Government Failout, Part II

In case you haven't heard, 15 million American taxpayers probably owe money to the U.S. government. No, they are not tax evaders, but rather victims yet again of government oversight through no fault of their own. Apparently, the Internal Revenue Service incorrectly established the new tax tables in implementing President Obama's economic stimulus tax "break." Consequently, many taxpayers received too much in their paychecks - and the government wants “their” money back. Alas, taxation with recompensation. 

Let's be honest though. Even though elected by the people, government – and Congress specifically – is not looking out for the people as it should. Never really has, probably never really will. And though you may think otherwise – wanting not to be “pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered” – you are nothing more than a (Social Security) number to them. 

As example among the most recent, lawmakers could have made changes to credit card practices effective immediately instead of next year. How are credit card companies responding to that legislation? Incrementally increasing percentage rates and fees before the legislation takes effect, thereby continuing their manipulative practices toward the very taxpayers Congress supposedly aimed to protect. The same ones whose tax money helped bail out these companies. Of course, you have the option to "opt out" of the increase as a cardholder - the downside being that your account will be closed and you will no longer be a cardholder. As such, it is a Catch-22:  either you agree to the increase, enslaving yourself further to the gluttonous corporate juggernaut, or are forced to lower your credit standing, and by consequence, your credit rating, due to their strong-arm tactics.

Indeed, by hook or by crook.
  

©2009 Steve Sagarra