged as false. So then harmony with the thinking allowed by the government, is what constitutes true religion. In taking it upon itself to separate church from state, the government has made itself a god over both. In principle, this is no different to what existed under Catholicism during the dark ages. The result of which we look back in horror. All dissenting voices from the governments determinations, will be silenced. We have come full circle.
The question remains, what are the influences behind the scene encouraging the government to act this way? Are they political economic or religious? We often hear the cry, national security, but are left in the dark as to what's going on. Meanwhile, the government appropriates to itself more power and resources, how convenient!
One thing is certain, Judge Smith's comments demonstrates a profound ignorance of spiritual reality, similarly, the prosecution. They not only judge our beliefs to be false, but went on to brand us religious terrorists! All of this because we stood and died in defense of what we believed. If this is not the essence of what constitutes faithfulness, and therefore true religion, I don't know what is! Consider the following commendation, Hebrews 11 (note verses 36-38); 12:3, 4-10; Revelation 2:8-10.