CATS e-Briefing
Citizens for an Alternative Tax System
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #423
Washington, DC 20006
Phone 800-767-7577
Fax 703-368-5843
www.cats.org
September 16, 2001
Drive the Enemy Into Apathy
When is a war won? When the casualty count is high? When the territory is occupied? When the physical structures are demolished? History has seen wars roll over these conditions many times without end. As strategies for ending war, they are prone to fail unless the real objective is firmly in mind; and, with the real objective firmly in mind, other strategies become apparent. Wars end when the enemy goes into apathy.
The terrorist knows it can't win a military war. However, it might yet win using terror to create fear and apathy. That is the purpose of a terrorist strike on American soil. All of us witnessed America and Americans respond by shutting down to some degree. Transportation shut down. Events were cancelled. People left work. Evidently, enough terrorism fast enough could defeat America.
The first tragedy of the terrorist attack was the loss of life and the destruction of important economic facilities. The possible second tragedy would be a recession brought on by financial insecurity -- a kind of economic fear that drops into apathy when it lasts too long. That would be the path of defeat.
Aside from military strategies, the winning response is a bold strike for American prosperity. The most effective blow would be a set of national policies designed to expand our economy, just when the enemy believes our economy will shrink. This is more than a defensive strategy of refusing to succumb. It is a potent offensive strategy against existing and future terrorists. Economic prosperity not only builds confidence in this country, it drives the enemy into apathy. Nothing defeats an enemy faster than coming back stronger after taking its best shot.
Where do we start? Our current income tax system is so complex, so hated, and so resisted; it has become America's number one economic enemy. It strangles our economy with compliance and collection costs. It compromises our strategic position in the world economy by encouraging business to move over seas. It punishes savings, capital formation and work, all the ingredients of an expanding economy. The income tax system is the enemy within aiding and abetting the enemies without. Many Americans feel apathetic about it, but the war is not lost.
We have seen people come together around this terrorist tragedy. Even Congress has demonstrated a willingness to work shoulder-to-shoulder against a common enemy. Now is the time to recognize that our income tax system is a common enemy of the American people. Congress is flirting with the idea of fundamental tax reform. Let's make it a reality and replace the income tax code with a national retail sales tax. We can build American stability by increased personal savings and reducing debt, making our country less prone to economic downturns. Let's continue the spirit of unity to secure a victory for economic freedom and prosperity; and defeat the economic fear and apathy caused by terrorism.
Glenn Wahlquist
Director of Operations
CATS National Office
Freedom
"Freedom" is a concept, an idea. One that understandably evokes much emotion and passion. But "Freedom" is also subject to much confusion and misunderstanding. The dictionary defines freedom as: 'the condition of being free; liberty; independence.' The dictionary further states: 'Freedom, liberty mean being able to act without interference or control by another.' The word freedom comes from the word free; which is defined as: 'not under another's control; not a captive or slave; having liberty; able to do, act or think as one pleases.' But the word free is also defined as: 'without cost or payment'. So, the question arises: "Is freedom free?"
Is freedom free or does it come with a price? If it does, how much does it cost? How much is it worth to you? If you lost it, how much would you pay to get it back? Is freedom something that everyone should just receive automatically without actually having to DO anything to earn it? Is it simply given out to everyone, or does one have to earn it?
Here is my opinion on the subject: Freedom definitely comes with a price. It requires that you remain alert to any and all attempts to steal it away. It demands that you are willing and able to fight back when someone tries to take it from you. This by itself is a full-time job! That may seem a very high price!! But freedom is worth all that and more. If it was taken from you, that would seem a small price to pay. Freedom is not something that you inherit as a birthright; it is hard fought for and won. Freedom is earned by taking responsibility for possessing it and guarding it with care.
If you believe in freedom and are willing to take those small steps to insure not only your freedom but the freedom of future generations, then join with us to create the groundswell of public support necessary for the adoption of a national retail sales tax in place of the suppressive income tax and the oppressive agency created by it...the IRS. GET INVOLVED!!! Come to our monthly meetings or call CATS toll-free (there's that word again) at 1-800-767-7577, in Las Vegas call 454-5736 and find out what you can do for Freedom.
Liberty
Don't Let Liberty Die, As Well
"Times of tragedy and war naturally bring out strong emotions in all of us. Yet we must be careful to preserve personal liberty and privacy rights in the months ahead. Sometimes the people are only too anxious to sacrifice their constitutional liberties during a crisis, hoping to gain some measure of security. Yet nothing would please the terrorists more than if we willingly gave up some of our cherished liberties because of their actions."
-- Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), 9/12/01
Trading Liberty for Security
"We are placing tremendous trust in our president to pursue our enemies as our commander-in-chief but Congress must remain vigilant as to not allow our civil liberties here at home to be eroded. The temptation will be great to sacrifice our freedoms for what may seem to be more security. We must resist this temptation."
-- Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) in remarks on the House floor, 9/14/01
"After this horrendous series of attacks our new FBI Director has suggested that we may have to limit some of our freedoms in order to deal with terrorists. The truth is that if we further emasculate our Constitution the terrorists will have achieved the greatest victory imaginable. Their triumph won't just be the thousands of people they killed, the triumph will be if they see our democratic institutions crumble."
-- Paul Weyrich, Free Congress Foundation, 9/11/01
Wise Words
(From Wise Men)
"When the government fears the people, it is liberty. When the people fear the government, it is tyranny."
-- Thomas Paine
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-- Benjamin Franklin, 1759
Notice
Please make note that Columbus Day, a legal holiday, falls on October 8, 2001, the second Monday of the month, which is our regular meeting date. The Whitney Library will be closed that day.
Therefore, the date for our October meeting has been changed to Monday, October 1, 2001. We will meet the first Monday of the month instead of the second Monday, as is usual.
Please mark your calendars now to reflect this change.
As a side note: I know from several years experience organizing our meetings that during football season our attendance falls off sharply.
I can only surmise from this fact that football is more important than changing our tax system. Perhaps football is more important than "Freedom" or "Liberty", too.
I can only wonder in disbelief over this fact.
Which is really more important??
2001 Taxpayers Defense Conference
Tax Help Online
Daniel J. Pilla, Tax Litigation Consultant, is holding his annual "Taxpayers Defense Conference in Las Vegas, NV, October 19 and 20, 2001.
Mr. Pilla's "Tax Solutions Network" can solve your IRS problems, show you how to avoid them in the first place, and cut your taxes in the process.
To find out more, visit the above web site, or call 1-800-346-6829.
This newsletter would not be in your hands, were it not for the "small group of thoughtful, committed citizens". Due to the rising costs of postage and printing, if those of you who contribute financially were not there, I could not afford to send you this newsletter.
My sincere appreciation goes out to
every one of you who are making regular or periodic
contributions to keep the Las Vegas Chapter
operating. Donations of ANY size are needed and
wanted. ALL assistance is greatly appreciated. Please
make your check or Money Order payable to: "D.P.
Bracken" and mail to:
CATS Las Vegas Chapter
5181 Gains Mill St.
Las Vegas, NV 89122
Remember....you can always contact
CATS at: 1-800-767-7577
or call me:
D.P. "Bracken" Bracken
Chairman, Las Vegas Chapter
(702) 454-5736
Citizens for an Alternative Tax System
(CATS) is a national grassroots non-profit
organization committed to bringing about the end of
the income tax and the IRS by replacing both with a
national retail sales tax (NRST).
