Memorial Day: Visualizing America’s Wartime Veterans

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who died in service to their country. The holiday was officially proclaimed in 1868 to honor Union and Confederate soldiers and was expanded after World War I to honor those who died in all wars. Today, Memorial Day honors over one million men and women who have died in military service since the Civil War. This infographic compiles statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Defense to honor our men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

And some historic quotes inspired by the supreme patriotic sacrifice made by so many:

Patriotism consists not in waving the flag, but in striving that our country shall be righteous as well as strong.

- James Bryce

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

- George Washington  

I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.
- James A. Baldwin

My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

- John F. Kennedy

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.

- Mark Twain

A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.

- George William Curtis

Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Services make to defend our way of life.

- Robin Hayes

Comments

[jack stephan]

Guys with moon size balls day.

The blow fell at 0445. First and hardest struck were the isolated positions held by the 1st and 2d Battalions, 105th Infantry. The attack on these units hit from front, flank and, after moving through the gap, the rear. Almost as soon as the attack was launched, communications to the rear were cut. It was then simply a matter of two isolated battalions of soldiers fighting for their lives. This they did and did well. Some of the soldiers stacked so many dead Japanese forward of their positions that it was necessary to move to get fields of fire.

The attack was unbelievably horrific.

Major McCarthy, commanding the 2d Battalion, described the onslaught:

It reminded me of one of those old cattle stampede scenes of the movies. The camera is in a hole in the ground and you see the herd coming and then they leap up and over you and are gone. Only the Japs just kept coming and coming. I didn't think they'd ever stop.

Bill O'Brien refused to give up the fight, earning a posthumous Medal of Honor. Among other things, his citation (scroll down 40%) notes the following acts of bravery during his final day:

On 7 July 1944 his battalion and another battalion were attacked by an overwhelming enemy force estimated at between 3,000 and 5,000 Japanese. With bloody hand-to-hand fighting in progress everywhere, their forward positions were finally overrun by the sheer weight of the enemy numbers.

With many casualties and ammunition running low, Lt. Col. O'Brien refused to leave the front lines. Striding up and down the lines, he fired at the enemy with a pistol in each hand and his presence there bolstered the spirits of the men, encouraged them in their fight and sustained them in their heroic stand.

Even after he was seriously wounded, Lt. Col. O'Brien refused to be evacuated and after his pistol ammunition was exhausted, he manned a .50 caliber machinegun, mounted on a jeep, and continued firing.

When last seen alive he was standing upright firing into the Jap hordes that were then enveloping him. Some time later his body was found surrounded by enemy he had killed.

Good luck all you bow legged bitchez

[besnook]

bless the men and women who went forth for the glory of empire while believing they fought for the glory of the american way and the beacon of freedom all of us wished it represented.

[mberry8870]

This s my pathetic ass effort to honor my dad, my son, my sister, my nephews, my brother-in-law and the many others I don't know but I owe.

Copy and then paste.

Monday, May 27, 2013 

Layne Carver

Operations Mgr., Exam SC Support

1973 N Rulon White Blvd MIS 4210

Ogden UT 84404-0040

In reply refer to: 0469000192

Layne Carver:

I am in receipt of a letter from IRS Department of the Treasury that has your electronic signature on said document. It is without a doubt noted that I received this threat on Friday 24, 2013 a day I understand that was an “IRS furlough” day and yet the world did not stop but your harassment lives on.

Let me respond, firstly, to the first paragraph of said letter, to wit; “This is in reply to your correspondence received Nov. 16, 2012.” I have no idea to what correspondence to which you are referencing I have sent your fine organization. In merely one of my files pertaining to you and your organization, as those items in that file pertain to my wife and me, there are 48 different items with a “modified date” preceding your “receive” date prior to November 16, 2012. It is generally good practice, in my view, to reference the actual date of the correspondence in that it would be much more helpful in terms of my correspondence being directly on point.

I do note with some irony that on the IRS website it is written: The Agency: The IRS is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury and one of the world's most efficient tax administrators. With that statement I completely disagree, as is my right, as of now. What I don’t understand is that statement in context with a statement written by a Ms. Jacquelyne Yarbrough, Manager, Accounts Management from Memphis. TN  (REGARDING JUST THE 2009 RETURN!!!) stating, and I quote; “Due to a heavy workload, we have not yet completed our research to resolve your inquiry.”

Please be advised that your Agencies “activities” have encompassed “tax matters” relating to me, my wife and my LLC’s going back to 2006. I don’t know if you completely understand the import of this letter but this letter will contain no profanity. It is with purpose and intent that I used absurdity and profanity in previous correspondence as a tactic to see how far you and your fellow employees, along with those directing you either verbally or via other forms of communication would attack an individual.

It has been with deep disappointment that we (my wife and I) have experienced your spectacularly uncivil behavior the past few weeks.  You have attacked us in very personal terms, virtually non-stop. The issue is not a “legal/IRS matter” it is a Constitutional matter.[1]

Are you paying attention now? If not now you will need to go to the last section of my response in order to understand your personal risk. That may be of interest to you.

In your second paragraph you state the following: 

“We have determined that the arguments you raised are frivolous and have no basis in law. Federal courts have consistently ruled against such arguments and imposed significant fines for taking such frivolous positions.”

I don’t do frivolous, irrespective of your statement. I completely disagree my valid arguments have no “basis” in law in that all my arguments are based on the Constitution, supposedly the premise of all law. The fact that you and your ilk have performed the most absurd forms mental gymnastics to defile and deform that sacred document is not my issue. It is “all” our issues. Your reference to Federal courts only signifies the extent to which these activities have infected the Third branch of the government.

I can only presume that you may be referring to “frivolous arguments” as being a statement that I will no longer sign the IRS 1040 form because just above where I am commanded to sign, your agency proclaims the following: 

“Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have filed an original return and that I have examined this amended return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, this amended return is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer) is based on all information about which the preparer has any knowledge.”

My point, that seems to be entirely missed by your ilk, in that my signature means something – either in an electronic manner or a physically written manner. The level of my intellect (while also being attacked) has often been described as highly above average. If I were to put the “best of my knowledge” to the IRS code I would be lying. I try not to lie. The US IRS Tax Code, to the best of my knowledge and belief, contains 3.8 million words including cross-references, as of February 1, 2010 with an additional 10 million words used to clarify the 3.8 million words with cross references and all; I think.[2]

In one of my missives to your fine organization I did state something to the effect that “I am not some sort of “wing-nut” that doesn’t believe in paying taxes. I would like to pay and file but I have no idea how to file under the conditions your agency has imposed and the expectations you have required of me. I know I said something to the effect that I would like the symbol you use to represent the IRS and Department of Treasury to mean something. I stand by that statement.

Your letter also states the following: “Our lack of response to further correspondence does not in any way convey agreement or acceptance of the arguments advanced. If you desire to comply with the law concerning your tax liability, you are encouraged to seek advice from a reputable tax practitioner or attorney.”

First, I do require response.  Second, I am unable to find a reputable “tax practitioner or attorney”. The definition of reputable from Merriam Webster: held in esteem. Apparently that word was first used in 1662.

Further you state; “The claims presented in your correspondence do not relieve you from your legal responsibilities to file federal tax returns and pay taxes. We urge you to honor those legal duties.” I know you previously inferred there would be “lack of further correspondence” but I would like to “honor” those legal duties. Additional definitions: Honor; a person of superior standing —now used especially as a title for a holder of high office. Duties: obligatory tasks, conduct, service, or functions that arise from one's position (as in life (emphasis added for a reason soon to be clear in the last section of this missive) or in a group).

You also write: “This letter advises you of the legal requirements for filing and paying federal individual income tax returns and informs you of the potential consequences of the position you have taken.” That is simply an untrue statement. In my view, this letter was yet another feckless threat from a feckless organization.

You also write: “There are some people who encourage others to violate our nation's tax laws by arguing that there is no legal requirement for them to file income tax returns or pay income taxes.” Nope, didn’t happen and is in fact contrary to what I have written previously, in both this letter/response and in previous letters to the IRS. I have asked people how they can sign the 1040 Form as instructed given the arguments outlined in paragraph 12 of this letter, never “no legal requirement for them to file income tax returns or pay incomes taxes.” Nice try though.

You also write: “People who violate the tax laws also may be subject to federal criminal prosecution and imprisonment.” That, I correctly believe is a threat. I do have a problem with that. You have decided to threaten me in writing. I find that unlovely, in additional to being criminal: Federal employee or not. This meaning will be come clear in the last section of this letter.

You also state: “The IRS is working with the United States Department of Justice and state taxing authorities to ensure that all taxpayers pay their lawful share of taxes and to seek criminal indictments or civil enforcement actions against people who promote or join in abusive and fraudulent tax schemes.” I wish you the best of luck on these endeavors. I support your efforts. I just don’t think the IRS and the DoJ have displayed the moral authority to lead the required efforts. Just my opinion. N.B. Some may think this is another threat. I will leave that for others to interpret.

You are wrote down these references: 

“Title 26, United States Code

Section 6001 Notice or regulations requiring records, statements, and special returns

Section 6011 General requirement of return, statement, or list

Section 6012 Persons required to make returns of income

Section 6109 Identifying numbers

Section 6151 Time and place for paying tax shown on returns

Section 6301 Collection Authority

Section 6321 Lien for taxes

Section 6331 Levy and distraint

Section 7602 Examination of books and witnesses”

Go for it. You already have, that I know and have evidence of said “examination” having occurred. Again, to the best of my knowledge and belief I am completely unfamiliar with those sections of your Code.

You also cite, in writing:

CIVIL PENALTY - If -

(1) any individual files what purports to be a return of the tax imposed by subtitle A but which -

       (A) does not contain information on which the substantial correctness of the self-assessment may be judged, or

       (B) contains information that on its face indicates that the self-assessment is substantially incorrect; and

(2) the conduct referred to in paragraph (1) is due to -

       (A) a position which is frivolous, or

       (B) a desire (which appears on the purported return) to delay or impede the  administration of Federal income tax laws, then such individuals shall pay a penalty of $5,000.00 

PENALTY IN ADDITION TO OTHER PENALTIES - The penalty imposed by subsection (a) shall be in addition to any other penalty provided by law. 

Okay. As previously communicated to your organization I CLEARLY acknowledged my understanding of:

AMENDMENT XVI

Passed by Congress July 2, 1909. Ratified February 3, 1913.

Note: Article I, section 9, of the Constitution was modified by amendment 16.

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

Last Section

This is my last section. Highlights and emphasizes are mine. I am not sure if you aware of a legal action known as a Biven’s Action[3]. A Bivens action is a claim against federal officials, sued in their individual capacities, for a violation of a person’s constitutional rights. It comes from Justice Brennan’s opinion in Bivens v.Six Unknown Agents, 403 U.S. 388 (1971). The only difference with my Biven’s Action is that there will be no “unknown agents”.

All references to the Constitution and Bill of Rights were sourced from the footnoted government web site[4], you know the government you work for that sole purpose is to protect people like me, irrespective of how much you must hate me.

Bivens established that the victims of a constitutional violation by a federal agent have a right to recover damages against the official in federal court despite the absence of any statute conferring such a right. So Bivens trumps the idea of sovereign immunity.

To state a claim under Bivens, a plaintiff must allege that he

• was deprived of a constitutional right

• by a federal agent

• acting under color of federal authority.

 The preamble to the US Constitution is as follows: 

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

You and your ilk have not insured “domestic Tranquility”, “promot(ed) the general Welfare” nor have you and your ilk secur(ed) the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Prosperity (in my particular and individual matter you are attempting to destroy my Prosperity).

It is my opinion that what you and your ilk are depriving of constitutional rights, as well as acting a federal agent acting under the color of federal authority. You, plus the others listed below (my suspicion is that there are many, many more to be added) have violated these constitutional amendments against me, an individual American:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

See Above.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

See paragraph 23 and my replication of your writings immediately proceeding said paragraph. You wrote that, I did not.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

See all that you do. 

AMENDMENT XIII

Section 1.

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

AMENDMENT XIV

Passed by Congress June 13, 1866. Ratified July 9, 1868. 

Note: Article I, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by section 2 of the 14th amendment.

Section 1.

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. 

Known people (a.k.a individuals subject to my upcoming Bevin’s action):

Layne Carver, Operations Mgr., Exam SC Support: Ogden UT 84404-0040

Ms. Belinda Faltz-Heath

Assistant Director

Compliant Management Team

Internal Revenue Service

Inspector General for Tax Administration

P.O.Box 589

Washington DC 20044-0589

IRS employee # 1764294

IRS employee Ms. Lundford ID # 1000486565

IRS employee Ms. Freeman ID # 1000143553

IRS employee Ms. Michele Woolsey, Operations Manager, AUR Ogden UT

IRS employee Retha Zulager, Department Manager ACS Support Cincinnati OH

IRS employee Maureen Green, Operations Manager, AUR Ogden UT

IRS employee Lisa Bellamy, Operations Manager, Collection Ogden UT

IRS employee Sharon Davies Accounts Management I Ogden UT

As with all matters of this import and magnitude, I acknowledge what I don’t know. It is my suspicion there are many more people to add to this list. However, I have not completed all my “work” ---- yet. 

Signed,

Michael R. Berry

This day the 27^th of May in the year 2013, Memorial Day

Iwantmycountryback.com

P.S. Good luck in finding your non-government paid lawyer.

P.S.S. I am not done. I would like the money you owe me, like now.

[1]I would like to thank Carmen M. Reinhart and Kenneth S. Rogoff of Harvard University for providing a template in terms of writing to you.

[2] Source Slate: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2011/10/how_many_words_are_in_the_tax_code_.html

[3]http://www.eejlaw.com/courses/torts_1011/Torts_one-sheet_Bivens_actions.pdf

[4]http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/print_friendly.html

[Milestones]

WOW!! Quite a magnum Opus. My sincere tip of the hat for the incredible time, effort and thought that went into your rant. Congrads.

Milestones

[mberry8870]

Dude thanks for that but it only took me two hours. Another thing it wasn't a rant. It is me telling them exactly what is coming. I have been at this for six years. Art of War stuff --- but I assure you it is not a rant. Thanks agian. I will go it alone. I don't do fear or intimidation and they HATE that. That's cool.

[Milestones]

WOW!! Quite a magnum Opus. My sincere tip of the hat for the incredible time, effort and thought that went into your rant. Congrads.

Milestones

[Uncle Remus]

If you are thinking critically, you are the resistance.

[mberry8870]

Call me Fleck or Z for that matter.

[slimething]

Sure, those bankers were really pulling Tojo's and Hitler's strings. Mao, Stalin, Pol Pot too eh? 

You morons.

[wisefool]

I admit to being a moron. But I am not sure if the rest of your post is sarc or not. Hitler was a product of the Weimier republic, which was a hyperinflationary monetary policy used to "settle up" the war reparations from WWI. Pol Pot is a creation of the post colonial period of french indo china, along with the american participation in the vietnam war. Communism was a revolution from fuedalistic rule to another type of non-meritrocious tyrrany. I could get into the Mao and Tojo stuff too, but again, not sure if you are being sarc or not.

[tjmc]

All very interesting but missing the point.  The infographic, according to it's notes, " compiles statistics...to honor our men and women who have served in the US Armed Forces."  Wrong day.  That's Veteran's day.  

The quotes?  A good attorney would interrupt, "Relevance?"

4 pages of comments.  All over the map.

Take the day at it's purpose.  Remember and honor the dead.    We've got 364 other days this year to cover the rest.

May they rest in peace.

[Dungeness]

Here is an interesting article that discusses the reasons for all wars all the way back to the American revolution. It even discusses America's Icelandic moment when President Andrew Jackson terminated the 2nd central bank of the US.

http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/allwarsarebankerwars.php

And also all the recent wars, and perhaps the wars to come.