Randy Cassingham's Blog

Posted by Margaret, Portland, OR on January 12, 2008:

Unbelievable. For one thing, government workers seem to have it a lot easier than most of the rest of us. The retirement system for state workers here in Oregon is enough to make you sick -- not only retiring at 100 percent of previous wages but still getting yearly raises! Not to mention they can "double dip" by working for someone else while still pulling in benefits. I rather think with what the IRS takes from all of us that anyone working there ought to be able to afford a subscription for himself, plus a few others who actually are unable to afford it. I am single with no dependents and I can't even bring myself to look at my check stub these days, it's too depressing.

I worked out a rough draft of a budget for myself based on what I take home and it came out that after everything else is paid I am left with about 30 bucks a month. If I can afford a Premium subscription I'm quite sure he can.

It all comes down to priorities -- what is more important, a premium subscription to This is True, or a daily Latte, or extra premium channels on cable tv, some nifty cell phone that checks email and takes pictures and does all kinds of other kinds of cool things... you get the picture. Gee, wouldn't it be nice if we could all start some fund where other people send us their money so we don't have to sacrifice our own money for things we want.

As far as coughing up even a dollar for "Bill," I know he just works there, but I think the IRS gets more than enough from me already, thank you very much.

Posted by Kevin, TX on January 12, 2008:

Here's a thought. He's a government employee, already receiving your, your readers, and all non-readers tax-dollars to pay his salary. To ask for more is absurd. To do so from his IRS email account is another waste of government resources, which again are paid for by us common taxpayers, whether he does so on his own time or not (and by mentioning 7:40 AM, is that your time or his (9:40 AM in D.C.). It is your duty as a U.S. citizen to bring this to the attention of his management so no further waste of any of our tax dollars go to waste on fools like this.

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I think what matters is his income, not really where it comes from. I don't have an issue with people who work for the IRS, though I do have an issue with people who accept a job with certain rules attached, and then violate the rules. Either follow the rules (which in this case include no personal e-mails, etc.), or find a job with rules you can deal with. And yes, the time mentioned was his time, not mine. -rc

Posted by Darrell - Idaho on January 12, 2008:

Bill, forget it. I earn less than $22,000, am married with 5 teens still at home. I have a premium sub and am still on the free list (maybe I'm greedy). I don't eat out (much) and NEVER pay too much for commodities. Get a life, Bill, and SET YOUR PRIORITIES.

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I don't think it's "greedy" at all to be on both lists. It's fine with me. Some like to see the ads, some like to see which stories I choose from the full panel for the free distribution, etc. etc. If you have fun getting both, then get both! -rc

Posted by Diane-- British Columbia on January 12, 2008:

Well, what an opportunity for people to be able to let the world know how little they have and yet how they'd never do anything like this!

Please, let's try and remember that none of us know how we would act within a given situation, until we are there.

It's easy to say we'd do well with that salary with the extreme stresses of such a large family, but we are not privy to the details.

And, is it necessary to publicly humiliate a person who maybe had a really bad day and perhaps did something out of character? From Randy to his friend at the IRS, to those posting, this guy has been roasted but good. His crime? He had the audacity to have miscalculated Randy's response and those of his fan club.

I think that in the grand scheme of things, it was a small error of judgement. The measured reaction to his request however, has been downright nasty.

I suspect that the damage has been done and Bill no longer wishes to have the premium subscription. I also suspect that the information about him was enough to "out" him-- no publishing of his last name or area necessary.

There was no humour involved with this-- just plain and simple humiliation.

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We disagree. With such a common name as "Bill", I doubt anyone really knows who he is. And he sent his "letter to the editor" with the intention that it be published, so is anyone truly surprised that I published it? If it's "humiliating" that his real feelings are out there, that says plenty about him, and very little about the people who are posting their honest responses. -rc

Posted by Chuck - Illinois on January 12, 2008:

As a free True subscriber for years, I also would love to be able to afford to upgrade to the Premium edition, and someday I will. But I would NEVER ask anyone to pay my way! Now we have a "typical" U.S. Government worker expecting the taxpayers to pony-up a little more (isn't it always just a little more?!?) so he can reap the benefits of our hard-earned money. And if someone was kind and paid for his subscription, how do you think Mr. I.R.S. would reward him? Probably schedule him an audit, it is tax time after all.

Posted by Jack - Switzerland on January 12, 2008:

Good Lord! The basic thisistrue is for FREE!!

If you want anything so badly at this price level I could think of a dozen ways to get it legally.

Next thing might be suing Randy for declining the premium due to "refusal of providing mental medical care".

Posted by Maria Jose, Quito - Ecuador on January 12, 2008:

True is something that brightens my day when I get it but I'm a student and far from home so as much as I want to go for the premium there's no way I can get it in to my budget.

He sounds more like my 3yo nephew then a parent with a qualified job. I guess it is the first time I listen someone (besides my nephew) going for "but I want it" and thinking that it is reason enough to get it no matter what.

Posted by Walter, Florida on January 12, 2008:

What a crock. I raised 7 kids and adopted one on a government salary (GS8).

And I don't know where I stand with you, regular or Premium? Please let me know.

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Virtually everyone starts with the free edition and then upgrades, but a few just find it, like it, and start with Premium. If you want details on when you started, you'll have to contact me directly and include your last name. -rc

Posted by Lorelei in Chicago, IL on January 12, 2008:

Shame on him! I'm a single mom of a 4-year-old and live with my parents. I work part time and don't have any health benefits for myself and am dealing with a deadbeat father who is 9 months delinquent in child support and I have not asked for a free subscription or for anyone to help fund a premium subscription. I don't even take WIC! (that's government handouts for women, infants and children, for those of you who aren't from the US). That man should be ashamed of himself asking for handouts on his salary. He should be happy for the freebie you provide to the world. And an IRS employee to boot! Tsk, tsk. What a bad example he is for the children he's raising. Again, I say: shame, shame!

Posted by David, Philly Burbs on January 12, 2008:

I applaud Bill for trying to be a good parent. I understand that Philadelphia has some of the highest taxes around, taking close to 5% off the top of your income. But there are always people with greater hardships. there are always though choices to be made, that is just part of life.

I must admit, I am prejudiced, find it hard to find pity in my heart for a government bureaucrat at any level.