America: From Freedom To Fascism

[Genghis Bong]

http://www.freemarketnews.com/Analysis/105/4070/2006-03-10.asp?wid=105&nid=4070

Friday, March 10, 2006

Great news for freedom lovers! The Aaron Russo production _America: From Freedom to Fascism_ is screening in select communities throughout the US, giving YOU the opportunity to view it before its scheduled opening this summer.

While the film focuses on the Internal Revenue Service, it pointedly establishes that we are ALL at the mercy of a runaway government. As shown in the film, the bloated, corrupt and inept IRS and Federal Reserve are the _foundation_ of what's wrong with our government.

Not concerned about the IRS or the Federal Reserve system? If you're a gun owner, you should be. In manipulating our economy, these institutions permit the current police state to grow bigger and stronger. John Marshall once said, "The power to tax is the power to destroy." The IRS holds nothing BUT the power to tax...and it definitely has the power to destroy.

An annual tax on firearms, for example, would necessarily create a federal firearm registry. A 1000% tax on ammunition would essentially wipe out the firearms industry. Indeed, the original 1934 National Firearms Act has proven conclusively that "mere" taxation can virtually ban entire categories of goods (think: suppressors and machine guns), at least for the majority of us.

_America: From Freedom to Fascism_ does for the TRUTH what Michael Moore's _Bowling for Columbine_ did for the "big lie". Please, check the screening schedule at www.freedomtofascism.com and make it a point to see this important film. And share it with everyone you know.

By the way, before you watch the movie, you might want to read the following articles from our website to give you a fuller picture:

"You'll Be Freer and Richer in a Bill of Rights Culture"
http://www.jpfo.org/borculture.htm

"Taxing Away Our Rights"
http://www.jpfo.org/taxrights.htm

- The Liberty Crew

[BilboBaggins]

I can't think of any specific provision in the Bill of Rights that has suffered more end-runs than the right to keep and bear arms. It makes me sick. Thanks to my recent legal troubles, I am no longer allowed to keep, let alone bear.

BB

[The Cannarchist]

At least you still have your trusty sword "Sting"......

Does it still glow when cops are around?

[capt carnuba]

Remember Folks. Michael Moore equated the idea that a loss of sovereignty was the only way to regain American Freedom. Through his own rhetoric: You can not bomb a country into peace and freedom, therefore, foreign intervention cannot reassert American choice. Americans will opt for it and vote for it and if that fails fight for it. Perhaps then they will realize why Iraq will and has been a failure regardless of pride in ones troops.

[Genghis Bong]

^^^ well said

Russo is asking for donations to help promote the movie. Of course, it has been hard for him to find financial backing from the big traditional market capital sources :D

[ViRedd]

GB ...

Thanks very much for the heads up on this movie.

The IRS is a totalitarian organization. 1. They are part of the executive branch, in that they ENFORCE the tax laws. 2. They are part of the legislative branch, in that they CREATE internal "code" and treat it as law. 3. They are part of the judicial branch in that they RULE on the "codes/laws" in their own tax courts, overseen by their own judges. So, there you have it; all three branches of government under one roof. The Founders separated these powers for a reason; to circumvent totalitarian government.

Is it any wonder we live in fear of the IRS and their 110,000 employees? Is it any wonder that NONE of us knows even ONE person who works for the IRS? They keep themselves well hidden, don't they? I've been on this planet longer than most, and I've only met two people in my lifetime who told me they work for the IRS, one had recently quit and the other had recently retired.

Its time to abolish the IRS and our convoluted tax system. It is an idea with Marxian roots and has no business in a free society.

Vi

[Elohim is plural]

vi...

...are you familiar with liberty forum?..if not you might like it...

http://www.libertyforum.org/

EIP

[ViRedd]

Thanks Elohim ... I've bookmarked the site.

I was a bonifide tax protester for many years. I followed the teachings of Irwin Schiff who is now in prison for the second time for tax evasion. http://paynoincometax.com/

The problem is, as long as the vast majority of Americans believe that they are required to pay a tax on their labor, the power is with the IRS/Federal Reserve System. They make your life miserable. You can't have a bank account, own a home, own a car, own a business. Everything has to be in someone else's name. In other words, you have to fly under the radar at all times. For example, all purchases have to be made by money order or cash.

Vi

[Elohim is plural]

...apparently there is no law in the us that states you must pay income tax, true?..yet another scam, only this one is huge...

...i have lived under radar for years, so i'm used to it but it can be very difficult...
EIP

[Elohim is plural]

...just went to the site you posted...good one...bookmarked
EIP

[ViRedd]

At the start of Irwin Schiff's first trial, he addressed the judge and said: "Your honor, the IRS says that I owe $120,000 in back taxes. I'm willing to save the court a lot of time and the taxpayers a lot of money. I have my checkbook right here in my pocket. If anyone in this courtroom, including the IRS agents present, can show me where the term "income" is defined in the IRS code, I will write a check for the $120,000 right here and now." No one came forward. Schiff was found guilty and served two years. Now, he's been convicted again and is serving more time this time.

Irwin Schiff is one of the smartest men on the planet in my estimation. He had the system by the balls and they still won. He's a true patriot who is now a political prisoner.

Alan Keyes said it best during the Republican debates when Bush 41 was running for his second term: "The federal income tax is a slave tax system."

Vi

[bluemanchu]

perhaps you fellas can help me understand the Libertarian position...I have a few questions as I don't really fully understand how everything would work if your idea(l)s were implemented.

So income taxes are illegitimate, privatization is the way to go....got that part.

Would there be any taxation at all? or just no personal income tax. Would there be a government? If so, how big would its budget be? in what areas would it implement policy? (competition? public goods? etc...) What would its basic functions be?

Would Foreign Direct Investment be allowed under your system? As a foreigner, would I be able to participate in your markets?

Am I correct in thinking that what you advocate is at its base a very pure market system with no governmental interferance?

bm

[Elohim is plural]

...someone said that the proper place for the free man was in prison...
EIP

[Elohim is plural]

...personally, i don't care what form of government is implemented...as long as i never have to deal with them and they never fuck with me...that would be perfect...
EIP

[ViRedd]

First, the federal income tax is a tax on a person's labor. The amount taxed is the amount of labor owned by government. A system whereby one entity owns the labor, or a portion thereof, of another is slavery. The progressive income tax is a punitive tax that discourages charity, investment, growth, and retards the overall wealth of the entire private sector. The Founder's called for an excise (sales) tax and tariffs. Those are the taxes of free men because they leave one with choice and no threat of force.

Yes, there would be a government, a government that is designed to protect the rights of the individule against force and fraud. We would still need the police, courts and jails. We would still need government, albiet, a minimum one. Victimless crime laws would be repealed, i.e., prostitution, gambling and drug use/posession. Those presently in jail serving time for nonviolent drug crimes would be released immediatley. Those currently on the court docket for nonviolent drug crimes would be excused. The basic function of government would be to protect the rights to life, liberty and property.

Much of what we rely on government to do for us would be privatized. This would include the Postal Service, fire services, school systems, transportation services, air traffic control, emergency services and road construction, ect. Entire federal departments would be abolished: the IRS, the Departments of Energy, Education, FEMA, and OSHA for example. The military would be downsized and the Pentagon would be turned into a triangle.

As a foreign investor, you would surely be able to invest in our free market system. You take the risks and you take the gains or losses as well. With no capital gains taxes, foreign investors would be clamoring to invest in our economy as money is like water; following the path of least resistance. Restrictions on trade & investments would be few. The main proviso would be that you do not violate the rights of another in your business/investment transactions. If you DO violate the rights of another, you will surely hear from our government agencies. We have laws against cheating, conning and making profits the old fashoned way ... at the point of a gun. :)

Vi

[Genghis Bong]

GB ...

Thanks very much for the heads up on this movie.

The IRS is a totalitarian organization. 1. They are part of the executive branch, in that they ENFORCE the tax laws. 2. They are part of the legislative branch, in that they CREATE internal "code" and treat it as law. 3. They are part of the judicial branch in that they RULE on the "codes/laws" in their own tax courts, overseen by their own judges. So, there you have it; all three branches of government under one roof. The Founders separated these powers for a reason; to circumvent totalitarian government.

Is it any wonder we live in fear of the IRS and their 110,000 employees? Is it any wonder that NONE of us knows even ONE person who works for the IRS? They keep themselves well hidden, don't they? I've been on this planet longer than most, and I've only met two people in my lifetime who told me they work for the IRS, one had recently quit and the other had recently retired.

Its time to abolish the IRS and our convoluted tax system. It is an idea with Marxian roots and has no business in a free society.

Vi


No problemo my friend.

ViRedd for president!! :beer:

[ViRedd]

Thanks GB ...

The very first thing I would do as president would be to sign an executive order to release all non-violent drug offenders from every jail and prison. All those on parole for non-violent drug offenses and those who are off of parole and have criminal records for same, would have those records expunged and paroles ended.

The second executive order would be to abolish the IRS, the departments of energy, education, OSHA and FEMA.

The third executive order would be to establish the return to gold/silver backed money. The interest on the national debt would be retired. Hey, if investors have invested in nothing but paper and false promises, they would just have to eat it.

The fourth thing I'd do is go to lunch! :)

Vi

[bluemanchu]

First, the federal income tax is a tax on a person's labor. The amount taxed is the amount of labor owned by government. A system whereby one entity owns the labor, or a portion thereof, of another is slavery. The progressive income tax is a punitive tax that discourages charity, investment, growth, and retards the overall wealth of the entire private sector. The Founder's called for an excise (sales) tax and tariffs. Those are the taxes of free men because they leave one with choice and no threat of force.

so a consumption tax...would there be a corporate tax as well?


Yes, there would be a government, a government that is designed to protect the rights of the individule against force and fraud. We would still need the police, courts and jails. We would still need government, albiet, a minimum one. Victimless crime laws would be repealed, i.e., prostitution, gambling and drug use/posession. Those presently in jail serving time for nonviolent drug crimes would be released immediatley. Those currently on the court docket for nonviolent drug crimes would be excused. The basic function of government would be to protect the rights to life, liberty and property.

Much of what we rely on government to do for us would be privatized. This would include the Postal Service, fire services, school systems, transportation services, air traffic control, emergency services and road construction, ect. Entire federal departments would be abolished: the IRS, the Departments of Energy, Education, FEMA, and OSHA for example. The military would be downsized and the Pentagon would be turned into a triangle.


You didn't touch on competition policy...would one of the functions of the government be to intervene when markets fail? Seems like that would be crucial in an environment of so much privatization. Would natural monopolies (for example, electricity) be privatized as well?


As a foreign investor, you would surely be able to invest in our free market system. You take the risks and you take the gains or losses as well. With no capital gains taxes, foreign investors would be clamoring to invest in our economy as money is like water; following the path of least resistance. Restrictions on trade & investments would be few. The main proviso would be that you do not violate the rights of another in your business/investment transactions. If you DO violate the rights of another, you will surely hear from our government agencies. We have laws against cheating, conning and making profits the old fashoned way ... at the point of a gun. :)


Just to point out something you mentioned earlier in the post, tariffs and free trade do not mix. Tariffs are pure barriers to trade and are at odds with what you're advocating.

So I would be able to repatriate my profits? Would I also be able to invest in whatever industry I want? For example, could I buy an electricity company and put my profits in my Canadian bank account?

Also, I'm really interested to know how far the military would be pared down. A good chunk of the American economy (the world's largest) is closely related to the military. Pretty much the entire defence industry (which is huge) survives on the government granting it contracts. Not to mention that a serious chunk of American technological innovation is essentially subsidised by the government through the defence industry. Ever read Eisenhower's farewell speech? His fears of the United States becoming over reliant on the military-industrial complex have come true.

On top of that, the US military has bases in over 100 countries (the biggest permanent base outside of the US is currently under construction in Iraq), and backs all kinds of nasty governments more or less on behalf of corporate America. In short, the military played a massive role in making America the world's dominant economy, and it plays an even bigger role in keeping it there (a battle it looks like its going to lose over the long run). Would it be possible to pare down the military without seriously tipping over America's economic apple cart? Not so sure it would be.

And by the way, the gold standard collapsed before the Second World War because it was antiquated and completely useless in the global economy (it came about when Mercantilism was the economic word of the day). In fact, we've even axed the system that came after the gold standard (fixed exchange rates pegged to the US dollar) because eventually that didn't work either...we have gone to a mixed system with floating currencies. In today's global environment and its huge money markets (any trade, imports or exports, involve the currency markets) the gold standard would simply not work.

Thanks for the response Vi, its an interesting political philosophy that I really hadn't explored in depth...perhaps I'll check out some of those links for shits and giggles ;)

bm

[ViRedd]

Thanks for the response Vi, its an interesting political philosophy that I really hadn't explored in depth...perhaps I'll check out some of those links for shits and giggles ;)
bm

You may even find some answers to your well thought out questions there as well.

By the way, here's a well thought out essay on gold-backed money for your consideration. :)

http://www.usagold.com/gildedopinion/Greenspan.html

Vi

[bluemanchu]

You may even find some answers to your well thought out questions there as well.


not really well thought out at all...in terms of technical market theory they are the first, most very basic questions that need to be asked. :)

bm

[ViRedd]

AhHa ...

Ok, so they wern't very well thought out at all then. Hmmm ... what are your thoughts on this essay? I was hoping the author had enough credibility for you.

http://www.usagold.com/gildedopinion/Greenspan.html

Vi