One must inquire why the government just didn't just show the law that made Ed and Elaine Brown liable for the voluntary income tax to avoid the expense and danger of a standoff. I say "voluntary" because the IRS's own literature informs you the income tax is based on voluntary compliance. No bureaucrat will ever assess your income; you do it yourself, voluntarily, waiving your Fifth Amendment right when you sign that 1040.

The 1040 instruction booklet, the Paper Reduction Act Notice and Privacy Act Notice all tell you that you only have to pay taxes you are liable for. Well, 26 U.S.C. 4404, 5505, 4786 are the liability clauses for tobacco, alcohol and wagering taxes. Where is the liability clause for the income tax? That's what the Browns respectfully asked for over and over, only to be shown the barrel of a gun.

The Browns didn't want to voluntarily waive their rights, but instead stood on them. They were willing to pay every penny, as soon as they were shown the law that made them liable. The Browns paid all their other taxes.

The people have a right to ask questions and get answers. This is found in the First Amendment. A maxim of law is "no answers - no taxes." It's the people's way to peacefully control an out-of-control government.

The Browns were justified and are now political prisoners.

DANIEL J. RILEY

Boscawen

(The writer was sentenced to 36 years in federal prison last fall for building bombs and bringing guns to the Browns at their home in Plainfield.)