Battleangel

The Free State Project is a nationwide movement aimed at recruiting libertarians to move to New Hampshire. Russell Kanning, a member of the same Free State Project, was arrested at the end of July for handing out leaflets, urging IRS agents to quit their jobs. He is now being held in maximum security and effectively isolated from the world.
It is not at surprising that Libertarian activists draw as much ire and heavy-handed intervention from the federal authorities as would bona fide “terrorists.” In fact, it shows with ample clarity what the U.S. government is really afraid of. Namely the loss of control and opposition to its hegemony, whether it be over New Hampshire or the Middle-East region. Now, one may not necessarily always agree with either “Libertarians” or “Terrorists” and their specific ideology, goals and methods, but you have to hand it to them for exposing a sore spot in the Empire. One that can be capitalized on. (via BB)

For the third time in the last four days, Keene resident Russell Kanning finds himself in Federal custody. The 36-year-old libertarian activist isn’t in trouble for selling drugs, threatening officials or endangering anyone. Instead, he’s the target of Federal wrath because he attempted to enter the Keene IRS office with…a piece of paper.

Last Thursday, after announcing his intentions publicly, Kanning appeared in front of Keene’s IRS branch wearing overalls and a straw hat, clutching a pitchfork in one hand and a leaflet in the other. His intent was to enter the IRS office - sans pitchfork - and hand the leaflet to any government employees working there.

“I want them to quit their jobs,” he said, referring to the one or two IRS agents who staff this part-time office on Keene’s Main Street. His flyers contain a form which he is asking IRS agents to sign, pledging they will stop working for the agency because of what he considers the evil things it funds.

But Homeland Security agents, as well as some from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stood ready to defend this tiny office from the dangerous flyer. They told Kanning if he attempted to enter the office (situated above Keene’s main postal facility) they would arrest him. Kanning chatted with them briefly, then informed them he would not be able to comply with their orders and slowly moved forward toward the IRS section of the building. Agents then gently cuffed him, transported him to Keene Police Department and released him.

Kanning then immediately went back to the IRS office, got arrested again, released again, and vowed to return for a third visit at noon on August 3. He also declined to appear in court.

So on Monday, July 31 around 10:30 a.m., Federal agent seized him again, this time inside his home, this time not so gently.