American Tax Officer

Chapter 844: Chapter 423: Cut Off Welfare Benefits

Upon hearing the remark that even if someone had evaded taxes, they should not be taken back for investigation, David’s expression darkened before he sized up the white woman who had made the statement.

[Name: Steinbeck Renny.]

[Occupation: Unemployed.]

[Monthly Income: $2,400 (Unemployment Benefits, Welfare Relief)]

[…]

After taking in the information about the white woman.

David took a step forward, approaching her and asked, “Ma’am, may I know your name?”

“I’m Steinbeck Renny, is there a problem?”

This woman named Steinbeck still had quite some courage; even when David questioned her up close, she managed to remain calm and composed.

“Was it you who said that even if Governor Derick was evading taxes, there should be no investigation into it?” David continued his questioning.

“Yes, I said it. You need to realize how much Governor Derick has secured for us, the people of New York State, and how much he has contributed. Even if there are tax issues, his merits should offset his faults!”

Steinbeck’s statement immediately sparked waves of agreement from the surrounding supporters.

David waved his hand to signal for everyone to quiet down, then looked at her and asked, “Ms. Steinbeck, may I ask what your current occupation is?”

“I’m currently unemployed, and it’s not just me, but her, him, them—all of us are in a state of unemployment!”

Steinbeck pointed at several of her fellow demonstrators and continued, “It’s because of Governor Derick’s attention that, even though we are unemployed, we still receive a good amount of welfare subsidies, preventing us from starving or sleeping on the streets!”

“Moreover, Governor Derick has also promised that he will soon promote multiple projects throughout the state to secure good jobs for us.”

“But you from the Internal Revenue Service, at such a critical time, took Governor Derick away. Tell me, isn’t that cutting off the livings of tens of thousands of us?”

As she finished speaking, resounding echoes of agreement rose again from all directions.

At this moment, David understood.

The reason these people were protesting for Derick here, of course, had Freemasonry pushing from behind, but besides that, it genuinely affected their interests.

However, David was not swayed by pity and said lightly, “First, quiet down and listen to me. Although you are currently unemployed, do you really mean what you said, that I have cut off your livelihood?”

“Of course!”

Steinbeck and the crowd of demonstrators replied in unison.

“Heh.”

David chuckled scornfully, surveying the crowd and said, “The Internal Revenue Service has not cut off your livelihood, quite the opposite. It’s because of us that you have a livelihood!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Chief Inspector David, are you distorting the truth?”

“Chief Inspector David, I admit that you have made significant contributions in tax matters but the one who can solve our difficulties and problems is Governor Derick, the parental official of New York State, not you!”

The protesters on the scene were infuriated.

So, David, you arrested our Governor, leading to the suspension of many projects and the associated job opportunities that now seem so far away.

And in the end, to audaciously claim that you have provided us a livelihood?

It’s utterly absurd!

Growing more and more angry, the protesters led by Steinbeck once again rallied their cries of protest.

“Ms. Steinbeck, may I ask, since you are unemployed, you must be receiving unemployment benefits, welfare, and other social security, right?”

Hearing this, Steinbeck, who was still quite heated, seemed to recall something and was suddenly taken aback, and many of the demonstrators nearby felt the same.

“If it’s not unexpected, Ms. Steinbeck, the total benefits you receive each month should be about $2,400 in US dollars, right?”

David then looked towards the other individuals, saying, “And all of you unemployed people, the amount should roughly be the same. But ask yourselves, where does this money come from?”

“We got it from the Labor Department, what’s it to you?” Steinbeck retorted, slightly defiant.

David was amused and, with a look as if gazing at a fool, said, “And where do you think the Labor Department gets that money from?”

“…”

At this, Steinbeck fell silent.

“Don’t know? Let me tell you!”

“The Labor Department’s funds are allocated from the Treasury Department, and the Treasury’s funds, in turn, are derived from the taxes collected by our Internal Revenue Service. In other words, one could say that your welfare benefits, relief money, and unemployment benefits could be said to come from the efforts of the Internal Revenue Service!”

“So, when I said just now that it’s because of us that you have all these living protections even after being unemployed, do you see a problem with that statement?”

David’s confident speech left Steinbeck completely at a loss for words.

However, at that moment, one of the protesters in the crowd seemed to think of something.

He stepped forward to object, “Don’t talk to us about that. These matters should be kept separate. Our welfare benefits, like emergency relief, come from the Labor Department, not directly related to your Internal Revenue Service!”

“Yeah, we get our relief money from the Labor Department, not directly from you guys at the Internal Revenue Service, what’s it got to do with you?”

“Agreed!”

“…”

The man’s words gave the demonstrators present a point to contend against.