Jeff OTMG, you make a number of good points.
Is Gray looking for trouble? Well, it appears, even from the slant of these stories, that he is responding to actions by others. Actions most of us would expect, like insurance papers, drivers licenses, etc. But, I don't see evidence he is a criminal harassing others. However, from the state's perspective I'm sure they see this as 'looking for trouble', since he has decided to quit cooperating with coercion.
As far as being a hypocrite for using 'public' roads, I think that is an interesting point. Actually, I believe most road construction comes from gas taxes, which I assume he pays when he buys fuel. And, early in our country's history, private toll roads were apparently fairly common. If we want to get anywhere these days we have to use public roads because of the way the system has developed. So, from one perspective, he's probably paying for the roads anyway, he is forced to use public roads if he wants to go anywhere, and it appears that he bridles against the other, bureaucratic controls we force on people.
Regarding custody of his children, this is a travesty. Tarkington shouldn't be denied the right to see his sons. However, you and I both know that if his wife had played the 'game', as you so appropriately put it, as the mother, she would most likely have been awarded custody.
Gray's confrontations with Tarkington appear to have been very near the Gray homestead. I don't see this as analygous with a Wal-Mart parking lot in town. While I may disagree with the possible religious venom spewed by Gray, if I had someone driving by my home regularly to examine my family and property, I might confront them at some point. And, we don't know what Tarkington said.
At this point I may sound like I'm headed to Texas to aid Gray. No. This fellow is not my cup of tea from the sound of things, but it also sounds like the media is helping to set him up for a subsequent attack. I wouldn't draw the line where Gray has. And, at this point, it sounds as though Gray is pulling into himself and his 'safe house' more and more tightly. His fear and loathing of the state is, unfortunately, being substantiated by their actions and his.
I'm simply saying that the increasing coercions of our society are building, and we'll see more 'Grays' in years to come. I think, as a society, we would be wise to view this not simply as isolated cases of psychotic behavior, but also as indicators of a society becoming too intrusive.
This evening my wife told me she had heard about a new law in Ohio (I have no substantiation, other than her comments). This law would impose certain restrictions if you buy more than 5 kegs of beer at a time. She said there was a 5 day waiting period, the state had to approve your party, and you waived your rights, and granted the state the right to inspect your property. True? Well, I hope not, but sadly ... it would not surprise me.
'They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.' Benjamin Franklin, 1759
I hope this situation ends peacefully, and I hope Tarkington and his ex-wife can arrive at some amicable settlement regarding their children. This situation certainly should not result in serious injury or loss of life ... there is not enough cause. Unless, of course, you're the 'state', and you cannot abide citizens who do not mind.
Live and let live. Regards from AZ
I think its time janet show us how it is done!