“America: From Freedom to Fascism” documentary - tax claims

[AJ9000]

I just got done watching the DVD documentary “America: From Freedom to Fascism.”

In it, Aaron Russo makes a very compelling case that the federal income tax is illegal, and without any constitutional authority, even though most American citizens have assumed it's a legal requirement ever since its introduction in 1913.

Can anyone refute the claim that the requirement to file federal income tax has no legal basis? (If so please give references.)

Or if you prefer, let me turn it around: What are the specific laws that require American citizens to file Federal income tax?

He even chronicles 2 people who refused to pay their Federal income taxes who were acquitted by a jury. One of the jurors interviewed stated that they could not convict because the prosecution simply could not produce any evidence that he had to pay federal income tax.

The IRS officials and lawyers challenged about this issuein the film do not have any reasonable responses, and one halted the interview rather than continue. In fact, their responses were so weak that it was almost embarrassing.

The film also touches on:

--the Federal Reserve

--real ID, and the recent attempts by the federal government to track and catalog every citizen.

--the conspiracy by bankers to take control of currency, thereby taking control of society

I rented it from Blockbuster online. It's certainly worth a look.

[pnorman]

1. FWIW: Here it is on Google video:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4312730277175242198

Much of this seems to be standard far-right "anti-government" stuff, and should handled with extreme caution, and subject to critical scrutiny.

I see some of these types on occasion. Some are consistent through and through (eg: Ron Paul). But the greatest number by far say NO on taxes, but YES on that $$$$$$$$ Iraq invasion and all the rest. Frankly, I'm NOT impressed with the "proof" & arguments in the film so far.

pnorman

[AJ9000]

2. "..I'm NOT impressed with the "proof" & arguments in the film.." Can you then

show me the legal requirement for Americans to have to pay federal income tax? Anyone?

Also, both Dems and Republicans are criticized in this film.

[pnorman]

4. "Also, both Dems and Republicans are criticized in this film."

So what?

pnorman

[AJ9000]

6. So...

You said that: "..Much of this seems to be standard far-right "anti-government" stuff..."

Right-wingnut propagandists usually don't criticize Republicans. The ideology if any seems more libertarian which crosses into classical liberalism and ain't all bad.

[pnorman]

9. Some do, some don't.

Ron Paul (R, TX) frequently does. As a "left-libertarian" (aka: "Chomsky-socialist", ie: anarchist), I recognize the (partial) "kinship" of the two beliefs. But I'm frequently repulsed at the anti-social self-interest frequently found in the "right-libertarianism". And I'm REVOLTED at the two-faced HYPOCRISY of many there. "BILLIONS for defense --- TRILLIONS for Star-Wars, but not one red cent out of MY pocket!"

I started to Google that Wilson quote, since it seemed questionable at first sight. No surprise, I found the usual gang of circle-jerks essentially quoting each other. I also found this Wiki item: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America:_From_Freedom_to_Fascism Wiki isn't the "LAST word", but it's a good place to start.

pnorman

[meldroc]

3. Aw jeez...

[AJ9000]

5. Ah meldroc is here, thank god. Go ahead and clarify things for me please.

[wurstie]

7. You may want to check this site out...

...for arguments.

[Swamp Rat]

8. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[newyawker99]

10. Hi wurstie!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: