Washington Post Scare Tactics
Albert Crenshaw wrote an article in the Washington Post this morning that has me remembering the movie "Bowling for Columbine".
The movie showed how the media (and others) presents only the frightening, salacious news to the public, and that this constant presentation of the bad world creates an understandable fear of the world. That fear results in racism, anti-semitism, homophobia, you name it. I imagine everyone bug-eyed, peering out their curtains at their empty streets, afraid some black man is going to come rape and kill them.
The article is not about violent crime, but white crime. The auther describes how the IRS is attempting to tighten the rules relating to the sharing (selling) of private information related to your taxes, and describes how the most likely culprit of this is the tax preparer. He quotes people who describe tax preparers as "surrepticious". He points out the potential for tax preparers to make money selling your personal information, but never really gives an example. He describes how a tax preparer could spread a bunch of papers out in front of you and ask you to sign them, "surrepticiously" including one that gives him permission to sell your info.
Here are some articles I expect to see next week:
Locksmiths are the most likely to break into your house and steal your tv!
Massage Therapists are the most likely to videotape you naked!
Postal workers are the most likely to steal your Social Security check!
After reading this article, any rational taxpayer would ask themselves the following question; "I wonder if my tax accountant is going to sell my personal information?"
Now, don't get me wrong, privacy protection is a valid concern. However, it's a statement, not an article. Mr. Crenshaw builds an article around this statement that is irresponsible and, frankly, disgusting. It's an unwarranted attack on a profession that is currently unprepared to defend itself because it is otherwise occupied with your tax returns.
Read Mr. Crenshaw's article here; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/22/AR2006032202190.html, and then please send him an email pointing him to my blog. You can do so by clicking on his name under the title of the article.
The movie showed how the media (and others) presents only the frightening, salacious news to the public, and that this constant presentation of the bad world creates an understandable fear of the world. That fear results in racism, anti-semitism, homophobia, you name it. I imagine everyone bug-eyed, peering out their curtains at their empty streets, afraid some black man is going to come rape and kill them.
The article is not about violent crime, but white crime. The auther describes how the IRS is attempting to tighten the rules relating to the sharing (selling) of private information related to your taxes, and describes how the most likely culprit of this is the tax preparer. He quotes people who describe tax preparers as "surrepticious". He points out the potential for tax preparers to make money selling your personal information, but never really gives an example. He describes how a tax preparer could spread a bunch of papers out in front of you and ask you to sign them, "surrepticiously" including one that gives him permission to sell your info.
Here are some articles I expect to see next week:
Locksmiths are the most likely to break into your house and steal your tv!
Massage Therapists are the most likely to videotape you naked!
Postal workers are the most likely to steal your Social Security check!
After reading this article, any rational taxpayer would ask themselves the following question; "I wonder if my tax accountant is going to sell my personal information?"
Now, don't get me wrong, privacy protection is a valid concern. However, it's a statement, not an article. Mr. Crenshaw builds an article around this statement that is irresponsible and, frankly, disgusting. It's an unwarranted attack on a profession that is currently unprepared to defend itself because it is otherwise occupied with your tax returns.
Read Mr. Crenshaw's article here; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/22/AR2006032202190.html, and then please send him an email pointing him to my blog. You can do so by clicking on his name under the title of the article.
posted by Mike Anderson at
6:49 AM
2 Comments:
I am not convinced that this is aimed at the individual tax preparer, but at corporations (like H&R Block) who have been shady in their operations (New York State is suing them for guiding customers into high-fee IRAs in direct violation of the law).
On the other hand, doesn't this kind of article steer individuals to reputable tax preparers (like those in the NAEA or similar organizations) and encourage people to not just go to "anyone." It strikes me that this is good advice for tax preparers and mechanics. Heck, mechanics could run off with your car... :)
By
Anonymous, at 9:34 AM
Hmm. I don't see a single word in that article recommending individuals seek out tax preparers who hold specific credentials or who are backed by organizations like the NAEA (National Association of Enrolled Agents).
The article may not be aimed at the individual tax preparer, but it certainly will hurt them. I've already received one email referencing this specific article, from a longtime client. I had to reassure him that I'm not a shady guy.
Finally, you're right; mechanics could run off with my car. I'm sure one or two in the history of the automobile have. However, do we need the Washington Post to tell us this? How is it not a scare tactic?
By
Mike Anderson, at 10:31 AM
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