Better than a Tea Party

If you've heard of the recent rash of "Tea Parties" around the nation called to demonstrate against massive government spending since Jan 20, you'll know why this article is very timely, brilliant, and doable. I'm serious. This is something I can get behind. Look into it and pass it along.

This is actually a "movement" in reference to Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, and the idea of "Going Galt". Here's some background to all that. But the point is, on April 15th, it's the American W-4 Party!
So here’s my suggestion. April 15th, go to your HR department and change your W-4 claimed exemptions. Go with the maximum exemptions that you calculate will keep you from over-withholding, but small enough to avoid penalties. Budget (save or invest) the difference, so that you can pay the necessary tax next April, and don’t dare postmark the check to them before April 14, 2010.

It’s not a big difference. But if enough people do this, it will be big enough to be noticed. The federal government is expecting to spend your money as soon as it comes in; they’re not expecting to wait until next April to get your money. In fact, if they have to wait, they’re likely to get angry. That’s more money they have to borrow today. That’s more of a functional deficit on their books. In short, if you want to get noticed, a far more effective way than getting some friends together for a group protest is to hit them where it hurts: the balance sheet.

Fellow Americans, it’s time to stop being doormats. If you really want to show the government that you’re angry, it’s far better to show them than to tell them.

Tell your family, tell your friends, tell your blog readers, tell your coworkers. April 15th is the American W-4 Party.

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