The Republican Agenda: IRS Funding, Deficit Manipulation, and Beyond

For many Republicans, the issue of IRS funding is not just about financial constraints. It is part of a broader political strategy aimed at reducing government resources and increasing financial burdens, particularly on popular programs. This approach aligns with their principle of minimizing taxes and minimizing corporate welfare, as seen in the ongoing debate about the IRS's funding and role.

Strategic Starvation of the IRS

Republicans do not advocate for a complete shutdown of the IRS. Instead, they aim to 'starve' it of the necessary funds. This strategy involves reducing the agency's budget to a level where it is no longer effective in providing comprehensive services, particularly to auditees. The result is a situation where high-net-worth individuals can evade audits with relative ease due to the resource depletion of the IRS.

This approach also extends to pushing the national deficit as high as possible. By accelerating the deficit, Republicans believe they can force deep cuts in popular government programs. Meanwhile, they advocate for tax cuts and reduced corporate welfare, all the while rejecting any form of tax increase or corporate taxation. The idea is to create a financial environment where the government can no longer sustain these programs.

Principled Objections to IRS Funding

The reasons Republicans provide for withholding funding are multifaceted. They object to the need to keep records for the government's convenience, viewing it as a violation of the Fourth Amendment (which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures). Additionally, they believe that taxpayers, not the IRS, should bear the burden of proof, which they consider a violation of due process under the Fifth Amendment (which protects against self-incrimination). While these arguments have been rejected by the courts, the political movement continues.

In some quarters, Republicans even advocate for the complete shutdown of other agencies such as the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all perceived as tools for governmental overreach and control. The focus on the IRS as a primary target is partly due to the belief that public outrage can be harnessed to garner support, as illustrated by recent events where the growth of government force and control over the people have become focal points of dissatisfaction.

For many Republicans, especially those who are politically savvy, the IRS serves as a rallying point. They argue that by giving the people a political target, they can distract the public and create a sentiment of conflict and dissatisfaction. As long as people are paying attention, they can perpetuate this cycle of unrest and change.

Government as Service vs. Control

The core disagreement between Republicans and Democrats is rooted in their perception of government's role. Republicans view the government as a servant of the people, whose primary function is to provide necessary services and protect citizens. In contrast, Democrats see the government as a means to control and facilitate social programs. The push to turn the IRS into a police force with over 100,000 armed agents is a clear sign of this evolving perception. This misuse of resources and the belief in a government force that operates beyond its established boundaries have pushed Republicans to scrutinize the IRS's operations.

As a former Republican who has worked for the IRS and now stands outside the organization, my stance is clear. The IRS has an invaluable role in criminal investigations, particularly in cases of tax evasion where local law enforcement may be unable to act. This function is an essential part of the tax system and needs to be preserved.

I encourage anyone who believes there is mishandling of public funds or political corruption to report it using the appropriate forms and procedures. The IRS must address these issues to maintain public trust and ensure the fair administration of taxes.

Conclusion

While strategies may vary, the underlying goal of the Republican movement is to limit governmental oversight and reduce resources available to the IRS and other critical agencies. This approach is framed within a broader narrative of control and service, reflecting deep-seated political and philosophical differences within the American political landscape.