Well, Shakey, I know plenty of Muslims who are totally opposed to the fanatical Musilim extremism and violence you are drawing attention to, and they say so. Every Muslim I know is opposed to it. But who do the news media pay attention to? Fifty thousand reasonable people who don't want ot hurt anyone...or one fanatic who does?

It may be a problem in perception...

As for taxes, I have no objection to paying them, even though some of it inevitably goes to things I don't agree with. Doesn't worry me. I never object to a government I disagree with iniative by saying, "They are using my tax money to do that!" Like...so what? ;-) I accept taxes as a fact of life, and I don't worry about it. To expect governments to always do what I want would be pretty naive, wouldn't it? I figure I am responsible for my own happiness...not the government!

But if Joan Baez or someone else wants to refuse to pay part of their tax to make a point of some kind, that's their business. I am free to do as I wish, and so are they, right? I do kind of admire her sheer determination at the time...