Back in the day (early 1960’s), I was a recent college graduate. I had started my first professional job, as a chemist with the Food and Drug Administration. I was about to file my first income tax return. Although much of my income was subject to withholding, I was appalled to learn that I still owed money! My father, a room-service waiter, was perrinelly in trouble with the IRS. Seemed that the vast majority of his income was derived from tips, which in the eyes of the feds, was subject to massive underreporting.
My father, as did numerous tipped workers, utilized a tax accountant/preparer, who had me writing-off numerous deductions, legal at the time. I became (on paper)a heavy smoker, drinker and abuser of other vices, all of which were deductible. Lo and behold! My “Balance Due” became a modest “Refund”! First lesson learned: Fly under the radar. Don’t be greedy.
Fast-forward several decades. I became a part-time tax preparer. I went to work part- time for H&R Block. H&R was (and still is) extremely conservative. I learned the business – the right way. What motivated me? Well, we had a couple of college-aged kids. Here was a chance to earn some money – not to mention avenging dear old mom and dad who were still being picked-on by the IRS. After a few years, I struck out on my own. Again, flying under the radar. It was also an opportunity to become proficient in computers.
Where am I going with this? Like many of my countrymen, I have become alarmed by what MAGA Republicans are doing to this last, best, hope for mankind. To begin with, we are rapidly becoming a kleptocracy. Donald Trump has been enriched in office, to the point of embarasment. With the notable exception of Harry Truman, most U.S. Presidents, truth be told, enhanced their net worth as a result of their occupancy of the Oval Office. None, however, succeeded to The Donald’s extent. Indeed, this seems to be his only successful business venture (unless, maybe, he had a profitable paper route, as a kid. Too much like work, though).
Only 8 more months to the election. Here’s hoping that enough voters come to their senses to emasculate this madman before it really is too late.
Rogernarc 