Complaint Review: US Government

It has always been the case throughout our short, two-century history, that when we lose a right or freedom, even "temporarily," that we never get it back. With this latest announcement that phone calls can be listened to and e-mails will be monitored, we should feel like the young virgin that has been coaxed to "just play around a little for fun, just to see how it feels...We don't have to go all the way." The male suitor had never intended to stop at "just playing around," stopping with just a little slap and tickle. Even if she just wanted to please him because she liked him and wanted to be able to keep his company. He would get what he wanted but she will never be the same.

Benjamin Franklin stated that anyone who would sacrifice even one of their freedoms, was not worthy to retain any of them. We are told that the e-mail and phone call surveillance is only temporary, expiring after four years, however, given the US Government's track record for not keeping their promises, we should be kicking and screaming for this not to happen. I can almost guarantee that we will from now on and forever more have our phone calls and e-mail monitored.


Since 1913, during World War I, in order to support the war effort, the national income tax was instituted. Income tax was only to be temporary and dismantled after the war. Even today, what does the nation scramble to do every April 15? And how many years has it been since the end of World War I?

Additionally, during World War II, also to support the war effort, a "federal excise tax," (FET) was implemented. FET has continually been levied on gasoline since 1932. In 1998, the FET was raised to 18.4%; Under the law, from $1.00, 15.45 cents goes to the Highway Account, 2.85 cents to the Mass Transit Account, and .1 cent to the LUST trust fund.

Currently, not only gasoline but also all Telecommunications, Aviation, Beer, Wine, Distilled Spirits, Tobacco Products, Tobacco Paper, Firearms and Ammunition, National Firearms Act Tax, Special Occupational Tax, Explosives License Fees, Firearms Licensee Fees are subject to an FET.

The Social Security System was also developed during the great socialist period of the United States. Social Security numbers were not to be used for identification and it was so stated in court decisions. We were never to be required to provide that number to anyone. Now if you want a job, get insurance, or apply for a loan, you must provide that number. The way these establishment get around it is by saying that you provide the number voluntarily. Of course, if you don't provide it, you don't get a driver's license, health insurance, or new car. When I got my first Social Security Card in the 60's, and I still have it, it stated on it that it was not to be used for identification. My daughter was born this year and she received her Social Security Card and number. You know what? That phrase has disappearedjust like our freedoms.

Danny Scalf Senior Editor
Rip-off Report
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