Letter from Cascadia
David Pike

Dear Citizens of the Pacific Northwest
Greetings from the country of Cascadia!

Spring has finally arrived here in Cascadia; the cherry trees are on fire with blossoms, the air swirls with birds and bugs, the gardens and forests are bubbling with the rejuvenation of life. Occasionally we are so fortunate as to enjoy a few minutes of sunlight! This country is truly a paradise among temperate zones. Please allow me to describe more of Cascadia to those of you who are unfamiliar with our beautiful country.

Cascadia was created out of need for political and physical autonomy from the country of the United States . The watershed of the Cascade Mountain Range roughly defines our borders (and our name). This region crosses several political boundaries, which generally mean nothing to us. Cascadia encompasses most of what is now commonly called British Columbia, Washington State, Oregon and extends down into the redwood forests of the State of California . The magnificent Cascade Mountains stretch North to South for seven hundred miles. This range is full of volcanoes and desolate snowy peaks - home to bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes, deer and other furry and non-furry creatures. Our Western border extends into the endless expanse of the Wild blue Pacific Ocean - home to mostly creatures that prefer to be wet instead of dry, including salmon, starfish, anemones, clams, crabs and Orcas. Our lands are filled with great expanses of fertile earth, numerous rivers, vast forests, deep lakes, soggy wetlands, and many cities, towns, farms, gardens and villages of the people who inhabit Cascadia.

By now you may be wondering why I wish to write to you about our beautiful country. In light of recent world history, I've felt compelled to inform others of possible political options in relation to global war resistance and governmental oppression. It may be that Cascadia is one such option available to you. If you are interested read on. If not, then please stop and go back to your normal life.

Cascadian independence was created out of need for freedom from U.S. Government's oppression and destruction. Cascadians generally have a strikingly different vision of the future than that which the U.S. Government has, especially concerning ecological and environmental issues. In short summary, Cascadians strive to understand more of the views of our lands as spoken by the First Nations people of this area, also known as the Native Americans. They have tried throughout history to ell us that this land we walk on, this water we drink, and this air we breathe is sacred. Our vision for the future of Cascadia is one of harmonious co-existence and ultimate respect for all our natural world. Cascadians strive to protect their lands from destruction through an array of creative activism, ultimately envisioning a bright future for the inhabitants of Cascadia seven generations from now.

Recently it has been keenly important for Cascadians to assert of our autonomy and independence from the United States on grounds of objection to their foreign military campaign. Cascadians values and respect cultural diversity throughout the world, as we believe that violence and bloodshed are tragic devastations amidst the moral fabric of humanity, not a means of conflict resolution. We find the recent war between the United States and Iraq frighteningly appalling on all levels. We wish to be clear that we as Cascadians will have not part in current or future wars waged on other countries by the United States. Our only involvement in wars will take place in advocacy for a free and peaceful world.

In closing this letter, I would like those who are interested in the idea of Cascadia to try living here! Please visit our country for a few weeks. If you feel as though you may belong, you are free to stay indefinitely! Cascadia really is an incredible country, full of fascinating people and abundant natural beauty. I wish you peace and I hope you will consider sharing and contributing to the possibilities of Cascadia.

Sincerely,

Douglas Thuja
Embassy of Cascadia

David Pike: I was born in Bellingham , Cascadia in 1978. My path as a student at Fairhaven College takes me on a journey of exploration in environmental solutions and progressive ideas. I aspire to be a writer in advocacy for positive change.