Bunch of Thoughts
Really have had a lot going on. Tax time again, so I’m busy with that. Having to do taxes for three companies that I am a part of and I contracted to do another company and a few individuals. I hate paying taxes, but filling out the forms is kind of fun. Like a game or maybe a puzzle. What number goes here? What the hell do I stick on this line? hehe Not really. But I wonder why a nation would want taxes to be so difficult. Guess accountants have a pretty powerful lobby that fights to make things difficult.
The partner from the CPA firm that audits the college came over this week to do some early planning for the next audit. He talked about how difficult it is to hire accountants now. Especially a CPA. There are fewer graduating now that the degree is a five year plan. He said he hired a non-certified person to do some payroll and payables. A company came and hired her away for US$70,000. Firms in Houston are hiring as many accountants as they can find as there is no problem billing their hours. I had to play poker the entire time he spoke. My thoughts are, “Why am I here?” All this money to be made and I’m pissing my time away here. Gonna change that and quick. I hope. *crosses fingers*
Really tired of politicians playing with words, telling half truths and lies. But it really infuriates me when they compromise the ability of law enforcement. The police have a difficult job without political interference, but I think their hands are getting totally tied. There are two Border agents in jail now, and I doubt they would be there had they been given a fair trial. With a fair trial their names would have been cleared and they would be back at work along the Rio Grande River.
For some reason the US District Attorney chose to go after these men instead of the drug runner that they wounded in a chase. In fact the drug runner became the star witness to put these men in prison. This is despite the drug runner’s history of being in this criminal business from age 14 to now in his 30s. Even his family omits that this thug always carries a gun. While waiting for the trial the drug runner was caught running drugs again. But this arrest indictment was sealed by the judge and gag orders placed on everyone that could have mentioned these facts. Thus it was not entered into the court case of the Borger Agents.
The Border Agents were accused of many things. You can read more here as I’m getting pissed the more I write. All of the documents supporting the accusations against the agents have not been made available to the public. Even Congressional requests were ignored. The trial ended last August, but to date no trial transcript has been provided. The excuse is the court reporter is ill. August? Sounds like the reporter is at death’s door after all this time passed.
This same DA has put a Sheriff’s Duputy in jail in Del Rio, TX too. Why? He protected himself from a coyote (person smuggling in illegal aliens) who tried to run him over. The deputy shot out the rear tire and the bullet ricocheted, striking an illegal in the cheek. These illegals were laid in the vehicle like logs so it is unclear whether the deputy even knew these folks were in the car. Hope the truth becomes evident as this young deputy has a wife and baby. The DA has ruined this young man’s entire life.
How can America attract good people to law enforcement if they keep encrimating them? Why bother being a law officer. The risk is too high. And why does the US DA care more for the criminals than the those that uphold the law? It really smells to me.
My wish is that the truth becomes evident. My dream is that those who lie against someone and that lie places an innocent in jail should suffer the same punishment once that lie is recognized for what it it.
Another rediculous thing is the National Guard on the border. So what? When armed thugs came to the Arizona border, out National Guard’s Rules of Engagement are to retreat. Are the French writing the military’s new standard operating procedures? To make it even more of a joke, these Tennessee National Guardsman are going to receive comendations for abandoning their post. I would rather die than get something so embarassing.
Does anybody in the Bush government have balls? Somebody tell the Emperor he is fucking naked.
Lately, I have been listening to a lot of podcasts on my iPOd. In fact, I rarely listen to music on it anymore. One of my favorites is the Pritzker Military Library podcast. They have authors of various books come and discuss it, followed by a question and answer session. Lately, they have had a number or Medal of Honor winners come and speak followed by a Q&A. I’m truly impressed by the integrity of these men. Their love of country and God. Sometimes it tears me up to recall these men’s sacrifice and that of their comrades. They win the freedom I enjoy. Government is only too quick to legislate it away.
January 25th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Great rant, that!! Yeah, get it out, my man! The world is falling apart at the seams, everywhere.. I think I’ll have to live in the sea on a desert island somewhere in the Maldives. And even there, the shit won’t be too far away..
SA: You know LB I finally went to google the Maldives. I am so there. Go find a Girl Friday and drink a cool beverage from the porch of my hut. Still not exactly sure where it is. But I more than willing to find out.
Blue Ribbon Maldives hugs sir.
January 25th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
ack!
SA: Eek even!
January 25th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
ah, i tot i went into the spambin.. trigger happy again!
SA: Spambin hor?
January 25th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I just got done doing my taxes. Actually someone did them for me but I always feel horrible whether or not I owe or they owe.
SA: I think this year they will owe me. I cannot afford to owe them again.
Red ‘Tax Payin’ Ribbons to you.
January 25th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
I am with you about the public image and law enforcement. I wasn’t aware of the retreat tactic though. Pretty wimpy. There are some “bad cops” but overall our troops and law enforcement officers are top notch.
SA: That’s really gonna scare some terrorists? And having armed kevlar wearing dudes crossing the border in some countries would be called an invasion. Can we dig up General Pershing?
January 25th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
and that poor deputy!
SA: My heart really goes out to this kid. Being a duputy was his life’s dream.
January 25th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
You win some, you lose some. Sigh!
SA: Yep Bkworm. It is this kind of stuff that nudges me closer and closer to SE Asia.
White Ribbons for you.
January 25th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
you can hire me, I’m CPA! except I only know how to count from 1 to 10 and check my bank account balance online. the least I could do is to make you a good hot cup of Old Town White Coffee every morning.
SA: Only 1 to 10? Thats just great. Any more than that and it just gets confusing. Besides a good accountant just give the client what he wants. 2+2=5
That cuppa sounds excellent.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
one of the things that i most admire about you, SA, is your staunch concern about the state of affairs in your country. hats off to you, sir.
SA: Thanks. My kids need a chance for a good life. This politicians are going to leave nothing for them.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
i almost ran away when i saw the word TAX!! >.
SA: Me too!
January 25th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Can I just tag alog to Maldives too?
Yucks… hate tax…
*Maldives Dream Hugs*
SA: Please. You must cum to Maldives too.
More Maldives Dream Hugs.
January 26th, 2007 at 1:30 am
Yikes! i really gotta stop using the “” signs!
did u get the part about you being tagged?
SA: So that was the piak piak feeling I had while I was sleeping.
January 26th, 2007 at 3:39 am
Hee hee.. I bitch about CL you bitch about politics..
Actually I don’t give a damn about office politics or country politics..
SA: Well if if was just wasting tax money I would not be so concerned. But when things are done that can break the morale of those who choose to protect others. Well that is worrisome. Who enforces the law when the police no longer can?
January 26th, 2007 at 6:33 am
ur busy..i won’t interrupt
SA: Please do inturrupt. It is the interruptions that keep me human. hehe
January 26th, 2007 at 7:31 am
who likes tax?
whether filling for myself or someone else, i still hate tax.
SA: Hate hate hate taxes. Especially when I see the money squandered.
January 26th, 2007 at 8:03 am
Ack. That case boils my blood. Good men, protecting their country, are being betrayed by the very people they risked their lives daily protect.
SA: I’m really interested to learn the government’s motive for this. Is Al Capone back?
January 26th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Hi SA, send you some hugs to cheer you on. Hang in there.
How does one listen to podcast if one doesn’t have an iPod?
SA: Pod casts can be heard over computer speakers too. Most media players can play them.
January 26th, 2007 at 11:16 am
*countcount*
Tax relief on skunks?
*stowaway in SA’s Maldives baggage*
SA: You dun wanna ride with me in first class lor?
January 26th, 2007 at 11:25 am
I wish I could say out loud what I don’t like about what our Bolehland’s government are doing… Look at some of our loal bloggers when they touches on sensitive issues… they get sued!
Anyway, I don’t have to pay taxes but PB has to! he has been @#%$&*&^() the past weeks about the taxes he needs to pay…
SA: I don’t mind paying taxes for essential things that meet the common good. I just don’t like for buying things that are only done to win a group’s vote.
January 26th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
*hugs*
SA: And more hugs
January 26th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
hey you!!
SA: Look who got out of their chamber. Hug!!!
January 27th, 2007 at 4:27 am
I was half tempted never to go on reading when I saw the word tax. As they say “there are only two certain things in life: death and tax.” So, now I seem to consider tax morbid too.
I hope those border agents who were only doing their job the best they could will be released soon. I am with you on your sentiments about the issue.
SA: Taxes is a killer word.
Just hoping Bush will do the right thing and pardon them. And then the Justice Dept corrects itself.
January 27th, 2007 at 10:10 am
Thanks for the reply on the podcast.
SA: NP PY. My pleasure. Hope you find some you enjoy. There are many out there.
January 27th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
This is relly serious talk, man…
And u reminds me…
I need to do my personal income tax soon
I always leave it till the last minute
SA: Taxes really wastes a lot of time hor?
January 28th, 2007 at 1:56 am
yes.. taxes are boring and… complicated… and tired… and numbers… *faints*
SA: *throws water on V* Yep they are so bad. Need some Tylenol.
January 28th, 2007 at 3:57 am
* B I G H U G G I E S *
I came, I saw ‘Taxes’, ‘Accountant’ and ‘Politicians’, and my mind glazed over…
I perked up when I saw ‘Maldives’. DYK Maldives is not too far away from UAE?
SA: Is that so? Are you still in UAE? Maldives sounds so good at this moment.
January 28th, 2007 at 6:26 am
yupe its meeeee!!! how have u been? and the missus and the kids?
SA: Fine considering I’m such a boring ol’ sod who cannot go out to play. This time of year sucks.
January 28th, 2007 at 6:27 am
wait how come now it takes some time for my comment to appear on your site?
SA: I really do not know why that happens JJ. But it is not just you. Sometimes even happens to me. Only Yahoo (my webhost) knows for sure.
January 28th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Taxes!! Yucks.
Any advice for DINKS families?? Wish there is something to be done for DINKS families so we don’t have to pay Uncle Sam every year.
SA: What is DINKS family? Not familiar wiht that term. I wish they went to a flat tax or a sales tax. Lot easier then. Jump through this hoop. Hop over to this one. Blargh!
January 28th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
I’ve considered applying for teaching jobs in the Maldives. And then decided against. So, you’ll have to go and tell me if I should reconsider.
And taxes are pretty much equally horrible in all countries. Though in the UK and Denmark, you don’t have to file if it’s just a normal return. That’s pretty cool.
SA: No filing sounds good to me. Unless they are taking the whole pay check.
Maldives looks beautiful. Hope to find out.
January 28th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
DINKS - Double Income, No Kids??
I’m back in good ol kay elle. Planning to go back to UAE is July and already thinking of where to go for a holiday from there!!
SA: Who thinks of these terms. haha
Just checking to see if you headed back. Come to Texas!!!
January 28th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Ugh tax time. Im lucky I have so many things to write off like school stuff and other charitable donations. I hope I dont have to pay the government.
SA: Enjoy those write offs when you can. I would not mind the tax if they did not waste it on so much pork.
January 28th, 2007 at 11:41 pm
aiyo, not again… TAX! I see it everywhere I go these days. give me a break….
Finally the people of United States are calling a stop to Bush’s sending of more troops to Iraq. And also to stop sending fathers or sons to their death.
btw, is that where your taxes went? Iraq?
SA: And Africa. And bridges to no where.
Actually I support the fight in Iraq if the military would be allowed to fight the enemy. If we should pull out now, as happened in Viet Nam the vacuum will create the same conditions that existed for the Khmer Rouge’s Killing Fields. Iraqi government and military needs a solid base to hold that region securely and avoid the Killing Sands.
Bush is a four letter word. Embarrassed that I voted for him four times. Well the last election especially. Should have just withheld my vote, though actually I probably voted more against his opponent than for Bush. There does not seem to be a leader in America any more. And anyone that talks New World Order will absolutely not get my vote.
January 29th, 2007 at 6:31 am
I have to learn to do taxes. I like doing things for myself…also doing my mothers taxes…however, I still have to mail my W2s and 1099s. Man, I have one day to get it out or I’m toast!
SA: Me too. I worked all weekend and now I took off Monday from work to get this done for my game publication company. 1099, W-2, FIT, FICA, FUTA, SUTA Yikes!!!
January 29th, 2007 at 7:39 am
Yep, DINKS stands for double income no kids. How much can we give charitable donations? Me myself already pokai.
SA: According to Publication 526 you can deduct 50% of AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from charitable contributions. There are some exceptions. Always are. If a couple makes more than $145,950 this deduction may be limited. Also the donation of capital gain property may also be limited to 20% or 30% depending on a variety of factors.
Now I pokai too. Need Tylenol. You can download Pub 526 from the IRS website or call them to mail you a copy to get more detail.
January 29th, 2007 at 9:58 am
I salute you being in this line of work! I definitely can’t stand working on figures… we just love and hate auditors, dun we?
SA: As an internal auditor I hate that guy in the mirror. haha
I want out. But figures our fun. I like trying to find out why things happen. I guess that is the gamer in me. But I would rather write than cypher.
January 30th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Yes. It’s tax time again. And this year, our gomen want us to do e-submission (internet submission). Dang!
SA: They are pushing that over here too. So far I have been able to avoid it.
January 30th, 2007 at 4:11 am
Jeez… there’s so much bureaucratic red tape, padding and legislation written out there that some people are confused as to what is the “doing the right thing” anymore… I know exactly what you mean. Now if only you can get the prez and his merry men to work on border patrol, maybe that might just give them a whole new perspective on things.
SA: You can call the Internal Revenue Service over here with a questions and get differing answers from the reps. Really is difficult and “your fault” when an error is made. Jeez.
January 30th, 2007 at 8:08 am
I had to laugh at the “what the hell goes on this line?” bit!
I passed on an oppertunity to go to the boarder with my National Guard unit; the pay was good, but I was happier at home and in school.
Frankly, I think the whole war on drugs is diverting our attention and our funds from where they should be placed. However, when it comes to actual drug runners crossing the boarder, that seems like a no brainer way to start. I’m all for Mexicans coming to America for a better life, but not in the form of bringing kilos of drugs with ‘em to unload on us.
SA: To me the National Guard is spinning their wheels there. What purpose do they have if they have to run away? The commanding general said they did not want to start a international incident. Well I call armed folks crossing over from Mexico an international incident. This can only embolden others terrorists not to mention the drug runners. I think the US does not want to kill one of these drug runners, because when they do the corpse(s) will be identified as members of the Mexican military.
I have no problems with Mexicans coming over here either. I just want it done legally. We have diseases that were almost irradicated in the US coming back. Leprosy and TB to name a few. They are on the rise and part of this comes from the open borders.
January 30th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Indeed what is the world coming to….
SA: I got no idea. Hoo boy! How you been?
January 30th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
‘Actually I support the fight in Iraq if the military would be allowed to fight the enemy.’
Who is the enemy? Is there an enemy in the first place? To the Muslims, US is their enemy.
SA: I don’t think all Muslims are the enemy. Just the radicals such as in Al Queda that do want to kill Americans and freedom. Honestly I think we would have been better served invading Iran. And now it seems we are fighting Iran in Iraq anyway. As the US military presence there attracts those that hate America, fanatics of many nations come together. Makes it a lot easier to kill the vermin that way. But the soldiers have to be allowed to fight. Otherwise it is waste of time and lives. If we had not gone there, we would be fighting in the US. What with our open borders and all.
It is regretful that the average Iraqi suffers. They are literally stuck between a rock and hard spot. I do not have a lot of confidence in a democratic Iraq. They do not have a culture mindset that really supports a democracy. The muslim world needs to go through a reformation as the Christian world did so they can evolve into the mindset that would permit a true Iraqi Republic. That will take hundreds of years I would think. Bush and his stupid New World Order mindset needs to stuff the rose colored glasses and get real. Not sure what government will work there. But I do not think Iraq is ready for democracy.
January 30th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
btw, I’m a Singapore Chinese arh.
Be gently, don’t ‘hammer’ me.
SA: I hope I have not come off mean or condescending. I just try to present my view and I realize that you all are looking at things from a different angle. Heck, even my missus (Hong Kong Chinese) does not understand my point of view sometimes.
I apologize if I have been rude. Truly, I appreciate the fact that we all have the right to disagree.
January 31st, 2007 at 8:17 pm
thanks for the IRS thingy. Very helpful.
Donated once to UNICEF and American Red Cross for the Katrina thing, now I’m bombarded by all sorts of charities. It’s like a disease - my address has been spreading around the continent for more donations.
Hubby also said that he feels ashamed voting for the Prez for his 2nd term. I supported the Prez, too, since I can’t vote, but now….tiuuuuu….he seems to be a laughing stock to the world.
SA: Good. Glad to be of help. I think the Bus became too concerned about trying to make everyone like him. But in the end no one likes him. There’s a lesson there for all of us.
When the charities smell money they come running.
February 1st, 2007 at 3:50 am
It’s very kind of you to answer my question.
I do not support a war of any kind, especially if the average citizens are the ones who are the biggest losers. Putting aside our skin colour and religion, we are all human beings. We are brothers and sisters. And we shouldn’t kill one another.
Many Americans believe they are saving the Iraqis from some kind of hell… but look at the country, is it any better than before? The looks on the faces of the ordinary citizens, and the poor children and the weeping women…
We won’t be able to understand the pain and the sufferings as we are not in their shoes.
I like the ways you see things, though there are some disagreements at times. Cheers and a hug for the papa bear.
SA: I agree. War is an ugly thing and the noncombatants suffer the most. Somehow they try to make a living through all of the carnage and death.
War is not a preferred way of life. But when the US ignored the earlier attacks it did not stop 9.1.1 but rather emboldened those that hate US. If the US does not leave a Iraq on its own terms and from a position of strength I fear millions will die in the vacuum created. And that carnage would overflow into neighboring nations and even far across the globe. The US left Viet Nam in this condition and the result is 15 million deaths throughout the region in particular Cambodia. I don’t want this to happen again.
Thanks for the dialogue and the hugs.