Should he be allowed to keep his earnings?

[yael]

In the news there’s this gentleman who came here to the states from Guatemala - I think.
He worked here for 11 years as a dish washer to take care of his family back home. He saved up his money and has just recently decided to retire and return home with his earnings from his hard work.
He had saved up: $59,000. He put it in a duffle bag and boarded a plane home.
Customs stopped him and confiscated the money.

They told him that he could take $10,000 of it because thats all anyone is allowed to take out of the country at one time.
He said ‘NO’ -he worked for that money and it was his.

Then they said he could keep an extra $9,000 if he kept this whole matter quiet. He said ‘Nope’ - the money was his and he worked for it.

Well Pedro - I think that’s his name - was paid under the table for all of those years and had not paid any taxes on the $59,000.

If I were queen of this country - I would take out about $10,000 and let him go home with the rest.

What would you do? Would you allow him to take it all home?

[John Atkinson]

I think he should pay whatever tax he owes and be sent his merry way with whatever is left. Which might be less than 10,000 (the taxes, that is) actually.

I think his employer should face fines and possible imprisonment.

But then I also think the whole system with immigration and naturalization is so totally hosed that it needs to be burnt to the ground and rebuilt from scratch..

[angelindesguise]

[quote=yael;307927]In the news there’s this gentleman who came here to the states from Guatemala - I think.
He worked here for 11 years as a dish washer to take care of his family back home. He saved up his money and has just recently decided to retire and return home with his earnings from his hard work.



At first glance I thought this thread said ( Should he be allowed to keep his Earrings ? ) :D

You been gone somewhere Sister Yael? I been missing you. ;)

[Former PK]

I'll vote with Bro John on this. pay the taxes and on he goes.

I suspect the deal is, that said law was passed to curtail drug running. But, I could be wrong.

[drummerboy_dave]

Oh, is this forum for us, too? I thought it was the new Thaddy room.

[Bro.Sam]

I think he should pay whatever tax he owes and be sent his merry way with whatever is left. Which might be less than 10,000 (the taxes, that is) actually.

I think his employer should face fines and possible imprisonment.
...
.

Agree, any federal, state, local, and social security taxes with penalties and interest should come out of his life savings. If anything is left, he could keep that.

The employer should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The employer should have to pay what his portion of social security would have been for all those years.
If necessary, the employer's assets should be seized and possibly his business, vehicles, home, etc. auctioned off if he cannot meet the fines, penalties, etc.

[Polaris]

In the news there’s this gentleman who came here to the states from Guatemala - I think.
He worked here for 11 years as a dish washer to take care of his family back home. He saved up his money and has just recently decided to retire and return home with his earnings from his hard work.
He had saved up: $59,000. He put it in a duffle bag and boarded a plane home.
Customs stopped him and confiscated the money.

They told him that he could take $10,000 of it because thats all anyone is allowed to take out of the country at one time.
He said ‘NO’ -he worked for that money and it was his.

Then they said he could keep an extra $9,000 if he kept this whole matter quiet. He said ‘Nope’ - the money was his and he worked for it.

Well Pedro - I think that’s his name - was paid under the table for all of those years and had not paid any taxes on the $59,000.

If I were queen of this country - I would take out about $10,000 and let him go home with the rest.

What would you do? Would you allow him to take it all home?

Okay...the tax situation might be an issue to grapple with (though it's doubtful that the man even made minimum wage, in which case somebody probably owes HIM money)...but I'm afraid we're overlooking a far greater and more disturbing issue, which is this: SINCE WHEN did our government start telling people what they can do with their money and how much they can take out of the country when they cross the boarder? Talk about "big brother watching you". This is not right.

I have heard of other countries pulling this garbage, but I've never heard of the United States doing it. He ought to simply wire the money (or buy money orders) and over the course of several days send the money where he wants it.

[Mercy1]

Not sure how "long" they've been doing it, but I have been old enough to travel out of the country for the past 7 years and its been that way. You declare what you have and if its more than $10k you have to state how much, not sure what happens after that cuz I never have that much! He didnt do that.

When I read this article a few days ago I thought the same thing, that he should just pay the taxes he hasn't paid. When I did the math on minimum wage and a basic 3% tax rate (cuz I think that is federal tax....not to mention there may have been state and county taxes he didnt pay) it was a little less than $10k for 11 years. When I did the same thing with my salary its a crying shame what I pay!!!

But all in all if you are not a citizen how is it that you feel you should be afforded any "rights"? I have been expelled from Canada before simply because I am not a citizen of that country, and when asked if I felt it was my God-given right to be there of course I answered yes (I am an American...its my right to be anywhere I want to be, right?) and they sent my happy behind right back to Michigan.


Okay...the tax situation might be an issue to grapple with (though it's doubtful that the man even made minimum wage, in which case somebody probably owes HIM money)...but I'm afraid we're overlooking a far greater and more disturbing issue, which is this: SINCE WHEN did our government start telling people what they can do with their money and how much they can take out of the country when they cross the boarder? Talk about "big brother watching you". This is not right.

I have heard of other countries pulling this garbage, but I've never heard of the United States doing it. He ought to simply wire the money (or buy money orders) and over the course of several days send the money where he wants it.

[Inspired-Eyes]

[quote]



At first glance I thought this thread said ( Should he be allowed to keep his Earrings ? ) :D




You been gone somewhere Sister Yael? I been missing you. ;)
:icon_laugDont feel badly sis, I thought the same thing!:spin:
BIG JESUS HUGS!

[yael]

Hi Angel! :) earrings? I guess I better capitalize my 'N's from now on. :)


If necessary, the employer's assets should be seized and possibly his business, vehicles, home, etc. auctioned off if he cannot meet the fines, penalties, etc.

Brother Sam - Wow! And I guess his children should be put in the paupers jail.

[yael]

To be quite honest with you - I have to take my hat off to him for saving that much while living here.
He must have ate the food that the restaurant had but did not sale.

If it were me - I would have been sending it home in money orders - not in a duffle bag.

[meagain]

In the news there’s this gentleman who came here to the states from Guatemala - I think.
He worked here for 11 years as a dish washer to take care of his family back home. He saved up his money and has just recently decided to retire and return home with his earnings from his hard work.
He had saved up: $59,000. He put it in a duffle bag and boarded a plane home.
Customs stopped him and confiscated the money.

They told him that he could take $10,000 of it because thats all anyone is allowed to take out of the country at one time.
He said ‘NO’ -he worked for that money and it was his.

Then they said he could keep an extra $9,000 if he kept this whole matter quiet. He said ‘Nope’ - the money was his and he worked for it.

Well Pedro - I think that’s his name - was paid under the table for all of those years and had not paid any taxes on the $59,000.

If I were queen of this country - I would take out about $10,000 and let him go home with the rest.

What would you do? Would you allow him to take it all home?

"under the table" is not necessarily illegal. Individual entrepeneurs get paid under the table all the time, and it is perfectly legal, mainly because they aren't getting paid enough to have to file for taxes. If he came here legally to start with, then I say let him go on his way. It is a common misconception in this country that EVERYONE has to file taxes, and that simply is not true.

[meagain]

To be quite honest with you - I have to take my hat off to him for saving that much while living here.
He must have ate the food that the restaurant had but did not sale.

If it were me - I would have been sending it home in money orders - not in a duffle bag.

Yes, that was pretty stupid. I'm surprised he had enough sense to save up anything at all if he was moronic enough to put every last dime in a duffel bag!!! Doesn't that qualify for an honorary Darwin award? Or do you have to do something more stupid than that, like almost kill yourself?

[Mercy1]

To be honest, he probably didnt know any better. Just like he more than likely had never flown out of this country (especially if he was here illegally or undocumented) so he didnt know about the declaration.



If it were me - I would have been sending it home in money orders - not in a duffle bag.

[meagain]

I think he should pay whatever tax he owes and be sent his merry way with whatever is left. Which might be less than 10,000 (the taxes, that is) actually.

I think his employer should face fines and possible imprisonment.

But then I also think the whole system with immigration and naturalization is so totally hosed that it needs to be burnt to the ground and rebuilt from scratch..

What if the employer wasn't doing anythng illegal? It may have been a situation like what me and my husband have. We hire guys to work around our house all the time. They mow the lawn, clear brush, and help my husband build on to his house. We don't get the tax people of anyone involved with our lives. We aren't profesionals and neither are the people we hire. They are just out of work types who work for an extra buck for beer or gas money. We just pay them cash. Since my hubby pays a decent amount, I can see where they could theoretically save a bundle. My husband is president of a corporation. He owns all the stock and pays himself one dollar less than what is required to file taxes. Perfectly legal. He does this because he is tired of supporting all the lazy welfare trash.

With the way things are going with the dems. wanting to tax higher income people just because they work smarter and made better choices in life, we're at the point of the "if you can't beat em, join em". Our income is going up, and eventually, we will be taxed to the hilt also. If that happens, then there is no reason at all (besides personal pride and dignity) not to just throw it all away and join those lazy welfare types and live on easy street letting the government take care of us. What incentive will there be for people to work their tails off to have a nice life with all the bells and whistles, if what they work hard for is taken away and given to a bunch of bums?

[meagain]

Okay...the tax situation might be an issue to grapple with (though it's doubtful that the man even made minimum wage, in which case somebody probably owes HIM money)...but I'm afraid we're overlooking a far greater and more disturbing issue, which is this: SINCE WHEN did our government start telling people what they can do with their money and how much they can take out of the country when they cross the boarder? Talk about "big brother watching you". This is not right.

I have heard of other countries pulling this garbage, but I've never heard of the United States doing it. He ought to simply wire the money (or buy money orders) and over the course of several days send the money where he wants it.

The U.S has been doing this for awhile now. Anytime a large amount of cash comes through an airport, it is immediately suspected of being drug money. At least this is the excuse given so the airport security can pocket it for themselves.

[John Atkinson]

If that happens, then there is no reason at all (besides personal pride and dignity) not to just throw it all away and join those lazy welfare types and live on easy street letting the government take care of us. What incentive will there be for people to work their tails off to have a nice life with all the bells and whistles, if what they work hard for is taken away and given to a bunch of bums?











:whistle:this is going to get interesting.... :popcorn

[meagain]

I'm not saying ALL welfare types are lazy bums. Some are in real need of help. But a vast majority of people who are on welfare are lazy bums. People nowadays are so incredibly different then the old timers who were rugged, tough, and didn't have this crazy entitlement mentality going around today. I've been in lines at the grocery store where perfectly able bodied people (usually women) were griping because their food stamp card wouldn't work, or they didn't get money put on it yet. They honestly believed that they were entitiled to that money. I won't even go into what kinds of things they were putting into their carts with my husbands hard earned tax money before he decided to pay himself less because of it.

Isn't that a hoot? :) My husband decided to pay himself less!!!

[drummerboy_dave]

I think I........Hear the train a commin'......It's rollin' 'round the bend.....

[justlovinHim]

Being that I was just in a car accident last week where I was hit by an "illegal Alien" ( I don't like using that term) The lady was driving 75 mph in a 35 mph zone and ran a red light. She totaled my car, almost killed me and my 2 kids. She was given a ticket for speeding and no license and her car was towed! That's it! She did not have to pay $4000.00 in hospital bills.... as I did....:realmad:

I feel that the man should have to pay for taxes. It's not illegal to work under the table but he is responsible to pay taxes as the rest of us have to do...

I believe they are people too who have a soul and need to know the truth but they also need to live by the rules!!! That's what the US is all about!

~~Justlovinhim

[Just wondering]

I'm not saying ALL welfare types are lazy bums. Some are in real need of help. But a vast majority of people who are on welfare are lazy bums. People nowadays are so incredibly different then the old timers who were rugged, tough, and didn't have this crazy entitlement mentality going around today. I've been in lines at the grocery store where perfectly able bodied people (usually women) were griping because their food stamp card wouldn't work, or they didn't get money put on it yet. They honestly believed that they were entitiled to that money. I won't even go into what kinds of things they were putting into their carts with my husbands hard earned tax money before he decided to pay himself less because of it.

Isn't that a hoot? :) My husband decided to pay himself less!!!

Oh me! I could really get on my soapbox. I have seen able-bodied men that are drawing disability because they really just don't want to work. But isn't that lying. And if all liars are going to have their part in the lake of fire then where does these leave them???????

There is nothing free in this world. What they are thinking is coming from the government is actually coming from our paychecks. And it really bothers me when I get a paycheck and there is $500 held out so someone can sit at home because they are tooo sorry to work and can go to the grocery store and buy whatever they so desire to eat. OHHHHHH!

I know enough!:realmad::realmad::realmad:

[justlovinHim]

I'm not saying ALL welfare types are lazy bums. Some are in real need of help. But a vast majority of people who are on welfare are lazy bums.

I have to agree with you. There is a vast amount on welfare that take full advantage of getting free money and food. I know people personally who are on welfare who DO NOT in ANYWAY need to be on welfare! However I do know a couple who DO need the help!

People nowadays are so incredibly different then the old timers who were rugged, tough, and didn't have this crazy entitlement mentality going around today.

Very true! I remember all the stories told about how hard life was but no one EVER complained! They were thankful for what they DID have!

I've been in lines at the grocery store where perfectly able bodied people (usually women) were griping because their food stamp card wouldn't work, or they didn't get money put on it yet. They honestly believed that they were entitiled to that money.

Now this I would have to disagree with. My reason? For instance. I have a disease that causes much pain. I live in pain, day in and day out. There is nothing that can be done about it. The problem is, when you look at me, you can't tell one bit that I am hurting or sick. So there are SOME people who are truly sick however it is not visible to the eye!

I won't even go into what kinds of things they were putting into their carts with my husbands hard earned tax money before he decided to pay himself less because of it.

Now I also have witnessed this! It is true and sad. Sad that your husband had to go as far as paying himself less... and people STILL continue to abuse and use the welfare system. It's sad that those people don't care one bit about anyone else but themselves!

Isn't that a hoot? :) My husband decided to pay himself less!!!


:flame: This gets me on fire sometimes! Theres nothing that can be done about it now.. I think it's gone too far!

[Pressing-On]

It is illegal to "pay under the table"!

As an employer, how do I check an employee’s work eligibility?

Check employee eligibility by calling the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Basic Pilot Program at 1-800-255-8155 between 9am and 5pm EST, and by filing a Form I-9 (http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-9.htm), which is required upon hiring of all workers, including US citizens and nationals. Form I-9s are filed with the DHS.

If DHS discovers that your employee used false documents to obtain his or her position, it will pursue the matter with the employee and you should not be held liable.

For more information on immigration and employment, visit the USCIS webpage (http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/faqsgen.htm#employment).

If you suspect an employer of paying illegal alien workers “under the table,” please contact your local Internal Revenue Service branch office (http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html) as this is a violation of tax laws.

http://cap-s.org/facts/immigrationQA.html

[drummerboy_dave]

WooooooWoooooo!


Hear that?


Chuggachugga-chuggachugga-chuggachugga-chuggachugga...

[Pressing-On]

http://www.mrsr.com/images/winter-special.jpg

[meagain]

It is illegal to "pay under the table"!

As an employer, how do I check an employee’s work eligibility?

Check employee eligibility by calling the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Basic Pilot Program at 1-800-255-8155 between 9am and 5pm EST, and by filing a Form I-9 (http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-9.htm), which is required upon hiring of all workers, including US citizens and nationals. Form I-9s are filed with the DHS.

If DHS discovers that your employee used false documents to obtain his or her position, it will pursue the matter with the employee and you should not be held liable.

For more information on immigration and employment, visit the USCIS webpage (http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/faqsgen.htm#employment).

If you suspect an employer of paying illegal alien workers “under the table,” please contact your local Internal Revenue Service branch office (http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html) as this is a violation of tax laws.

http://cap-s.org/facts/immigrationQA.html


Maybe I just don't know the accurate definition of being "paid under the table". When I say I pay someone under the table, what I mean is that they come to my home, do some work for me, and I pay them cash. I don't fill out any forms on them whatsoever. They do the work, then get paid. What they decide to do with the money after receiving it is up to them.
When you have a neighbor or friends kid mow your lawn and give them money for it, do you fill out all the paperwork? Or do they mow your lawn, get their money and go off their merry way to Wal-Mart or the Arcade.
An employer doesn't necessarily have to be some big company or govt. registered professional this or that. An employer can be as small as one individual paying one person to mow one yard for cash. Maybe that does not qualify as under the table?

[meagain]

Being that I was just in a car accident last week where I was hit by an "illegal Alien" ( I don't like using that term) The lady was driving 75 mph in a 35 mph zone and ran a red light. She totaled my car, almost killed me and my 2 kids. She was given a ticket for speeding and no license and her car was towed! That's it! She did not have to pay $4000.00 in hospital bills.... as I did....:realmad:

I feel that the man should have to pay for taxes. It's not illegal to work under the table but he is responsible to pay taxes as the rest of us have to do...

I believe they are people too who have a soul and need to know the truth but they also need to live by the rules!!! That's what the US is all about!

~~Justlovinhim

Thank God you and your children are going to be okay. Some would argue that the woman's immigration status is irrelevant, but the truth is is that if she weren't allowed to stay here, she wouldn't have almost killed you and your kids.
As far as the taxes go, I think when money is put in the bank, for example, anything over ten thousand dollars is reported to the IRS. If you put a few thousand in separate accounts here and there than I don't know if that would be a loophole to paying taxes or not.
It is a common misconception that everyone is required to pay taxes, if they make over a certain amount, and this simply isn't true. I don't know all the rules or loopholes, but I do know of some in which this is the case.
Actually, the U.S is not about living by the rules. China, or the former soviet Union are about living by the rules. The U.S was built on the idea of freedom, prosperity and individualism. One of the reasons the colonies rebelled from the motherland was because of taxes. America was basically started on the premise of being able to keep more of what you earn and being taxed much less so that individuals could take that money and fulfill their dreams and prosper.
Rules and regulations are needed in any society, but it's the occasional rebellion from the people that keep the society from growing stale and stagnant. Until we put our foot down and demand certain freedoms back, it is only going to get worse.

[Pressing-On]

Maybe I just don't know the accurate definition of being "paid under the table". When I say I pay someone under the table, what I mean is that they come to my home, do some work for me, and I pay them cash. I don't fill out any forms on them whatsoever. They do the work, then get paid. What they decide to do with the money after receiving it is up to them.
When you have a neighbor or friends kid mow your lawn and give them money for it, do you fill out all the paperwork? Or do they mow your lawn, get their money and go off their merry way to Wal-Mart or the Arcade.
An employer doesn't necessarily have to be some big company or govt. registered professional this or that. An employer can be as small as one individual paying one person to mow one yard for cash. Maybe that does not qualify as under the table?
Thank you, Meagain. I believe the issue on the thread was an illegal alien. Thus, I replied to that issue.

It is against the law for many reasons in this case. One being, if you are paying him "under the table" it is probably because he is illegal and not documented.

Any child or citizen can work for so much without having to report their earnings.

The illegal issue is entirely a different matter. Ask me. I live in Texas!

[meagain]

It's not just the freedoms we need back. There is also an overall mentality to being an American that is fading from our society. That also needs to come back. My grandpa used to talk about how FDR's govt. programs and assistance was the worst thing that happened to this country. I didn't understand it at the time, since back then, people didn't have the entitlement attitude. When they were finally given relief, they were very thankful, went straight to work and felt like they were given their, "second wind". Because they were thankful, and didn't feel entitled, they went on to become known as the greatest generation.
My grandpa wasn't talking about the immediate effects the social programs had. I understand now that he was talking from the vantage point of watching these programs outlast their usefulness and he also through the years saw the welfare mentality be born from it.

[meagain]

Thank you, Meagain. I believe the issue on the thread was an illegal alien. Thus, I replied to that issue.

It is against the law for many reasons in this case. One being, if you are paying him "under the table" it is probably because he is illegal and not documented.

Any child or citizen can work for so much without having to report their earnings.

The illegal issue is entirely a different matter. Ask me. I live in Texas!

My mistake. I thought the thread was started about a legitimate alien from Guatemala. I don't think any mention was made if he was legal or not. Or I just didn't notice it.

[Pressing-On]

My mistake. I thought the thread was started about a legitimate alien from Guatemala. I don't think any mention was made if he was legal or not. Or I just didn't notice it.It isn't clear, but "under the table" suggests, with that amount of money, that he was not documented. If he was documented, he still broke the law by not reporting his earnings.

I keep trying to type earrings. LOL!

[Bartholomew]

"working under the table" or working in black as we call it in my country, is very widespread, most of all because we have to pay such high taxes. Many employers hire people to work in black, because every employer have to give around 20 -30% of their gross pay to social secutiry when they are working legally. The employee has to pay around 13% of his gross income to social security plus income taxes. And you americans thought you had it bad! Working without a contract means you are also not insured, if something happens you are not covered by the Social secutiry of the employer, cuz you were never there officially.

[meagain]

It isn't clear, but "under the table" suggests, with that amount of money, that he was not documented. If he was documented, he still broke the law by not reporting his earnings.

I keep trying to type earrings. LOL!

There have been a few years when I didn't qualify to pay taxes, and therefore, I did not report my earnings either. What I filled out when I was making minimum wage was a form I took to the tax office, and instead of getting taxed for it, the govt. gave me this check depending on how many kids I had. A few years ago, I didn't even bother filing the form. It is not illegal NOT to file that form if you don't make enough to get taxed anyway. That is another misconception. If he made under a certain amount of money, then he is not required to report his earnings. The IRS uses the earned child credit as a method to lure the poor into filing the forms as a way of keeping control or keeping tabs on the public. I don't know why they call it earned income. I always called it unearned income. :)

[yael]

It isn't clear, but "under the table" suggests, with that amount of money, that he was not documented. If he was documented, he still broke the law by not reporting his earnings.

uhhh...NO.

Thats not so - under the table means what Meagain and her husband are into.

I think we had a thread some months ago on this matter and most of the board was incensed that people/saints/citizens would have the audacity to receive any kind of payment for performing any kind of service without reporting it to the government (which I believe most have participated in these dastardly goings on anyway sometime in their life time).

But since we have another dear saint on this board participating in this crime, Brother Sam - do you feel that she and her husband should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and have their home taken away from them and their eyes burned out and torn and quartered?

[drummerboy_dave]

Ah, it may have just happened!
http://re3.mm-a8.yimg.com/image/4240070547 (http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fs earch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dpictures%2Bof%2Btrain%2Bwreck %26rs%3D1%26toggle%3D1%26cop%3Dmss%26ei%3DUTF-8%26fr%3Dyfp-t-471%26vf%3D&w=320&h=500&imgurl=www.theage.com.au%2Fffximage%2F2004%2F11%2F 16%2Ftrain_wreck1_gallery__320x500.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theage.com.au%2Fftimages%2F2 004%2F11%2F16%2F1100574464906.html&size=41.6kB&name=train_wreck1_gallery__320x500.jpg&p=pictures+of+train+wreck&type=jpeg&no=3&tt=23,392&oid=ed0fc3a9ff417222&ei=UTF-8)

[Pressing-On]

It isn't clear, but "under the table" suggests, with that amount of money, that he was not documented. If he was documented, he still broke the law by not reporting his earnings.

uhhh...NO.

Thats not so - under the table means what Meagain and her husband are into.

I think we had a thread some months ago on this matter and most of the board was incensed that people/saints/citizens would have the audacity to receive any kind of payment for performing any kind of service without reporting it to the government (which I believe most have participated in these dastardly goings on anyway sometime in their life time).

But since we have another dear saint on this board participating in this crime, Brother Sam - do you feel that she and her husband should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and have their home taken away from them and their eyes burned out and torn and quartered?
I believe we can express our opinions on the matter either way. What is not clear is any details about he man from Guatemala.

When illegals in our area save money and take it home, it is because they don't pay taxes, are not documented, no green card, no - nada.

Therefore, I have a decided opinion that I will be skeptical. :D He was also employed as a "dishwasher", which statistically are taken by illegals.

I believe Bernie Kerik comes to mind on this type issue.

If someone is this country is earning less than what is required to report then - no, we don't want to string them up nor burn their eyes out. :D

[searching]

Oh me! I could really get on my soapbox. I have seen able-bodied men that are drawing disability because they really just don't want to work. But isn't that lying. And if all liars are going to have their part in the lake of fire then where does these leave them???????

There is nothing free in this world. What they are thinking is coming from the government is actually coming from our paychecks. And it really bothers me when I get a paycheck and there is $500 held out so someone can sit at home because they are tooo sorry to work and can go to the grocery store and buy whatever they so desire to eat. OHHHHHH!

I know enough!:realmad::realmad::realmad:

I'm going to go off of your post and add a few things.

It isn't that I disagree with your post, because I personally know people who defraud the welfare system, but my point in this post is......

Unless you know what's going on with people and their health, you can't make a judgemental call about their being 'able-bodied' to work.

I was an 'able-bodied' person on welfare a few years ago. Oh yeah, you'd look at me and wonder why I was using a food stamp card, being 'able-bodied' and all.

I had people who knew me personally tell me that to look at me, nobody could tell I was sick, let alone how sick I really was.

See, I have a condition called intercranial hypertension. This causes neurological problems and can lead to total blindness. Nothing was wrong with my body. There was no sign on my back that gave people a clue. But I was unable to work. Sometimes I couldn't see. Sometimes I didn't dare drive. Most of my time was spent sitting at home. I even slept sitting up.

So again, not that I'm doubting you, and perhaps you already know the info I posted here, but this is just my way of showing the bigger picture with some people. They can look able-bodied but may be far from it. My cousin with a tumor the size of a baseball in his heart is another example. He's never been able to work in his life and can die anytime. But to look at him, you'd never know.

Thanks for the opportunity to launch off your post. :D

[Bro.Sam]

I think the rule is that if you pay someone $50 or more a month then it has to be reported and Social Security must be deducted from the pay and also the employer has to pay his amount. This applies if you have someone babysitting or cleaning in your home. I heard this years ago when my wife was babysitting one day a week for someone and they had to discontinue having her babysit.

[TodayAGiftFrGod]

:nt: I know this is off the topic, but I had to read the title to this thread twice or three times ---
The first time I read it to read: "Should he be allowed to keep his EAR-RINGS? :eek: " :o

[drummerboy_dave]

Alot of us thought that.

[TodayAGiftFrGod]

Alot of us thought that.

Glad to know I wasn't alone! TY! :)

[meagain]

It isn't clear, but "under the table" suggests, with that amount of money, that he was not documented. If he was documented, he still broke the law by not reporting his earnings.

uhhh...NO.

Thats not so - under the table means what Meagain and her husband are into.

I think we had a thread some months ago on this matter and most of the board was incensed that people/saints/citizens would have the audacity to receive any kind of payment for performing any kind of service without reporting it to the government (which I believe most have participated in these dastardly goings on anyway sometime in their life time).

But since we have another dear saint on this board participating in this crime, Brother Sam - do you feel that she and her husband should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and have their home taken away from them and their eyes burned out and torn and quartered?

This attitude of kneeling and kowtowing to the almighty government god, and their petty little unconstitutional demands really scares me sometimes. Anytime people start getting this mentality in their mind, oppression isn't too far behind.