Lawyers: sic balls

I’m of two minds on this story...I think they are both equally valid.

An attorney for filmmaker Michael Moore say the brother of Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols should be prosecuted for tax evasion.

In a deposition given in connection with his libel and defamation lawsuit against Moore, James Nichols said he doesn’t file federal income tax returns, despite working as a farmer.

In a court filing, Moore lawyer Herschel Fink said he wants U.S. District Judge Paul Borman to “inform the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Nichols’ admitted, continuing tax evasion.”

According to the deposition filed recently in U.S. District Court, Nichols told Moore’s lawyers, “I’m not required to file.”

I’d be interested to knwo why Nichols thinks he doesn’t have to file.  If he’s one of those “taxes are illegal” nutters, well...good luck with that.

Anyway, the two minds thing.  One part of me says “Moore is right, however petty his motivations are.  The guy isn’t paying taxes, he’s admitted to a federal crime.  SO be it, way it goes.” The other part says “This is how Moore protects the little guy against big bad government?  By turning him in?  Some man of the people, eh?”

If Mikey wants to set himself up as the champion of the little guy, he oughtta start acting the part.  Simply claiming you are something doesn’t make it so.

On the other hand, Nichols is intentionally evading taxes and has openly admitted it, so to hell with him.  Besides, on a purely personal level, he creeps me out and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to learn he’s the third party complicit in the OKC bombing.  But that has no legal relevance to his tax evasion.  It would just be a bonus if he ends up copping a plea and admitting to playing a part in OKC in order to get a lighter sentence.  AT least we’d know.

So...what do you think?  Is Moore doing the right thing or being petulant, or both?

Thanks to reader Jake for the link.