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Archive for June, 2013

Laughing at the IRS…

Posted by taxguru on June 11, 2013

From Jay Leno:

President Obama clarified the situation today. He said no one is listening to your phone calls. He said it’s not what the program is all about. You know, like the IRS targeting certain political groups. That’s not what it’s about.

 

The IRS has taken some heat for reportedly spending $4 million on a conference in Anaheim last year, where employees took dancing lessons. One of the dances they learned? Tap dancing around the issues.

 

If Obama wants to put this snooping thing to good use, how about spying on the IRS the next time they throw a $4 million party? Why don’t you do that?

 

From Argus Hamilton:

New York slapped a warning label on sugary fruit and energy drinks Friday. They’re trying to make it criminal to be overweight. It’s only a matter of time before the U.S. Senate hears testimony that the IRS has been pressing Weight Watchers groups for names. 

 

 The IRS admitted spending four million dollars at an Anaheim conference that included suites, spa and luxury dining. They said they don’t know the exact amount because they did not keep the receipts. That excuse didn’t save Al Capone and it’s not going to save the IRS. 

 

 Olympic star Lindsay Vonn was forced to give a urine sample to a World Anti-Doping Agency agent during a fashion awards dinner she was attending in New York Tuesday. It’s galling. The IRS just called the World Anti-Doping Agency and asked if they do Republicans.

 

Florida retiree Gloria MacKenzie was identified Friday as the holder of the winning ticket in last week’s Powerball Lottery, giving her the jackpot of five hundred and ninety million dollars. She is is eighty-four years old. For crying out loud, she’s set for life.

 

House Democrat Elijah Cummings ripped the administration over IRS misconduct Friday. Other Democrats slammed the White House for allowing the NSA to listen to all phone calls. Even CNN admitted that President Bush’s fourth term is not going very well.

 

From Fred Thompson:

Lois Lerner, the IRS Director of Exempt Organizations, signed letters that were sent to targeted groups asking them to turn over an extensive amount of information to the IRS. Bad news, Lois – the 5th Amendment doesn’t apply to signatures.

 

A new report shows that prison inmates in New Jersey have picked up $23 million in government benefit payments. Huh. I thought criminals had to get elected before getting government paychecks. 

 

Sick of government interference, one doctor in Maine has completely stopped taking insurance and now only accepts cash. Like they used to say in the 60s: suppose they gave a mandate and nobody came? 

 

A recent CNN poll revealed that 54% of Americans still do not support Obamacare. In other news, 54% of Americans are expected to receive IRS audits this year.

 

A new poll shows that 76% of Americans want a Special Prosecutor to investigate the IRS Scandal. The other 24% said they’d settle for a guy with a cattle prod who hasn’t had his morning coffee yet. 

 

Even the New York Times is starting to question President Obama’s travel expenses in this era of belt-tightening. Guess it’s easier than asking “what did he know, and when did he know it?” 

 

Twelve of Egypt’s best-known bloggers and activists are headed to trial for insulting that nation’s President. Seems excessive, but at least they didn’t get audited first.

 

Even John Stewart can’t help laughing at BHO’s over-use of the lie that he learns about all of his Regime’s scandals from the normal news media reports. 

 

 

Posted in humor | Comments Off on Laughing at the IRS…

All joking aside…

Posted by taxguru on June 9, 2013

From Argus Hamilton:

Oklahoma was rocked by severe thunderstorms Monday after two straight weeks of tornadoes. They’re working hard to avoid further damage. Oklahomans are frantically trying to register more Democratic voters in case the IRS has any control over the weather.

 

Los Angeles fire crews battled hillside blazes near Santa Clarita Monday as Governor Jerry Brown took matters into his own hands. It could work. Jerry Brown is on the phone right now trying to persuade the fire to move to Texas for a better economy and lower taxes.

 

U.S. Congressman Charlie Rangel said the IRS scrutiny of conservatives was the result of a cancer on the IRS office in Cincinnati. Many agree. Michael Douglas now blames his throat cancer on the envelope he licked when he sent in his tax returns seven years ago.

 

The IRS was found Monday to have spent fifty million dollars of taxpayer money on lavish conferences the last two years. The conference entertainment cost ran up the bill. Throwing taxpayers to the lions was expensive, mostly because of the liability insurance.

 

IRS commissioner Danny Werfel admitted to Congress Monday that the IRS had overreached in targeting conservative groups. He promised to make it right. The NAACP would be wise to place Pat Buchanan’s face on its fundraising stationery until the heat’s off.

 

Congress heard testimony from real people Tuesday who’d been targeted by the IRS because they’d sought exemption for their conservative groups. The IRS questions were so intrusive. The only organizations they didn’t red flag were the ones that have a red flag.

 

Kentucky Fried Chicken disclosed Sunday that KFC franchises sell twenty-five pieces of chicken per second. That’s half the number it was. KFC used to sell fifty pieces of chickens per second until three years ago when the right wings started getting audited.

 

Barack Obama backed a bill Tuesday to crack down on patent trolls who in the tech world are considered intellectual parasites. It’s confusing. When headlines said Obama was getting tough on trolls, everyone just assumed the IRS had been replaced by a flat tax.

 

Chrysler refused a U.S. government recall demand that the automaker recall over two million Jeeps and Grand Cherokees Wednesday. The government says the gas tank placement is unsafe. Anything that holds a hundred dollars worth of gasoline should be in a bank vault.

 

The IRS was discovered Tuesday to have spent fifty million dollars on lavish retreats at resort hotels. Videotape showed agents at the conference line-dancing and playing party games. They had fun bashing pinatas, and funny enough they were all shaped just like Republicans.

 

From  The Empty Chair II, An Eastwood-Obama Sequel:

From what we’ve been learning about the IRS, it seems like you’re not very tolerant of opposition, let alone criticism.  I know your story is that it’s all the fault of low-level staffers in Cincinnati.  Do you really expect us to believe that a president whose main qualification was being a “community organizer” had nothing to do with a plan to stop certain political action committees from forming?

 

Come to think of it, weren’t you the guy in ’08 who sent out “truth squads” of prosecutors and sheriffs to threaten people who said bad things about you?  Didn’t you also try to scare TV stations out of running an ad by an organization that’s unfriendly to you?  What the IRS has done pretty much falls in line with that stuff, doesn’t it?

 

As someone who holds lots of political opinions that most people don’t think go together, I’m a little confused about whether I’m allowed to speak or not.  I take it any opinion I state that agrees with you is acceptable, but as soon as I disagree, the taxman will be on me like a throbbing forehead vein.

 

From Jay Leno:

The mystery is over. After a month of waiting, it turns out that an 84-year-old woman in Florida has won the $590 million Powerball lottery. As for how much tax she’s going to have to pay, the IRS said it’s too early to tell because they don’t know whether she’s a Republican or Democrat.

 

The IRS spent $4 million on a conference in Anaheim that included luxury hotel suites, passes to theme parks, and tickets to sporting events. They say they’re not sure of the exact amount they spent because they didn’t keep any receipts. I think Wesley Snipes is saying, “Hey, what about me? I didn’t have my receipts.”

From Conan:

The 84-year-old woman who won the half-billion-dollar Powerball lottery asked for it to be given in a lump sum. Then she said, “Actually, can I get that in the next hour?”

 
 

Posted in humor | Comments Off on All joking aside…

More on the IRS problems…

Posted by taxguru on June 8, 2013

I don’t watch mainstream news; but it seems as if they are still doing their job of ignoring and covering up any news that could make their messiah look bad.  Luckily, we now have plenty of alternative news sources that aren’t afraid of exposing the truth.

 

In addition to these news articles, be sure to check out the political cartoons on the IRS issues.  They are hilarious and must be very cathartic for the cartoonists.

 

Cincinnati IRS staffer: D.C. showed interest in Tea Party cases –  The claim that the Cincy office was acting unilaterally was always a pile of BS.

 

The IRS prepares to enforce Obamacare’s contraception mandate. –  They’ve done such a great job so far, what could go wrong with new powers over everyone’s lives?

 

Republicans Focus Fire on IRS Involvement in Obamacare –  Not hopeful based on their past performance in controlling the BHO Regime’s excesses.

 

Conflicting laws, IRS confusion –  AP looks at the rules for tax exempt entities.

 

Here Are Some of the Questions the IRS Asked Conservative Groups – The real world definition of Big Brother. 

 

Tea Party Patriots to Organize Mass ‘Audit the IRS Rally’ in D.C. – Scheduled for Wednesday, June 19.

 

Tea party witness chokes up: ‘I’m not begging my lords for mercy. I’m a born free American woman’ – The testimonies had some good example of how the roles of Public Servants have evolved, so that we regular people are the servants to our government Masters. 

 

IRS granted exemption to questionable group CAIR, while targeting conservatives – BHO’s pro-Muslim agenda in action.

 

At IRS Hearing: Talk Of ‘Jackboot Of Tyranny’ – Not hard to justify this when IRS is allowed to start every case with the premise that the taxpayers are guilty and they are forced to prove their innocence.  Mass murderers have more legal protections from the government than do taxpayers with IRS.  

 

Fmr. IRS head does not think targeting tea party groups was ‘illegal’ – How can we ever expect anything to change when so many in power agree with the use of IRS against political opponents?

 

IRS accused of hiding existence of Tea Party targeting documents – Shocker, not in the least. 

 

Don’t whine about the IRS, kill it! – Michael Reagan 

 

Obama’s tax audit strategy – Dick Morris, who used to work for another DemonRat president who used the IRS to attack his political opponents.

 

Tips for right-wingers on the IRS scandal – Ann Coulter 

 

IRS misconduct was not a random, isolated act – Jack Kelly 

 

What the IRS will do for ObamaCare – Deroy Murdock 

 

OPM Is the Problem, Not the IRS – Linda Chavez on how much those in DC love to spend Other People’s (aka Our) Money. 

 

Scandal watch – Paul Greenberg

 

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on More on the IRS problems…

IRS Responses to Over-Spending Concerns

Posted by taxguru on June 5, 2013

IRS has posted on its News page some official responses to the discussions over their alleged wasteful spending on conferences and wacky videos.

Statement of IRS Acting Commissioner Danny Werfel –  He admits the costs were excessive and promises not to let it happen again.


IRS Key Facts: TIGTA Conference Report


Chart depicting IRS spending on conferences FY 2010-2012
(pdf).  Click  pic for full size

IRS Conference Spending FY2012 Thru FY2012

 

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on IRS Responses to Over-Spending Concerns

Singing about the IRS

Posted by taxguru on June 5, 2013

It’s been a few years, but I used to buy the CDs of hilarious political parody songs by the Capitol Steps.  While perusing Pookie’s Toons, I came across this new one on the current IRS scandals, “When IRS Guys Are Smiling.”

 

While on the Capitol Steps website, I also came across this song from April 15, “Tax Your Children Well.” 

 

Posted in humor, Music | Comments Off on Singing about the IRS

Taxes are no joke, unless it’s at the expense of the “Other Guys”

Posted by taxguru on June 5, 2013

From Jay Leno:

More problems for the IRS. Isn’t that the feel-good story of the year? They wasted $50 million over a two-year period on conferences and retreats for employees. They even spent $11,000 on a happiness expert. I have an idea how to make them happier. How about stopping making everybody else’s life miserable? Start with that!

 

IRS executive Lois Lerner has refused to quit and will collect her full pay and benefits while on administrative leave. They asked her to resign. She refused to go. Where in the real world does that ever happen? You get fired and you tell your boss, “I’m going to stay, and I want my money.” And you wonder why we’re $16 trillion in debt.

From Dave Letterman:

We put up with the IRS. They weasel you and take your hard-earned money. They’ve been taking their tax dollars and throwing themselves lavish parties. I was thinking, “Yeah, well, what good is it being a bunch of power-hungry, jack-booted goons if you can’t enjoy yourselves, if you can’t every now and then pat yourself on the back?”

 
Tiger Woods is about to sign another big endorsement deal with Nike. Tiger already has more money than he could ever spend. He’s excited about this deal in particular because it brings him something he doesn’t have, which is even more money.
 
 
 
 
Jay Leno got the good news Monday that he clobbered the other late shows in ratings in May. His ratings soared since he turned conservative and began telling Obama jokes. Jay was not only class clown in high school but he was also voted Most Likely to Be Audited.
 
 
House Republicans vowed to track the IRS scandal to the White House Monday. Now the comedy begins. Republicans could catch Obama in a hotel room with a gun in his hand, a dead intern on the floor and fifty million in Chinese gold and they’d still blow it.
 
The IRS was found Monday to have spent fifty million dollars of taxpayer money on lavish conferences the last two years. The IRS said they paid for the conferences out of unused enforcement money. The Tea Party immediately demanded more IRS conferences.
 
IRS agents who target conservative groups told Congress they likely got their orders from D.C. New groups are calling for a flat tax and elimination of the IRS. They can get right to work because they registered with the IRS under the name Third Term for Obama.

 

Posted in humor | Comments Off on Taxes are no joke, unless it’s at the expense of the “Other Guys”

IRS & Gitmo

Posted by taxguru on June 4, 2013

NewsBusted, in today’s episode, has a slightly different connection between the IRS and Guantanamo Bay than Jay Leno had last night.

 

 

Posted in humor, NewsBusted, video | Comments Off on IRS & Gitmo

Posted by taxguru on June 4, 2013

From Leno:

President Obama says he is renewing his efforts to close Guantanamo Bay. How about closing the IRS? Why don’t we do that? How about shipping the IRS to Guantanamo Bay?

 

This latest California wildfire is getting pretty scary. But Governor Jerry Brown has it under control. He said he is going to tax and regulate the fire until it gets fed up and moves to another state.

From Conan:

This week President Obama is going to be engaged in high-level talks with the president of China. Yes, President Obama’s message to China is going to be, “I swear we’ll have the money for you by Tuesday.”

 

 From Fred Thompson:

During a congressional hearing, outgoing IRS commissioner Steven Miller admitted that the IRS provided “horrible customer service” by targeting Tea Party groups. Sure. As if the reason we’re mad is that we don’t get a free pen with every audit.

 

The Internal Revenue Service has created eight offices and special “teams” to handle Obamacare enforcement. Thankfully, we can now afford that thanks to canceling White House tours.

 

In St. Louis, armed Homeland Security agents monitored Tea Party members protesting the IRS. Good idea. When people think their government is out to get them, the best response is to send the government out to get them.

 

 

Posted in humor | Comments Off on

Posted by taxguru on June 3, 2013

From Argus Hamilton:

The San Antonio Spurs swept Memphis to make the NBA Finals while the Miami Heat tried to hold off Indianapolis. All four playoff teams left fans bored by their slow pace and tight defense. If they had played any more conservatively they’d be targeted by the IRS.

 

The Quinnipiac Poll said Thursday that seventy-six percent of Americans want a special prosecutor for the IRS scandal. The people don’t understand the process. Just because you get a special prosecutor doesn’t mean that you get the details of the president’s sex life.

 

White House logs revealed IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman visited President Obama one hundred eighty times. We’re witnessing history. President Obama isn’t the first to use the IRS to go after political opponents but he is the first to put them on an Enemas List.

 

 

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Who is auditing the auditors?

Posted by taxguru on June 3, 2013

New IRS chief to face House as agency’s woes grow –  FoxNews

 

IRS controversy turns personal, nasty –  When the facts in a debate don’t work to one’s favor, use personal insults.  It’s right out of the DemonRat playbook.

 

Fear Begets Anger on IRS Scandal –  More on the personal attack strategy to deflect attention from the IRS crimes.

 

IRS woes grow with report of conference spending –  Minor diversion in a town where every government worker, including the Congress Critters, spend taxpayer money  like drunken sailors.

 

Some say the only way to prevent IRS abuses is to get rid of the IRS. Wrong – Jack Kelly

 

Obama’s Campaign Team Comes Out to Defend the IRS –  The future of ObamaCare depends on IRS having more power and authority, not less.

 

Full Dimensions Of IRS Scandal Emerge – From Dick Morris, who has plenty of personal experience with White House scandals.  

 

The Lois Lerner state – From Rich Lowry.  Ms Lerner has become the most famous IRS employee I can recall.  Under the new definition of celebrity in this country, we should soon be seeing her on shows like Dancing With the Stars.

 

Americans Deserve the IRS – Walter Williams chimes in. 

 

The Taxonomy of Scandals: Is Obama Nearing a Breaking Point? – Not likely considering that he has been given full blanket immunity from any wrong-doing because of the color of his skin.  

 

IRS may have targeted conservatives more broadly –  Not everyone feels comfortable admitting that IRS harassed them.  Obviously, many IRS victims fear additional retribution for disclosing the IRS abuses.

 

The IRS passes the buck – Dana Milbank comments on Lois Lerner.

 

An IRS Scandal Inseparable from Obamacare –  Ignoring the laws is becoming an increasingly used tactic by the BHO Regime.

 

IRS’s Shulman had more public White House visits than any Cabinet member –  and who knows how many private visits?

 

IRS Chief’s 118 White House Visits Must Be Explained –  We all know the real reasons.

 

Tax overhaul: Looking to IRS scandal for momentum –  If anything comes out of this scandal, it should be an increased desire to eliminate the IRS altogether.

 

IRS higher-ups requested info on conservative groups, letters show –  The harassment plans weren’t due to unilateral schemes by low level IRS flunkies; but from the top, as in the White House.

 

The process is the punishment – From Mark Steyn. 

 

IRS Taps Executive to Restore Integrity in Scandal’s Wake –  That will be a very tough job.

 

Conservative sites tie IRS controversy to liberal group –  Disclosing private tax data to outside groups is supposed to be a crime–  if done by a GOP administration.  It’s business as usual for the DemonRats.

 

Washington launches four different investigations into IRS scandal –  This pretty much guarantees nothing will happen as a result.  With four separate committees each looking at particular parts of the scandal, the public’s attention will be diluted and nobody will see the entire Big Picture.  We need one Watergate Sam Ervin style committee to investigate everything in one setting. 

 

Embattled IRS part of House GOP attack ad campaign –  Finally some Repubs using the kind of hard-ball tactics that the DemonRats excel at.

 

Watergate premonitions? See the YouTube video that lays out how Barack Obama is handling his scandals the same way Richard Nixon once did –  As much as the BHO Regime hates the comparisons to Nixon, they are too similar to ignore.  Unfortunately, we won’t have the same conclusion as we had in 1974.

 

Americans beware — ObamaCare expands how the IRS can hurt you –  They will help decide who lives or dies.  What could go wrong with that arrangement?

 

 

Posted in IRS | Comments Off on Who is auditing the auditors?