Featured / The Citizens Rule Book
A Palladium of Liberty
Charles R. Olsen, a World War II Marine veteran and printer from Boston, witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of lost liberties and human indignity during the war. Upon returning home, he was determined to prevent America from falling to the same threats of socialism and fascism that he had fought against.
Drawing inspiration from his experiences—and recognizing that citizen complacency allows tyranny to rise—Olsen authored the "Citizen’s Rule Book." This compact yet powerful booklet educates Americans about their rights and responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on the power of jurors to uphold justice and liberty.
Through his work, Olsen sought to empower citizens to actively engage in the judicial process, ensuring that the freedoms he valiantly defended would endure for future generations.
Included in this booklet are:
- The U.S. Constitution
- The Declaration of Independence
- The Bill of Rights
“It's only keepers, the people.” — George Washington
Give me Freedom or give me Death
This booklet was handed to me by a World War II veteran who landed on Iwo Jima in March 1945. J.C. Bailey and his wife, Jean, later became pillars of their community, leaving a lasting impact on those around them.
When he handed me this book, he simply said, “Read it. We need more patriots.” I read it—and here I am, 30 years later, as the founder of Liberty Builders.
J.C. made a profound impact on me, as did the many veterans I was fortunate to know through him. Their sacrifices and wisdom shaped my understanding of duty, freedom, and the responsibility we all share to protect America’s founding principles.
Let us honor them by ensuring that veterans from every war in our nation’s history remain in our hearts, minds, and souls. Let’s stand for the country they fought to defend.
The Citizen’s Rule Book
The Citizen's Rule Book is a compact yet powerful booklet designed to educate Americans about their rights and responsibilities, with a special emphasis on the power and duty of jurors.
Authored by Charles R. Olsen, a World War II Marine veteran and printer from Boston, the booklet was first published anonymously but has since been widely attributed to Olsen. His motivation stemmed from witnessing the erosion of civil liberties during the war, inspiring him to create a resource that would empower citizens to uphold justice and liberty.
Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!
This section of the booklet presents perspectives from America's Founding Fathers on the significance of jury trials. It underscores the belief that juries should consist of individuals familiar with the defendant's character, ensuring a fair and just evaluation.
Index to the Original Documents
This section offers summaries and commentaries on foundational U.S. documents, including:
- The Declaration of Independence
- The U.S. Constitution
- The Bill of Rights
It serves as a concise reference to the principles upon which the nation was founded.
Since its inception, over three million copies of the Citizen’s Rule Book have been distributed, reflecting its enduring relevance and impact. The booklet continues to be published and disseminated by Whitten Printers, a family-owned business dedicated to preserving Olsen's legacy and the Rule Book's mission of promoting civic awareness and engagement.
In essence, the Citizen’s Rule Book is more than just an educational tool—it is a call to action, reminding Americans of their pivotal role in safeguarding liberty through informed participation in the judicial process.