There is no doubt that America is sliding down the slippery slopes to tyranny, but I also observe that the response of the people who desire to correct this situation is inadequate to oppose and reverse this potential ruin. All too often, I encounter those who are fighting against the federal income tax. Frequently, the story of these people is a repetitive, broken record, they all having followed the same easy routine. They read some books and attend a few meetings where taxes are discussed; they reach conclusions that they are not required to file tax returns and they stop doing so. In their mind, they have discovered the truth about this tax and consequently the battle is over and they need do nothing. These people utterly fail to realize that a battle is being raged over this precise issue and we certainly have not won yet. They also dislike getting their hands dirty with doing such things as supporting a local patriot organization. These people abhor associating with that great unwashed mass of commoners who think we must actually do something to save our country. Please take me at my word when I state that there are literally millions who think this way and yet call themselves "patriots.

These folks sit back and enjoy life just knowing that they cannot be touched or bothered by the IRS. But when the IRS acts, they suddenly realize that their personal beliefs or even letters will not stop the IRS; when this happens, they scurry about looking for another "silver bullet." These people are completely unprepared for law enforcement, either civil or criminal; in short, they are overwhelmed by law enforcement. This lack of preparation for predictable and anticipated contingencies is a major problem for the freedom movement.

But further, many of the beliefs held dear by these people have already been litigated by the pro se movement and lost. I have many calls where people tell me with an arrogant tone in their voice that "wages are not income" and they even have Supreme Court or even federal appellate court decisions which so state. I have looked for years and never found the decisions they mention, which incidentally they never send me when requested. When I mention the numerous cases where this issue has been lost (see the file, "Favorite Patriot Issues"),  they act in disbelief. These people suddenly realize that their personal opinion is not reflected in the "law."

I could write a book about what we need to do but lack the time. However, I will observe that what is greatly needed in this movement is a counterpart to the ACLU, a patriot ACLU of whatever name. With this mechanism, when somebody with a good issue needs defending, a team can be sent in with the objective of winning. Imagine what we could do if we turned Dr. Edwin Vieira, the foremost authority on the money issue, loose to take on this extremely important issue. Imagine what we could accomplish if we built the correct cases which get tried by the best on our side.

If we are to win, the above suggestion is perhaps the only method we have left.

Lowell H. "Larry" Becraft, Jr.