"Our government has grown to such gigantic proportions, so out-of-control that we can no longer afford even a moderate standard of living while continuing to support it. Something has got to give." Henry was warming to the task now. Words poured out like treasured vintage wine.

"History has proved beyond doubt that Washington cannot spend our money wisely or economically. Other countries continue to get things from us they don't want, while we don't get what we need desperately, like quality education for our children and savings for our old age, for instance. We need jobs for those over sixty-five who still have twenty years to live and no work, and are already supporting their 80- to 100-year-old parents. It's too expensive for most of us. The present domestic unrest, street gangs, pockets of chronic unemployment, discrimination and hate all around us are the best proof of its failure. The government has had since the Civil War to prove it could administer our tax money. It has heaped abuse upon abuse and failed miserably, building a wide road to nowhere paved with national interest debt and skyrocketing personal debt. What's more it has violated the first principle of investment: Invest close to home where you can keep an eye on it!

For the sake of our children's future and our country, we must return this money and power to the people who earned it. Thank you."

He had everybody's attention. The committee was glaring out at the crowd, the crowd was murmuring, glaring at the committee as the Chairman remembered his gavel.

"Order," he ordered, whacking the gavel sharply. Whack! Whack! Whack!

When the crowd was again settled, he began to make the IRS case against Henry in the opening statement for the government. 'this was supposed to be easy. Why doesn't it feel easy? the Chairman thought.

"We, ahh, are a very fortunate nation," he began.

"We, ah, have a standard of living second to none, a legal system second to none. We must protect our great national treasures from those who, however well intentioned, would destroy what has taken so long to build.

"A great wrong is alleged to have been committed against you by this bug... ah, ...man."

Heads shot in the direction of the Chairman at this slip of the tongue. Reddening brightly, he continued.

"If these allegations are true, this misguided citizen has not only refused to obey the laws of our land, but he has often encouraged others of our fine law-abiding citizens to follow. In doing this he has set himself apart from the rest of us hard-working, industrious, tax-paying, generally fine folks. He burdens us with the duty of using our time, energy ... and tax money! ... to investigate his activity and determine if laws have been broken.

"Mr. Charade," the Chairman said waving the gavel menacingly. "You must listen to the voice of the people. You must abide by their will and by the laws promulgated by duly elected representatives of your government who know what's best for you. You must become aware of the great wrong you commit by this alleged course of action! You must wake up, wake up to these clear, undeniable facts"

"No," blurted Henry.

"It's not true!" he cried.

His mind was confused now. What's going on?

"Wake up! Wake up, Henry. Wake up!" The hearing room spun wildly and Henry's vision became fuzzy.

Bewildered, Henry looked up and saw a hazy, familiar form standing over him. Frank Wallace hand was on Henry's shoulder and he was saying.