Here is an interesting example of tax resistance that grew out of the African-American “Moorish Science” movement — from the Toledo Blade:
“Moor” Finds He’s Not Tax Exempt
Cited For Annoying Gasoline Attendant
Cleveland, (AP) — “Annoying” gas station attendants by refusing to pay the tax on gasoline constitutes disorderly conduct, in the opinion of Cleveland police prosecutor Bernard J. Conway.
He filed disorderly conduct charges against Lonnie Merrill Bey, 42, a foundry worker, who insists he is exempt from taxes as a “descendant of the defeated Moorish nation.”
Mr. Bey says the U.S. tax laws do not apply to him because the “Moors” were never granted citizenship.
He was held briefly in jail two weeks ago after refusing to pay tax on gasoline. But he was freed when the prosecutor’s office said there was no law against a consumer refusing to pay a tax.
On his second arrest yesterday, Mr. Conway said:
“Obviously this man is trying to annoy gas station attendants by refusing to pay the tax. That is disorderly conduct.”
Also an interesting example of police flexibility. There’s always some law you can use to arrest someone who bugs you, even if they aren’t doing anything illegal.
