2001 Ron Paul 54:1
My office has received hundreds of phone calls, faxes,
emails, and letters supporting Mr. Schulz and Mr. Croteau. I think they are sincere
in their beliefs, even though I strongly disagree with their hunger
strike. I believe we can work with the IRS, the administration, and
Congress to get answers to their questions, and I know that Congressman
Bartlett and I are willing to assist them in their efforts. However, it
is imperative that these gentleman end their fast immediately. No cause
is served by their needless suffering.
2001 Ron Paul 54:2
The validity of their claims about the tax laws and the
16th
Amendment is uncertain. Yet I support Mr. Schulz’s right to petition
his government, to have his petition heard and taken seriously. The IRS
should meet with him, and respond formally to his questions. His First
Amendment petition should not be dismissed simply because his viewpoint
is not shared by IRS officials. Indeed, the right to a formal response
is inherent in the constitutional right to petition the government.
2001 Ron Paul 54:3
The attention generated by Mr Schulz and his
organization shows that
many Americans are fed up with the tax system. It’s an outrage that
most tax professionals, much less typical taxpayers, cannot understand
the incredibly complex tax code. It’s an outrage that so many have had
their lives destroyed by the IRS. One thing is clear: The Founding
Fathers never intended a nation where citizens pay nearly half of
everything they earn to government. Congress needs to address the tax
mess legislatively, by drastically simplifying and drastically reducing
taxes. My own legislation would repeal the 16th Amendment and put an
end to individual income taxes.
2001 Ron Paul 54:4
Mr. Schulz and thousands of other Americans have very
strong
feelings about our tax system, and it needs to be fixed. Their voices
should not be ignored. Mr. Schulz and his supporters can make their
voices heard at the ballot box, by electing candidates who sincerely
believe in changing the tax system.
Note:
This statement was not made in a Congressional session, so it does not appear in Congressional Record. It was posted in Ron Paul’s Congressional website and taken therefrom. The date was obtained from a link in Ron Paul’s Congressional website.
This chapter appeared in Ron Paul’s Congressional website at http://www.house.gov/paul/congrec/congrec2001/cr071701C.htm
