Opposed to terrorism? Don't pay your federal taxes!

The newly revised Patriot Act makes it illegal to provide money to organizations that practice terrorism. Since terrorism is defined as "the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion," the U.S. is arguably an organization that practices terrorism. Therefore, in order to comply with the Patriot Act and protect national security, we must refuse to pay our federal taxes.

Because it's unlikely that the IRS or a federal court would agree with that conclusion, you might have to get creative to avoid paying federal taxes. For example, you can choose to live below the taxable income level or find tax-free employment and become uncollectable. Or you can become a full-fledged tax resistor and simply refuse to pay any federal taxes - which probably will result in your having to pay even more tax in the form of penalties and interest.

Becoming any kind of tax resistor is risky, but so is continuing to support a deadly, costly, and foolish war.

For resources and counseling on tax resistance for reasons of conscientious objection to military spending, contact the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee at 1-800-269-7464, or www.nwtrcc.org.