Thursday, December 17, 2015

Like Donald Trump? Move to Citadel

by Evan Deane

            What with the recent political debates preceding the 2016 presidential elections, Donald Trump in particular has been getting bashed constantly. However, it recently came to my attention that those supporting Trump may soon have the perfect place to do so.
            Introducing Citadel – a concept for a new city to be built in Idaho that feels strikingly like some sort of “Trumptopia”. Citadel is described on its official website as “a developing community of Patriots in the mountains of Idaho who believe in Jefferson's Rightful Liberty and have chosen to live amongst one another, who have sworn their Lives, their Fortunes and their Sacred Honor to defend one another and Liberty”.
            But Citadel stands for much more than what you get at first glance. A quick tour throughout their website reveals much more about this city. The creators behind Citadel want to purchase between 2,000 - 3,000 acres of land to house its range of 3,500 - 7,000 families. Surrounding this giant land mass are two separate walls protecting the town’s inhabitants. Within the stone walls is a dirt path reserved for those dedicated to tourism.
            There are several similarities between the Citadel and any other normal town, but there are also some distinct differences. For example, within the Citadel there are several neighborhoods. There’s also a farmers market, museum, several schools, and a town center. However, enclosing these neighborhoods are additional walls within the town. The outer wall of the town has towers scattered throughout. And finally, one of the stranger inclusions is a firearms factory to produce, well, firearms.
Now taken out of context, a firearms factory may not seem totally obscure, but it seems a bit more strange when you look into the Citadel Patriot Agreement. The second article states “Every able-bodied Patriot aged 13 and older governed by this Agreement shall annually demonstrate proficiency with the rifle of his/her choice by hitting a man-sized steel target at 100 yards with open sights at the Citadel range. Each Resident shall have 10 shots and must hit the target at least 7 times”. And if that is not extreme enough, the eighth article states “All Patriots, who are of age and are not legally restricted from bearing firearms, shall agree to remain armed with a loaded sidearm whenever visiting the Citadel Town Center. Firearm shall be on-the-person and under the control of the Resident, not merely stored in a vehicle”.
So it is clear that the town has a very extreme and downright hyperbolic view on gun laws. Whether or not this fantasy will come to fruition is unknown at this point. Those proposing the new concept for a living-space have already purchased some land, but they will need more money to acquire the space for all they had planned. Whether or not they get the funds will depend on those who are interested. It costs $208 dollars to apply for residence in the Citadel. If it sounds right for you, why not give it a shot?

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