People have railed against taxes and swiped at the hands of over-reaching government officials for centuries. At various times in U.S. history they have been viewed a patriots, terrorists or traitors, the Hendersonville Times-News reports.
Fueled by government angst, the Internet and the recession, this unorganized sect of tax-evaders and law-shruggers is growing in North Carolina and across the country.
Transylvania and Henderson counties are estimated to have as many as a few hundred who share the beliefs that people are born sovereign, but become enslaved by a government that has no authority.
They live by the rule of “inalienable rights,” often dismissing the government’s claims that they must pay taxes, register their vehicles, drive with a license, pay a mortgage and exist with Social Security numbers.
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