Just pay the taxes

Re “Evading death and taxes,” Column One, July 20

Ed and Elaine Brown are just tax cheats, plain and simple. There is nothing heroic about their “stand.” We pay taxes because it is a somewhat fair and equitable way for all citizens to fund the workings of government. Do the Browns honestly feel the better alternative is no government? I certainly do not believe that the U.S. government is without fault, and I absolutely do not support the futile war in Iraq, but opting to stop paying taxes is not the answer.

We pay taxes because that’s what the rules say we are supposed to do. If everyone just followed the rules, the world would be a much better place.

Elaine Brown says, “We’re fighting for you.” Well, Elaine, you ain’t fighting for me. Just pay your taxes.

Jeff VanderYacht

Santa Ana