The Underground Economy

Kevin Coolidge

“Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society.”—The IRS

“I have seen taxes more than double during my relatively short time on Earth. A corresponding doubling of civility has not occurred.” – Ragnar

I was watching the news today, and just when I think I’ve seen it all, there’s a millionaire in a nice three piece suit begging for a handout. Yep, the CEO of Ford was asking for a couple billion dollars to just get by. Of course, he arrived in Washington D.C. via a company jet that cost $20,000 to operate roundtrip from Detroit. I didn’t even make $20,000 last year, and I’ve never flown first class. I’m just a guy who works hard to make ends meet, wishing my disposable income wasn’t so disposable.

So, just what is required to comfortably get by in our society? The experts seem to agree it’s around $50,000. This should cover the purchase of a house, a bit of land, a new car every few years, and some recreation and travel. Don’t forget to add some funds for food, clothing, and utilities. You should have some money left over for the occasional splurge on a nice dinner out. This makes for a comfortable lifestyle.

Federal and state income taxes account for about 42% of our personal income. Take 42% of fifty grand and you end up with $29,000. No wonder that Ragnar’s Guide to the Underground Economy by Ragnar Benson and published by Paladin Press provides a plan for joining the underground economy. We could earn $30,000 and accomplish the same standard of living if the government would stop being so generous with our money. I’ve done the math and $30,000 is definitely easier to earn than $50,000.

Does this mean becoming a public tax protestor? The thousands of people currently working in the underground economy don’t advertise their displeasure or call attention to themselves. Working in the underground economy is not about proving a point. It’s about taking care of your family. Benson goes into the details of how to make a living without having a job.

Making a living without a job does not mean making a living without working. Ragnar Benson gives solid samples of people who are already doing this in small, inexpensive, easy steps. Ever have a garden and trade those tax-free tomatoes for some cash? Or do some engine work or some welding in trade for some firewood? Then you are a member of the underground economy.

The underground economy has its perks and its perils, and Ragnar covers both. If your only source of income is from the underground, there won’t be any social security checks. Of course, at lot of us don’t expect to collect from this government-run scam designed to crumble in the near future. Paying cash for every purchase is also a quick, painful method of calling the attention of a drug enforcement agent.

So, why not wait for a government bail-out? Why labor in the underground? Why seek independence from government programs that seek to keep you quiet and dependent? It’s tempting to take that free money, but the startling truth is that people working in their own field for their own contentment are happier, more relaxed, and more productive than people working for no one in particular. People generally like to compete in the free marketplace as long as they are allowed to keep and enjoy the wealth they create...

Hobo was already bailed out. He says, “Cats have it all figured out. Working would interfere with his 20 hours of sleep time.” Miss a column? Snooze, but don’t lose. Go to www.frommyshelf.blogspot.com and catch up on your cat naps. Hobo will write for food. You can see him sing for his supper in “Hobo Finds A Home” a children’s book about friendship, fun, and fat cats named Gonzo. No government funds were hurt in the making of “Hobo Finds A Home”