Hello Modem Users:  I have just read a post concerning the fact that
the State of Massachusetts is attempting to levy taxes upon the BBS known
as Channel 1.  Part of the state's plan is to use an unpublicized Use Tax
schedule and charge back three years worth of penalties to the tune of some
$100,00.00.  The second part of that state's plan includes an experiment
involving a "message transfer tax"  Every time a caller sends a message
"ba-da-bing" goes the tax meter.  THIS IS NOT A HOAX!

   I am here to ask every one of you to join me, in the formation of an
"International Association of Modem Users" (IAMU).  The goal is to provide
a vehicle that will collect and distribute information about "modem taxes"
and other issues that burden Sysops and Modem Users.   Together, as a
united association of "modem users", we can work together to protect our
right to "Free Speech".      Only as an organized and cohesive group, can
we repel the efforts of various local, state and national govt bodies to
implement similiar MODEM & BBS TAX MEASURES upon all of us.

            PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO JOIN ME IN THIS EFFORT.

It demands the full support of all Sysops,  Network Administrators,
Moderators and Modem Users.   This is a serious undertaking that will
require a lot of time and effort. If you are skeptical, contact Channel 1,
yourself to verify this information.

     The First Task is to solicit information from ALL OF YOU.  I need to
see and hear, that you,  as a modem user,   feel these issues are important
enough to donate some of your time and energy.  Unless YOU are willing to
help, this association will not succeed.

Consider the time and benefit you receive from your favorite Bulletin Board
Systems. Consider the contacts you have made "on-line" and the knowledge
and ideas you have shared electronically with others.   These "freedoms"
that many of us take for granted will become "luxuries" unless we stake our
claim to "Free Speech", today.   If your local bell company had their way,
you would be charged for every word you type into your phone line.

And every local, state and federal government tax collector would be right
there to "get their shaare", right off the top.   Why should they?   Do
they deserve it?   Are they automatically entitled to make money off of
your desire to communicate with others?   NO WAY!

   This is YOUR world.  YOU have a right to say when and how and where you
allow the government to intercede.  If the FBI had their way, they would
have InterNet feeds coming into their central offices reading every message
you write.   NOW is the time for all modem users to unite as a single
entity to stop the intrusion and the taxation.  This association has the
potential of including millions of modem users, around the world, from all
walks of life.  The only common thread is a modem and a desire to
communicate with others without -outside- interference.

  Think about what I have posted here.  If you agree with anything that I
have said,  then I urge you to communicate your thoughts to me and to your
local BBS and to other modem users that are part of your world.   Don't
just stand around "thinking" that these "modem taxes" are a hoax or a joke.
THEY ARE FOR REAL  AND  YOU ARE GOING TO START PAYING FOR THEM UNLESS YOU
ACT NOW AND ACT POSITIVELY TO DO SOMETHING TO HELP!

  		My E-Mail Addresses via Internet:

          searchnet@delphi.com       or       72764.3012@compuserve.com
  
Or as "Jim Leonard",  on Channel 1 BBS.    To voice your concerns or to
register your support call  206-781-7754  (Seattle, WA - USA).    I will
add your name and E-Mail Address for distribution of informational
bulletins concerning "tax modem" issues or to correspond with you about
volunteering to help out,  only.   Information you provide will be held in
confidence and will NOT BE RELEASED TO ANYONE ELSE, FOR ANY REASON -
PERIOD.     signed,  James Leonard - August 6, 1993

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IAMU-International Association of Modem Users-All Rights Reserved Worldwide
(C)opyright - August 6th, 1993 By James Leonard, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
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MAY NOT BE COPIED FOR COMMERICAL PURPOSES.   May be copied in it's entirety,
without alterations for uploading to other BBS's and for Modem Users to learn and share for educational purposes only. s/James Leonard,   searchnet@delphi.com
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