Joe Stack- Hero or Murderer?

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, a 53 year old man by the name of Joseph Andrew Stack III, flew his plane into the Echelon 1 Building which housed the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) office. Joseph Andrew Stack III, referred to as Joe Stack, was described by his neighbors and friends as, "a quiet fellow, and kept to himself" (Texas Observer). He was also a member of a local band. So, what makes a 53 year old husband, father, and friend who is described as being basically a low-key guy, fly his plane into a building to kill others as well as himself?

According to his text that he posted on his web site prior to his suicide, he stated, "If you're reading this, you're no doubt asking yourself, "Why did this have to happen?" He goes on to describe his difficulties, experiences and opinion of the government and how it operates. He concludes with, "I choose not to keep looking over my shoulder at "big brother" while he strips my carcass...." (Austin American Statesman)Despite his difficulties, I ask, is it right for him to take other innocent lives along with him?

His daughter, Samantha Bell, considers her father her hero. She stated if her father was a hero, in an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America": "Yes. Because now maybe people will listen." My question is this, "What is it that people will listen to?" What they are hearing is a disgrunt disturbed man, who was in financial troubles with the IRS, crashed his plane into an IRS building killing and injurying other innocent human beings. I strongly believe that is nothing for people to "listen to."

Bob Moser, author of "Joe the Terrorist," stated, "Stack appears to have been a frustrated middle-American with a tragic screw loose.....And his death, no matter his twisted intentions, won't change it one whit."

I personally would have to disagree with what his daughter stated. The actions taken by Joe Stack will not change the way that the government operates. The only thing that people will "listen to" are the heartache, terror, financial strains, shock and disbelieve that his actions have caused.

The fact remains, there will continue to be frustrated people who owe the IRS and are unhappy with the way the government is run. The fact remains that despite his acts, the IRS will not change their laws or practices. If you owe, you must pay. His actions in my opinion, do not make him a hero; they make him a murderer.