What is about the IRS that makes us hate it so?

A word about the IRS: The Internal Revenue Service collects money from taxpayers so the gummit  can provide services for taxpayers.

That's it. Plain. Simple.

It is the most-detested of all spokes in the gummit wheel not because it takes our money but because the agency has no heart. Of course, being in the tax collecting business is not going to ingratiate yourself to many folks; history points to that truism time and time again.

Starting with the premise that the mere action of their work -- and the fact that WE pay them to do it -- is aggravating to most folks, what is not understandable is the clear perception of a pompous and condescending attitude exhibited by the agency. It is not a miscalculation to state that from the IRS's standpoint, the citizen is presumed to be wrong -- a liar, cheat and thief, if you will -- whenever the agency decides it's Audit Time.

I've had two run-ns with the IRS in the past 20 years. Well, "run-ins" is a bit harsh; they sent me a tax bill and I sent them a check both times. The intimidation factor of that agency -- even to a rebel with claws -- is as real as the hangover after a night of swilling tequila trying to wipe out bad memories.

The IRS, like the persona of "public welfare" is a part of the government we love to hate. And, darn it to hell and back, the IRS asks for it.  In 2010-2011, the agency has spent $49 million on 225 conferences, with some officials spending more than $3,000 a night on accommodations.

They paid $17,000 for a speaker who drew pictures of Michael Jordan and U2 singer Bono to motivate employees. Conference expenses have fallen dramatically over the last year as the administration is trying to revamp its image in the second term. And it's making a dent: After spending more than $40 million on do-something conferences, the agency dropped that "educational" number to slightly more than $4.1 million last year. That's still about $4 million too much

Tax reform is needed but will never become a reality until lobbyists for major corporations and Richer-than-Rich individuals are told to fly a kite by our elected officials.

Fact, there is no reason that IRS statements of earnings, deductions and payments should not be readily accessible on a3x5 note card. Well, there is one reason: Money. Those that want a complicated tax code with well-hidden exemptions for those that make enough money to hire folks to find them will never let that happen due to campaign contributions.

It's sad when the system that's supposed to be working for the public is "working" the public.

Tax reform? It will happen ... when world currency is based on the underarm hair standard.

What about those guns?

Three times in the past month or so, I've sauntered into a store and tried to buy ammunition for one of my guns. No ammunition was to be found. For my .22 caliber pistol and rifles.

Someone out there is hoarding ammo and I'm getting a little nervous thinking about the herd of armadillos I know is gathering in Andres Thicket, ready to pounce upon us as soon as I snickety-pop the last .22 shell at a charging target. 

I don't need bullets for an AK-47 or a a nosecone for a ballistic missile, just some little ol' long-rifle .22 shells.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 25 states this year have considered restrictions on certain types of weapons or ammunition accessories. Not in Arkansas. 

The Arkansas Legislature loosened restrictions on carrying firearms in churches and higher-education institutions. Lawmakers also exempted former law-enforcement officers, court bailiffs and county sheriffs, from concealed-handgun licensing requirements, including mandatory training.

 Other bills included recognizing all states’ concealed-handgun licenses in Arkansas, allowing liquor store employees to possess a firearm and granting authority to a church that operates a school to permit concealed handguns on its campus. The salons still won't permit a citizen to carry a gun in the state Capitol. Good thing, too.

As Tina Fey said recently, doing her schtick as Sarah Palin, “If more people have guns, there are less guns in stores, you betcha.”