Whistleblower and Former US Citizen Elated to be Free at Last
Exiled New Zealand businessman irrevocably renounced his US citizenship on March 1, 2005.
Christchurch, New Zealand (PRWEB via PR
Web Direct) March 9, 2005 -- Harmon Wilfred, exiled former US citizen and whistleblower, renounced his US citizenship
with what he says is an "unbelievable sense of freedom" and is looking forward
to his future as a citizen of the world community. The businessman, who has
lived in New Zealand since August 2001, made an oath of renunciation before the
US Consulate General in Auckland, on March 1, 2005.
A statement of
renunciation of US citizenship is permanent and irreversible.
Wilfred
will be temporarily "stateless" while he and his Canadian wife, Carolyn, are
being considered for NZ residency. Born in the US State of Kentucky and raised
in Ohio, he is an honorably discharged veteran of the Vietnam era and spent over
20 years of his business life in Colorado before moving on to Canada in 1998,
and then to New Zealand in 2001.
He says he feels a tremendous sense of
relief to be completely disassociated from the United States Government. "I feel
genuinely free for the first time in decades. I am no longer associated with the
Patriot Act, Department of Homeland Security, the illegal invasion of Iraq, the
unlawful detention and torture of innocent people by the US military and the
CIA, and all other US violations of human rights, either within its borders or
around the world."
During his 40 minute meeting with the US Consulate
General in Auckland, Wilfred was advised against being "prejudiced towards a
short term position" and cautioned about the long term seriousness of his
actions.
Wilfred says his view is anything but short term. "The recent
actions of the US Government and my own long term experience of egregious
judicial and political abuses have permanently undermined my respect for
America." See www.harmonwilfred.com for more information about Mr. Wilfred’s
whistleblower activities and legal actions.
"During my conversation with
the Consul it became clear that my renunciation is not an isolated case, even in
a small country like New Zealand. It also challenged the view that Americans who
have renounced their citizenship since the start of the Iraq war are either
young activists or political crazies. It was stated that most are mature,
educated and responsible members of the world community."
Since arriving
in New Zealand, Wilfred has been involved in the development of wireless data
transmission, Broadband Powerline Communication (BPL) and Internet Telephony. He
also oversees the development of humanitarian projects on behalf of his wife’s
estate under the La Famia Foundation and is currently working with several
charitable trusts to trial his newly proposed family/community support
initiative in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Wilfred says, "Contrary to US
Government persuasion … there is life after US citizenship."
Issued on
behalf of Harmon Wilfred by Nick Early, RESTORE New Zealand Ltd, Phone 03 365
1243.
Further information:
Meri Gibson
Phone: 03 351
5600
Mobile: 027 227 3979
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/3/prweb216600.htm