THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY

Failure to pay taxes is bad news for the average American, but not for the IRS employees who owe back taxes. In an article that was posted in Forbes, titled "The IRS And The Tax System: Integrity And Fairness For Whom?", it reports that between October 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012, 1000+ IRS employees who received $1million in cash rewards, over 10,000 hours of time paid-off and 69 quality step increases, were all in some sort of tax compliance problem. Not to mention, over 2,800 employees who were with conduct issues, which required disciplinary actions also received $2.8 million in monetary awards, 27,000 time off rewards and 175 step quality increases, but somehow Congress does not find this as to be a conflict of interest, and could care less. If that doesn't add salt to the wound.

Now, I'm not sure what Government we are talking about, but I could of swore we were speaking of the US Government, "our" government? The government who we are suppose to uphold to the utmost high in making sure that all that we are doing and is being done for us is done by the laws and regulations (Bill of Rights and Constitution) of this nation; however, if we have government employees who are not withholding and practicing the same standards that "We the People" are suppose to be withholding and practicing, how can our government expect us to do the same?

So, if the salt didn't sting, or this whole ordeal didn't leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, maybe the IRS mission statement will...

Provide America’s taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.

 "INTEGRITY and FAIRNESS to ALL"  How is integrity and fairness to all  being shown? I will tell you, it's not! But, I guess integrity and fairness to all ONLY applies the those of the government?!

In my opinion, I would like to see these same employees, who owe back taxes and have been awarded monetary compensation receive the same treatment that "we" receive when taxes are owed. Liens, harassing phone calls, abundant of letters and tax refunds taken to cover the amount of taxes owed. I also feel that Congress needs to address this issue and not sweep it under the rug in hopes this will blow over. But of course, all this is wishful thinking.

From the Outside Looking In

In Sheila's "The reality of living paycheck to paycheck", she talks about the reality of what single mother's go through to provide for their families. I have to commend her in saying, "We as a nation must do more to support those who are honestly striving to get out of poverty." It's not everyday that you hear someone say or even think this way. We often hear a lot of negativity from those who are on the "outside looking in" who believe everyone who is on/or has been "public assistance" is "lazy" or looking for a handout, when in actuality, they are really there in need.

I'm pleased to know that as a "single parent" myself, this documentary was able to enlighten Sheila in what it is like to be single raising children in today's society, and that "Our nation " does need to step up to the plate and support single mother's who are trying to better themselves, not there to look for a hand out.

Thank you, Sheila! :o)