Well, Reg, first of all, thank you for your thoughtful (and lengthy) reply. It's your style and I do appreciate that. It's kind of strange to be on the opposing side of you for once because usually I think you're spot on about most stuff.

All hell is not going to break loose if the Browns provoke a firefight with the Feds. All hell didn't break loose after Waco, Ruby Ridge, or Oklahoma City. Ed Brown's 'movement' is confined to a few thousand loose screws and a few thousand other internet hangers-on and voyeurs. The truth is most Americans don't give a shit about Ed Brown's 'principles': they certainly aren't going to get worked up if he dies for them, whatever they are.

Need proof? Most of us have shopped, surfed, downloaded, drank, and slept our way thru four years of war and occupation. We're fat and distracted. Ed Brown's house going up in flames will be just another momentary entertainment: a bright and shiny object on the evening news.

It's too bad Ed Brown doesn't understand that. During the Vietnam War I met people (older than me, with jobs) who withheld taxes to protest the war. These people had real balls. They were prepared to go to prison for their beliefs. They weren't carrying guns down the front of their pants and talking about not being taken alive. On some level you have to wonder about Ed Brown's death wish and desire to be a martyr for his 'cause'. His followers would like nothing better than a shoot out that reinforces their pathetic worldview and that feeds their notion of sparking a'revolution'. Hell, Reg, you seem more concerned about Ed's welfare than anyone on his Myspace page.

And what the fuck IS his cause? He doesn't want to pay taxes? Where does he think the roads and mail service that delivered all his guns and ammunition came from? I'm sure he's taken a walk in a public park and, whether he'd admit it or not, he's received a lot of help and support in his life from people who are the products of public education.