-Caveat Lector- ------- Forwarded message follows ------- From: Steve Lilienthal <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Subject: fcfnnn041502 Inside: C.T. Rossi's Commentary: Remember April 15th On Election Day Date sent: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 09:04:42 -0400
Free Congress Foundation's Notable News Now April 15, 2002 The Free Congress Commentary Remember April 15th On Election Day By C.T. Rossi This is the week when the revolutionary fire of the Founders burns like molten metal in the hearts of all, when the true dream of America returns to her people. This is the week when Uncle Sam comes calling with the tax bill. Some, upon signing their check to the IRS, may daydream of donning Mohawk garb and setting off for a new Tea Party, but most taxpayers are filled with a rage more akin to Danton than that of Sam Adams. But like an alcoholic who experiences that "moment of clarity" only to succumb to the drink once more, on April 15 everyone is attuned to the reality that government is wasteful and the taxation structure oppressive. Unexplainably, though, the burning hatred of taxation is quickly overcome by the pervasive political apathy that afflicts the majority of Americans. That forgetfulness is what Congress relies upon. High-minded Lockean political philosophy aside, the revolt of colonial America was a revolt against taxes. The Battle of Alamance in 1771, two years before the Boston Tea Party, was an armed revolt by North Carolinians against the dreaded British "stamp tax." The rebels, under-trained and under-armed, were slaughtered by the redcoats and the leaders summarily hung - all this because the colonists felt their taxes were unjust. It was as much the brutal British response at Alamance as the unfair taxes that led to the American Revolution. Unlike His Majesty's officers, the IRS tends to use more subtle means of intimidation but like George III, Congress is quick to lavish itself with the money of its citizenry. When Congress first convened in 1789, member received $6 a day for their trouble. Just a scant 15 years ago, the salary of a United States Congressmen was $77,400 while today that salary has risen to $141,300. So where once public service was an avocation, today it is a career and a lucrative one at that. Name another job that features the ability to self-appoint raises at will. In an attempt to slow the feeding frenzy this beast, President Bush sought to keep this year's congressional raise to 2.6 percent. Instead, Congress is looking for a 4.1 percent raise for themselves and their staffers. The reason Congress is seeking the higher rate is quite telling about the amount of self-importance and ego-mania loose inside the beltway. President Bush, as part of his military spending requests for the war on terror, is seeking the 4.1 percent raise for the men and women of the armed forces. Congress agrees that the raise is in order but they also believe that their contributions to the anti-terrorism campaign are equally as valuable. Concerning the pay hike the newspaper The Hill provided a quote from a House spokesman stating, " Congressional staff who are creating legislation are just as important as someone who is serving on the front line." Rest easy at night America, your safety is being legislatively crafted. Truly, Congressional avarice knows no bounds when such a rationalization will do. The events of September 11th don't mark the ascension of Congress and staff as our legislative protectors, rather they note the complete and total failure of Congress and their staffs and their legislation. If our representatives and their minions are so adept at "crafting legislation", one must beg the question as to why September 11th happened. Is not Congress responsible for "providing for the common defense"? Was it not Congressional interference, most notable the "Torricelli Principle" (emanating for the U.S. Senator from New Jersey) that handicapped America's intelligence abilities to a point where the events of September 11th were made possible? Had American operatives been free to pursue the necessary means to combat terrorists covertly, September 11th might have remained the date when Pete Rose broke Ty Cobb's baseball hit record. In the insular world of Washington, Congress thinks that their every piece of legislation is an ukaz to the world. The American people's docility to many of their governing habits (most notably taxation), which at best can be called irresponsible, has led them into hubris. To think that the live gunfire that front line soldiers face requires no more courage and dedication than a bureaucrat having to take a late lunch or battle beltway traffic can only speak to a complete detachment from reality or an insatiable greed willing to belittle America's most dedicated citizens for the sake of a few more bucks on the take-home stub. On April 15, Americans will be exposed to the domestic terrorism of a government with an insatiable appetite for cash. Unfortunately, the blame rests on us that we do not remember unfair taxes, government waste and bureaucratic arrogance come November. Maybe one day we will. C.T. Rossi comments on cultural issues for the Free Congress Foundation. Monday's FCF News on Demand Visit www.fcfnewsondemand,org to hear these stories: Senator Wayne Allard: Tax Cuts Should Be Permanent William S. Lind: U.S. Sacrificing Israel To Enable Attack Against Iraq J. Bradley Jansen: New Trouble from WTO More and more people are listening to FCF News on Demand. Be sure to let your friends know that they can hear leading conservatives talk about issues that are important to you and to the future of our country. And be sure to let your local radio stations and talk show hosts know about FCF News on Demand too. For media inquiries, contact Steve Lilienthal [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit Our Website at http://www.FreeCongress.org This publication is a service of the Free Congress Research and Education Foundation, Inc. (FCF) and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Free Congress Foundation nor is it an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any bill. Free Congress Foundation * 717 Second Street, NE * Washington, DC 20002 * 202.546.3000 * Fax: 202.544.2819 Project Manager: Angela Wheeler * Copyright * 2001 Free Congress Foundation - All Rights Reserved. ------- End of forwarded message -------From }}}>Begin End<{{{ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forwarded as information only; no automatic endorsement + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without charge or profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this type of information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + "Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe simply because it has been handed down for many generations. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is written in Holy Scriptures. 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