On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver takes all of the fun out of hating the IRS – so much so, that you’ll applaud when Michael Bolton sings a song of appreciation to the IRS and your anus…Um, it’s complicated.
I too, would prefer to believe that the IRS is filled with fat-cat Nazi-like sadists, but (damn you John) IRS employees are not evil. The IRS only does what Congress makes them do by law. It’s not personal. I know…It just feels good to smear your check with mustard, vacuum dirt and other unspeakable ‘statements’ they wipe off and deposit anyway. Believe me, they are beyond caring, as you’ll see.
The IRS is understaffed, widely hated, underfunded and they have the ability to perform endlessly mind-numbing tasks for the thankless. We often picture them as sadistic Nazi-like characters; prepare to change your mind.John Oliver interviewed IRS employees and once you’ve seen them, you cannot continue to view them in the same nefarious vein. As John says: “Those people aren’t Nazis, Nazis are inherently interesting. Those people are the physical equivalent of Ambien.”
When you see the video you will understand why John likens the IRS to a part of the body that also gets little thanks although it is extremely important. While I believe John should have had the Rolling Stones perform ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ – Michael Bolton dedicates a ballad to the IRS and the anus…And dammit, it’s touching!
PS For those who are on terminal hold with the IRS or standing in endless lines, consider filing online. Turbo Tax and similar programs walk you through the process without leaving the comfort of your home and liquor cabinet.