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I won't deal with the first half of the book, which gives psychological, political and social commentary/guidance on how to free yourself from Big Brother and his attendant bureaucracy. Reducing the guidance to one sentence: Leave the U.S.. I find myself in increasing agreement with that strategy but I have significant disagreement with some of the other messages within the book's first half... On the other hand, you might find yourself in full agreement.



And, so, on to the practical...Grandpa's advice for today:



The reason: "In the USA, there is a section in the federal code, referred to as '1001' by legal eagles, that makes it a crime to lie to a federal agent." [The actual code is "Title 18, US Code, Section 1001" cited as "18 USC 1001."] "The agent doesn't have to put you under oath or even have to tape the converation. All he or she has to do is produce handwritten notes that indicate that you have made false statements." Moreover you don't have to lie to be convicted; the agent can misquote or mishear what you say. If the lie or mistake is in his/her notes, then you are guilty of an entirely different crime from the one that may have prompted the questioning; you are guilty of violating 1001. Grandpa goes on to give the (in)famous example of Martha Stewart who was questioned by government agents who suspected her of inside trading. She was never convicted of that crime. Her conviction and imprisonment was for violating 1001 -- for lying to government agents about a crime for which they proved unwilling to prosecute her.



The moral: it is not only the police with whom you should never willingly co-operate. Do not co-operate with any agent of the State without an attorney present. Moreover, for those occasions when a government agent knocks on your door (so to speak), Grandpa thinks you should carry the following letter, with two extra copies:



Due to rule 1001, I don't feel I can answer any oral questions at all unless I clear all your questions with a criminal lawyer. Please submit all your questions in writing, and I will get back to you. Please sign this letter below as a receipt for your copy of this document and as evidence that I gave you no information whatsoever in this or any other interview.

Signature of government agent:

Date:

Name and official position:

ID Number:

Telephone Number:



And GOOD LUCK with getting that signature! Back to category overview Back to news overview Older News Newer News



Chapter 21 is entitled "If The Law Comes Knocking: What To Do (And What Not To Do) If You Are Ever Questioned By Government Agents." I've discussed the perils and imprudence of co-operating with the police without the presence of an attorney but Grandpa's advice extends beyond dealing with cops. "Never, under any circumstances, answer questions put to you by any government agent -- unless you have a competent criminal lawyer at your side..." This advice holds true whether you are innocent or guilty of a "crime." (I place the word 'crime' in quotes because the vast majority of currently illegal activities would not be criminal in a just system dedicated to individual rights -- that is, a system that protected person and property.)The reason: "In the USA, there is a section in the federal code, referred to as '1001' by legal eagles, that makes it a crime to lie to a federal agent." [The actual code is "Title 18, US Code, Section 1001" cited as "18 USC 1001."] "The agent doesn't have to put you under oath or even have to tape the converation. All he or she has to do is produce handwritten notes that indicate that you have made false statements." Moreover you don't have to lie to be convicted; the agent can misquote or mishear what you say. If the lie or mistake is in his/her notes, then you are guilty of an entirely different crime from the one that may have prompted the questioning; you are guilty of violating 1001. Grandpa goes on to give the (in)famous example of Martha Stewart who was questioned by government agents who suspected her of inside trading. She was never convicted of that crime. Her conviction and imprisonment was for violating 1001 -- for lying to government agents about a crime for which they proved unwilling to prosecute her.The moral: it is not only the police with whom you should never willingly co-operate. Do not co-operate with any agent of the State without an attorney present. Moreover, for those occasions when a government agent knocks on your door (so to speak), Grandpa thinks you should carry the following letter, with two extra copies:Due to rule 1001, I don't feel I can answer any oral questions at all unless I clear all your questions with a criminal lawyer. Please submit all your questions in writing, and I will get back to you. Please sign this letter below as a receipt for your copy of this document and as evidence that I gave you no information whatsoever in this or any other interview.Signature of government agent:Date:Name and official position:ID Number:Telephone Number:And GOOD LUCK with getting that signature! Printer Friendly Wendy McElroy - Monday 25 August 2008 - 08:29:51 - Permalink On Friday, I received a fascinating book from the rebel press Vera Verba entitled "Bye Bye Big Brother" (abridged edition) for my review. Since then I've been absorbing the oversized, thick work. Having received permission from the publisher -- the author is anonymously referred to as "Grandpa and Others" -- in the coming days I'll be quoting brief passages from the book and commenting on some of the practical advice being offered. And, yes, this is an endorsement of the book's value to anyone who values their personal liberty.I won't deal with the first half of the book, which gives psychological, political and social commentary/guidance on how to free yourself from Big Brother and his attendant bureaucracy. Reducing the guidance to one sentence: Leave the U.S.. I find myself in increasing agreement with that strategy but I have significant disagreement with some of the other messages within the book's first half... On the other hand, you might find yourself in full agreement.And, so, on to the practical...Grandpa's advice for today: