I've been wondering where these guys were

Back in the days of the Clinton Administration, when the government didn't interfere in family decisions about medical care and when there wasn't talk about giving stem cells the full rights of human beings, there were guys muttering about black helicopters, certain that the Evil Clintons were going to take away all of their Constitutional rights.

Funny how during the Bush years, when we have an Administration that really IS taking away people's Constitutional rights, the militia types have been strangely quiet. Clearly the only amendment these guys care about is the second one. So it's been kind of disheartening that we haven't heard from these types much during the last six years.

Until now:

CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 19) - A former militia man convicted of tax evasion prepared for a government siege Friday at his fortress-like home, but U.S. marshals gave no indication they were planning to confront him.

Ed Brown said he was ready for a swarm of federal agents to descend on his property to execute an arrest warrant issued after he failed to appear for the end of his trial. He and his wife contend that they did not have to pay income taxes, and his supporters say a conflict could be violent.

"If Mexico came up on my land and tried to take my land, would I not fight?" Brown said. "The United States is the same exact thing as Mexico in this state."

Brown, 63, and his wife, Elaine, 65, were convicted Thursday of plotting to conceal their income and avoid paying federal income tax. They argued the tax is illegitimate and they are not required to pay it.

U.S. marshals said negotiations with Brown continue and they have no plans to attack Brown's Plainfield home or act quickly on the arrest warrant. He has been holed up in his home with armed supporters for much of the trial.

"He wants attention. We're determined to keep this very low-profile," U.S. Marshal Stephen Monier said.

Brown said he has a stock of food and supplies and that his home can run on wind and solar generators.

"It's all set up for me to stay here forever," Brown said by phone.

Elaine Brown, a dentist who earned most of the couple's income, was staying at her son's home in Worcester, Mass., pending the couple's sentencing in April. She said she had no plans to return to Plainfield, where she fears there will be a violent confrontation.

The Browns' case has found support on the Internet from militia members to libertarians and anti-tax groups.

I guess now that the Democrats have taken over Congress, these guys can start muttering again...because it's clear that THEY will never be under surveillance. No, it's only peace groups and anti-war demonstrators that warrant surveillance; guys who hole up in compounds with guns, refuse to pay their taxes, mutter about Zionists and one-world government, and occasionally bomb an abortion clinic or two are perfectly OK under a Republican administration.