The 20 Americans who travelled to Iraq to act as human shields suspect their government is trying to send a message: show us up, and it's gonna cost you. Shortly after their arrival home, all received letters demanding details of their activities, pointing out that spending money in Iraq is a violation of U.S. law punishable by 12 years in prison and fines of up to $275,000 (U.S.).

U.S. Treasury Department spokesman Taylor Griffin says the letters are simply routine, insisting that "unlike in Iraq under Saddam Hussein," the American government doesn't persecute those with opposing views. Many are less than convinced.

So far, no spectacular expenditures have been recorded. The written response from 62-year-old retired schoolteacher Faith Fippinger catalogued basic groceries, along with "an occasional glass of delicious, sweet Iraqi tea… and tasty kebobs." She added, "I have no receipts." The Treasury Department expects cases to be settled with fines ranging from $6,000 to $10,000.

» Scott Saxon