Why I Support Ed Brown
by Kat Kanning
bookish_lass@yahoo.com

Special to The Libertarian Enterprise

Ed and Elaine Brown were convicted Thursday on various tax evasion charges. Why would someone committed to the nonviolent approach support Ed Brown, who says he will shoot federales who come to arrest him? A man willing to stand up for what is right is a rare and beautiful thing these days. I don't want that man to stand alone. So, I've been out there in the frigid cold to say to the government, "Don't come kill this man and steal his property! Just leave the Browns alone." While I don't agree with shooting people, it's understandable that Ed Brown wants to defend himself, his family and his property. It is without a doubt the government who is the aggressor here, not Ed Brown.

Is his stand right? I think we all here know the income tax is wrong. It's just plain wrong to punish people for being productive—which is what an income tax does. It's wrong to steal people's money—you're stealing their labor. Isn't that the definition of slavery? It's wrong to steal from us and use the money for such horrible things as killing Iraqis and torture. Yes, his stand is right! Yes, it's worth standing with him.

What are the Browns like? Lauren Canario had this to say about them.

The Browns have made a beautiful home in New Hampshire. They paid off all their mortgages. They studied the workings of the state and federal governments. They organized their neighbors into a society to repair and fortify their beloved country. They offer a courageous example and freely work for the benefit of everyone. They hurt no one and destroyed nothing.

So why are they accused of crimes?

Many people will defend rights and ideas in word, but the Browns defend theirs in deed, and show the unsure how to do the same.

In speech Ed Brown takes his ideals seriously. He explains his concepts of good and evil in a confident and patient tone, as if teaching an apprentice. He showed me the realistic paintings decorating his spacious home: a shining medieval knight bowing to be dubbed by a princess; a 19th century man and woman walking together; a mother and child that seemed illuminated by emotion rather than light. He seems to have lived his life believing chivalry, love and honor were possible, but now events have convinced him that he may have to die to uphold his ideals, and he accepts his possible violent fate with composure.

So why is he treated like an outcast?

Are those that fear them upset that the Brown's actions follow their ideals? Are those that call them insane just jealous of the Brown's integrity? Do those that hate the Browns just envy their achievements?

Before you dismiss the Browns, think if you've ever held a controversial view. Have you ever believed that ideals were worth fighting for? If so you might have an independent mind and brave spirit. Just like the Browns.

I'll be there, with my sign: "Fed. Bullies, Leave the Browns alone". I'm asking you who also believe the income tax is wrong, or illegal, or however you look at it to be there, too. Being there doesn't mean you have to be in a gun battle with the feds. It just means you are taking a stand with Ed Brown to say "The income tax is wrong" and to tell the feds to leave the Browns alone. Now is the time to take a stand. Our freedom is worth it.

People are gathering—more each day—at the Brown's home in Plainfield, NH.
Directions:
They are off N.H. Route 12A. Take Stage Rd. about 3/4 mile to Center of Town Rd. Follow until road becomes a narrow dirt road. They are just past a mailbox labeled "COPP". Their driveway is on the left, and there is a warning to gov't officers posted at the entrance to their place. Drive in about 1500 feet.

You can't miss the driveway now. There are cars everywhere and flags in the trees.

Other things you can do to help:

Write to the local law enforcement and ask them to not allow the feds to harm Ed Brown.
Please contact the Sheriff's office in every way that you can at:
Michael L. Prozzo, Jr.
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office
14 Main St.
P.O. Box 27
Newport, NH 03773
PH 603.863.4200
FAX 603.863.0012
or [email protected]
call 603-863-4200 for the local police station, too.

We're hanging US and Gadsden flags in the trees along Ed's driveway. He particularly likes old US flags with only 13 stars. If you'd like to contribute a flag, send it to:
Russell Kanning
88 Sparrow St.
Keene, NH 03431

Send letters of support to Ed Brown at:
401 Center of Town Road
Plainfield, NH 03781

Information, articles about the Brown's case posted here.

For more information, you can also contact Russell or Kat Kanning 603-357-2049.

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