W. Vaughn Ellsworth Quote

"Pity the poor, wretched, timid soul, too faint hearted to resist his oppressors.
He sings the songs of the damned, 'I cannot resist, I have too much to lose,
they might take my property or confiscate my earnings,
what would my family do, how would they survive?'
He hides behind pretended family responsibility, failing to see that
the most glorious legacy that we can bequeath to our posterity is liberty!"

by:	W. Vaughn Ellsworth American author, defended himself against IRS in 1977
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Categories:	Character, Conscience, Corruption, Fear, Integrity, IRS, Justice, Law, Oppression, Persecution, Property, Resistance, Responsibility, Taxation
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He's absolutely right. It's guts like that our Founders had.  -- E Archer, NYC      3
-- Logan, Memphis, TN
Some of the man's last words before he went to jail for six years for tax violations. Was it Shakespeare who said "I thinketh thou protest a bit to much." He may have protected and provided for his family in the short run by robbing the legal tax system but then shortchanged his family by going to jail for six years. Maybe he should have been more circumspect. A man who respresents himself is said to be a fool. This guy sure was. Editor if your quote is from someone of notoreity rather than the right side of the tracks do you think it should be noted some how. Are we going to debate the philosophies of felons, murderers and tax protestors.  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas      4
Great sentiment, totally misplaced and unrelated to the particular situation...  -- Anonymous, Reston, VA US      2
Yes, it takes men of courage to make meaningful change, and we are indebted to them for all that we have, and owe it to them, and future generations to show the same courage. Lest we lose all that we have. It is better to fight and lose some, then it is to surender and lose all. And if need be, I would rather lose all going down fighting like a man, then gain a lot slithering like a snake.  -- Ken, Milford Pa      2
Editor, can we make an exception this once and let me give this 100 stars ;-) (ok, maybe not). Waffler, the quote is neither left or right of the tracks; it is neither liberal or conservative, Democratic or Republican. The quote is moral, courageous, just, and a call to liberty. Because the founders were felons and tax protesters, should we debate their philosophies also, hmmmm, I believe so. Those of a free heart and mind are even willing to debate socialism, democracy, the ten planks of the communist manifesto and other immoral and unlawful forms of tyranny.  -- Mike, Norwalk      5
Are we going to debate the philosophies of felons, murderers and tax protesters? Waffler, are you SERIOUS?! Have you heard of a thing called the Boston Tea Party (tax protesting) or of the Declaration of Independence (act of sedition, punishable by death)? What of Washington leading his ARMY against the established government? This was punishable by death, the same consequence of a murderer -- in fact, such traitors that we call our "founding fathers" would receive a death WORSE than murderers. Are you REALLY this ignorant. Are you REALLY this unadjusted? Are you really, really, really this indoctrinated? You really have no idea what the Declaration of Independence was all about, do you? It was a document of total ordered and peaceful civil disobedience! In essence they said, "We reject your authority! We reject your ruling power! We reject those laws that bind us down under a tyrannical yoke! We proclaim ourself free and independent from consent we have ever had under your rule, and these are the reasons why...." Agree with today's tax protesters or not, but when they use their right of PEACEFUL civil disobedience to speak out and defend themselves and their ideas against what they believe, reason, and purport as a tyrannical and usurping government... Then, in the spirit of of our founding fathers and of the greatness of this land upon which we live, let us extend respect to those men who would rather live and act according to their principles and go to jail than to cower to such a tyrannical regime.  -- Logan, Memphis, TN      3
Waffler has a point. By the way the Boston tea party was not about taxes. It was a bout the English government subsidized tea being brought to our shores in an attempt to create a monopoly by putting the American tea companies out of business. It was later that it got the label of being a tax protest. Good quote regardless of how it came about.  -- warren, olathe
Waffler, some of the best quotes come from those kinds of guys.  -- warren, olathe      2
I would love to find some agreement on what it is to be an American. I mean like loyalty to the idea expressed in the pledge about being indivisible, about a society of law, etcetera. The quote was a broad side by a tax protestor before he went to jail. Union is the source of our liberty. Masschusetts would have been crushed by the Brits if Virginia had not rallied to her side. And Union and unity is the answer to our common problems not the dissembling disunion and secession, which is treason, expressed by so many. While we discuss these inane issues the society faces real problems of illegals, energy, and terrorism. You are probably right Warren and of course literatue and quotes have a life of their own and sometimes we never look deeper into the person. But maybe we should because otherwise we are just talking about nothing and are no better than 400 million dollar talk show hosts (Lou Dobbs, Russ etc.) who get off and build their careers out of taking someone out of context. This guy Ellsworth was nothing more than a liar and a crook. He lied under penalties of perjury. He was mouthing off just to make himself feel good. We should not give the rat any kudos.  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas      2
I meant to add J.Q. Adams quote especially for the traitors among us who preach secession, disunion, and have a warped since of freedom. They are just spoiled brats in my view. When things get bad enough "then will be the reason for reverting to the precedents which occurred at the formation and adoption of the Constitution, to form a more perfect Union, by dissolving that which could no longer bind, and to leave the separated parts to be reunited by the law of political gravitation to the center." That time has arrived genetlemen. America is admired around the world for its freedom and affluent life, winning the war, temporarily at least, against terrorism, semi success in Iraq. Europe admires a democracy that allows a Barack Obama to run for President and the American people who are so magnanimous to allow such a thing. The seceesionists, dissemblers , and traitors on this site are in their own little world that has little bearing upon the real world in which we live.  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas      3
I can almost imagine Nathan Hale saying something like that. Hale was both traitor and patriot. It just depends on who's side your on. Being an American does not mean you are necessarily a docile taxpayer, producing revenue for the government like a farm animal. An American believes liberty is the ultimate goal of life because if you have liberty, anything is possible.  -- Ken, Allyn, WA      2
ROFL!! Waffler, you are too much! I admire your stubbornness -- as misplaced as it is. There is no 'pledge' that any American MUST make; however, an American MAY express his/her loyalty as they see fit. The only mandatory pledge of an American is the one government representatives and officials MUST make -- an oath to support and defend the Constitution. A government out of control is no better than a dictatorship -- arbitrary rule backed up by overwhelming force, lawful or not. All you are trying to do is grab that power for your 'team.' I believe Ellsworth has been free for many years and still writing -- good for him! He is speaking about you, Waffler, and your response merely demonstrates what such a conditioned drone later becomes when he surrenders all rights to a despotism. You can try and twist John Quincy Adams' words to suit your argument, but it ain't gonna fly -- he meant what he said, not what you are attempting to change it to be. The 'Union' is a 'compact' -- an agreement, the terms of which bind the signatories to it. The breach of that agreement is cause for withdrawing from it. Those loyal to the cause of Freedom and the responsibility that comes with it are not the traitors -- those loyal to arbitrary power are. When you talk of the 'real world' Waffler, you barely touch upon the subject. Fake money, fake elections, fake reasons for war, fake reasons for taxes, fake Congressmen, etc. -- that is what America is being remembered for. America is loved around the world? Not any more -- I guess you haven't travelled internationally lately. Americans are considered fat and dumb around the world -- and they aren't far off. The US is the undisputed super-power of the world, but completely beholden to its creditors -- and it isn't the People! I stand behind the principles upon which this free nation was founded -- the only ones that would call me a traitor are those that stand for something else.  -- E Archer, NYC      3
When us drones pay our taxes to the tune of 3 trillion dollars I don't care what you say the creeps like Ellsworth who think they are special are. Well they are creeps. I agree with your sense of freedom Archer and that is what makes it great. We are a democracy where we can debate these things and the debate will make a difference when taken in totality of public opinion. We are not a static republic where are opinions and the opinions of our fellows do not count for anything. You are a sick man with your view that everything is fake. I hope some day you become that individual you so much want to be but just can't quite make it.  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas      3
PS. If you are for disunion, or secession you are a traitor to the Union.  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas      2
The 'Union' is simply We The People united under the common cause of Liberty and Justice for all as defined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution for the United States of America. Whenever the government ceases to abide by the terms set forth, it ceases to represent the 'union' -- the united support for the principles agreed upon. The US is not a democracy as Waffler well knows, and public opinion is not law nor can it alter our natural born rights one iota. Waffler's reasons for punishing Ellsworth for standing up for the Constitution while he and the rest of the ignorant and cowardly pay unlawful tribute to a de facto despotism only demonstrates the wretched, timid soul he is. Waffler's arguments mirror EXACTLY those of the loyalists to King George in 1776.  -- E Archer, NYC      3
Acher you are a traitor not only to the Union but to the English language. If Chruchill calls western nations democrcies and Bush is trying to bring western style democracy to Iraq as he said, then that is what I mean by democracy. Archer I thought you believed in the Articles not the Constitution. Will you ever make up your mind Boy! Archer are you exercising your Constitutional rights in regards to taxes? If so why not check in to the local Federal Prison and take your turn to be a martyr like your beloved Mr. Ellsworth who was willing to take care of his family while stiffing soldiers etcetera who were dying for him. If not why not? Or are just a coward, all mouth and no action.  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas      1
If you are going to accuse me of violating the English language, you might try running a spell checker before submitting your comments. I do not have to choose between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution -- each were lawful Acts passed by Congress assembled -- neither cancelled the other. (I noticed that when 5 quotes were sent out quoting the founders on the sovereignty of each state you were noticeably absent -- ignorance is bliss, eh, Waffler?) Just what is western-style democracy, hmm? There is not a single European government I would copy -- no, thanks, I'll stick with the Constitutional republic for which the flag stands. I have read the Iraqi Constitution -- I am positive that you have not, Waffler. It does not resemble the US Constitution at all -- it more closely resembles the British parliamentary system. I think you would be happier in Canada -- why you think America should re-adopt the very systems of oppression from which our sovereign states separated themselves is beyond me. When and if it comes down to having to defend myself against a corrupt and iniquitous money system, I will bear the burden honorably and proudly. It won't be the first time. ;-) Ellsworth has my respect -- his words express the very sentiments of our founding fathers.  -- E Archer, NYC      2
Anyone who performs solely to avoid punishment is a slave to whomever threatens punisment. Very few file tax returns because of a law. As for "robbing the legal system" IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ROB OUR GOVERNMENT that pays no one for anything. They cannot get money from you when the Fed says their system of plunder "works only with credit" and they have no use for money when all of us will risk our lives for more credit. Just leaving your house to get to work is a risk. The ideal slavery from the masters' viewpoint is when most slaves will ridicule and punish the few who seek their freedom. I spent 7 months away from my family for an imaginary offense as many others have. when it is impossible to pay taxes with strips of paper and impossible for the IRS (Imaginary Revenue Scum) to produce a law that makes most of us subject to the income tax that implemented the 2nd plank of Marx's Communist Manifesto amd the illusion called real estate tax filled plank #2. For clarity see:www.morpix.biz/dc and for all ten planks that have replaced the Bill of Rights, see: www.morpix.biz/x15 Be sure to read the books below them by Merrill Jenkins, Monetary Realist, To file a tax return, you not only waive your rights, you violate God's law in Ex.23:1 and 23:2  -- Dave Wilbur, St. Louis MO      4
You are full of it Archer concerning the Constitution and the Articles both being still applicable. But what is new you have been full of it from the first time I ever read one of your posts. When you do not pay your taxes like your neighbors and fellow citizens you are in effect robbing them. Tax payers in this country are now paying approximately two and half trillion leaving a 500 billion deficit. If you are not contributing then you are part of the problem and not part of the solution. That 500 billion is the national debt that we sell to the Chineese and your grandkids will have to make good on. So you are stiffing your grandkids.  -- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas      3
MISSIONS IMPOSSIBLE: It is impossible to pay taxes with dollar bills that the IRS said "are not dollars." It is impossible to pay taxes with counterfeit and Nobel Laureate, Paul Samuelson said the Federal Reserve is "an omnipotent counterfeiter." ---Economics, 4th edition . Nobody wants us to pay taxes, they want us to PLAY taxes or be punished.  -- Dave Wilbur, St. Louis MO      2
"Pity the poor wretched timid soul who is too faint-hearted to resist his protestors. He has the intellect of a slave. He sings the song of the damned: " I can't fight back, I have too much to lose; I own too much property; I have worked too hard for what I have; They will put me out of business if I resist; I might go to jail, I have my family to think about." Such poor miserable creatures have misplaced values and are hiding their cowardice behind pretended family responsibility blindly refusing to see that the most glorious legacy that one can bequeath to posterity is liberty, and that the only true security is liberty." That is the entire quote, left some things out of yours.  -- meredith, socal      2
Dave Wilbur, yuo are right. You don't have to pay taxes legally. And if the government were run by honest people we wouldn't need to. But if you don't they will put you in an early grave hounding you, harrassing you, are flat out shooting you after concocting some insane, lame story for the public. They will bully you into submission anyway they can. Been there done that. So it's just a game. And it's all how you play the game. Read fourth reich of the rich, desmond morris.  -- meredith, socal      2
-- A K Smith, Cincinnati
Great quote. It's a waste of time trying to respond to a left wing ninny like Waffler. He and Reston get their marching orders direct from Washington. They must be hard core socialists since no one can be as stupid as they.  -- jim k, Austin, Tx      2
-- jim k, Austin, Tx
-- Mike, Norwalk
Waffler is so concerned about someone "robbing the legal tax system". What about the one's on his side like Rangle- Geithner the first two come to mind. And what about "the 400 million dollar talk show hosts?" such as Letterman and all the RICH liberals that spew their vitriol language. (OH, but that doesn't count because the end means justfies the method!)  -- Anon, USA      2
Waffler, by refusing to be robbed like my neighbors, I take a stand against arbitrary power and stand for my natural rights to the fruits of my own labor. What you are actually defending is YOUR robbing of my neighbors to pay for YOUR salary as a federal employee working for the IRS. YOU are the thief, producing nothing of value, and living off the backs of people who raise your food and build your homes. Income taxes are merely a tool to keep the middle class down to protect the turf of the moneyed aristocracy to whom you bow -- nothing more than a privileged house slave who does his master's bidding. Pitiful.  -- E Archer, NYC      3
Taxation is theft. Who has a higher claim to my person and the fruit of my labor? No one, I think. The tax "I owe" was monies borrowed before I was born. Not exactly taxation with representation. It is extracted from me with the threat of a gun. The definition of armed robbery. I love the quote, but sometimes when a robber points his gun at you and demands your wallet, you just give him your wallet.  -- Howard, Bangkok      2
Is it possible to walk At Liberty amongst a sea of unsuspecting slaves ? But for the grace of an unseen God, such mercy would not be possible ! " Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird." Spoken by a wise son with the Key to the house of David, his father. This wise son, rid the house of tyrants, ceasing the plunder of his childrens property and wealth. Ushering in a time of Peace and Prosperity for their nation and their neighbors. Such a seasonable time is upon us once again. Few upright men exist today, for fear of loosing what life they have. " The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: They all lie in wait for blood: They hunt every man his brother with a net. That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire; so they wrap it up. The best of them is a brier: The most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: The day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity. Who is a God likened unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage ? he retaineth not his anger forever , because he delighteth in mercy." Micah 7:2,3,4,18. Saad Al Melik, Saad Al Sund.  -- Ronw13, OR
Hear, hear!  Thanks, Logan.  -- E Archer, NYC

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