The couple that gained fame or infamy
(depending on who you ask?) were taken into custody on Thursday night,
after a five-month standoff with police and over a decade of refusing to
pay their taxes. Authorities say they were taken peacefully from
their Plainfield, New Hampshire home, although Brown supporters are
asking for "proof of life" and are calling it a kidnapping by
the "Feds."
The Browns haven't paid taxes since 1996,
and were convicted of federal tax charges on January 18th. They
were not present in court for their April sentencing, where they were
given 63 months (5 1/4 years) federal prison term. They gained
media interest and thousands of supporters for their stance
that there is no law that makes the average American liable for being
taxed on their income. They holed up in their home and refused to
surrender, keeping weapons for defense, and getting power from a wind
turbine generator and solar panels. They filed 42 motions in
Concord, New Hampshire's U.S. District Court, which were all
denied.
Presidential hopeful Ron Paul agrees
with the Browns' plight, and compares them to
Ghandi...
Visitors to the Brown residence were
prohibited; a notice was given by the U.S. Marshals Service stating that
anyone who entered or remained on the property without their
authorization would be criminally prosecuted.
A fan/supporter profile on MySpace.com for
Ed and Elaine Brown posted this message from Elaine on
September 28th:
"Ed and I have said 'enough,' and even
though we are currently unable to leave our home without risking being
unlawfully assaulted by the federalies, we are more free now than we
have ever been, as we have boycotted any and all government claims on
us. At the same time the government has unlawfully attacked us by
terminating our electricity, internet access, television satellite,
telephone, and mail (the federal marshalls keep all mail that is sent to
us.) The federal marshalls have said they know we have broken no laws,
but they will come against us when ordered to."
