In anticipation of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day on July 30, the Internal Revenue Service Whistleblower Office recognizes the important role whistleblowers continue to play in supporting the nation’s tax administration. Whistleblowers and the IRS Whistleblower Program are essential for promoting fairness and accountability and collecting funds from noncompliant taxpayers.
Snitches, stiches; some disassembly required.
And now, I salute the gallant name-takers at the IRS...
Family anecdote: the most unpopular person in my family was an uncle (by marriage, to one of my father's sisters) who worked for the IRS. We'll call him "Gene" - mainly, because that was his name (long departed, RIP, etc.) He was widely suspected of ratting out another uncle (Old Paco's older brother), who wound up getting audited, I believe, and perhaps paying some kind of fine.
Here's an interesting sample of Uncle Gene's character. Back in the early 1950s, when Old Paco was a deputy sheriff, Gene came to him one day, filled with anxiety bordering on hysteria.
Old Paco: What's the matter with you, Gene?
Gene: Joe! You've got to help me! Tommy Suggins [made-up name, I don't remember his actual moniker] has passed the word that he's going to be looking for me, and the next time he sees me in town, he's going to whip my ass!
Old Paco: Why would Tommy want to do that?
Gene: He says somebody told him that I was going around town saying that his girlfriend was a whore.
Old Paco: Well, did you?
Gene: Yes.
Old Paco: Dammit, Gene! What the hell did you think Tommy was going to do? Let me tell you something; I hope when he finds you I happen to be there, 'cause if he does decide to beat your ass, I believe I'll hold you down while he does it!
Good for Old Paco.
ReplyDelete