Category: Federal

IRS Break

Wood Slash Pile after the burn.IRS Break. The Internal Revenue Service is giving fire victims a break in filing their taxes. It is not much but they have extended dates to file and pay taxes and are pointing out ways to get copies of previous tax returns for free along with checking out how to file for losses. We also have a new label, “4759-DR” to put on all of our tax paperwork. FUN, FUN, FUN. Simply do all of this while you burn the monstrous slash piles in the mud and cold.

“4759-DR”
You can file your taxes later, WOW!
June 17, 2024

WE ARE DISASTER RELIEF 4759. Remember to identify your return as a FEMA Disaster individual by putting “4759-DR” in bold at the top of your return. That is our number here in Spokane Washington.

The article mentions relief programs available as we deal with losses incurred. This Internal Revenue Service announcement explains all of it. These also affect businesses located in the area, or that serve the disaster areas. In the announcement, there are links to declarations, affected areas, forms, and booklets to explain how to complete forms. It is all typical “LEGALEEZE” and utterly fun to read. NOT really!

FEMA 4759-DR

Federal Emergency Management Agency declaration. See the previous post to find out where to go locally to fill out your FEMA and SBA applications.

LOCATIONS

Current List of Disaster Relief Locations

The first link is the same declaration link as mentioned above. The second link takes you to a similar announcement page that has been slightly reworded, and it outlines similar information about the changed due dates.

CASUALTY LOSSES FORM 4684

In a federally declared disaster area, we have the option to claim disaster-related losses on our federal tax return. On our 2022 return, we have till October 15, 2024, to make this kind of claim.

“Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, Theft” is the How-To direction book to fill out this form. It is a 31-page booklet in PDF format, and it is also available in Ebook format which will allow searching.

Form 4684 directions

OTHER RELIEF in IRS BREAK

IRS has decided to waive the usual fees that they charge for sending us copies of previous tax returns that burned up in the fire. Isn’t that special?

FORM 4506 – Request for a Copy of Tax Return
FORM 4506T – Request for Transcript of Tax Return

I will order as far back as possible (7 years at least). Then we have information if they decide to audit us later on.

We Survived the Oregon Road Fire

WE SURVIVED
the Oregon Road Wildfire

This wildfire in rural northern Elk WA began on August 18, 2023 in the early afternoon. It was a hot and extremely fast-moving fire pushed around with wind gusts exceeding 45 MPH. We know because we were there.

W House
August 19, 2023

Air support was working the Elk “Oregon Road” fire initially. However, Governor Jay Inslee removed it and sent it to Medical Lake. It was all moved to Medical Lake ONLY, not split up between the two fires.

Our firefighters were only “ground crews” in Elk. They were told to “stand down and let it burn, only handle evacuations”. So, we did not stand a chance.

I hope we all remember this when we vote in the next election. As far as I am concerned, if they are in office now, they should be replaced especially if they are Democrats.After the fire we had to log the destroyed trees to prevent insect infestation.

Nelson Creek

The Nelson Creek Fire was stopped 650 feet from our home/property 3 years ago. Courageous firefighters were astonishing with ground forces and a full company of air support. All of our homes were saved in our neighborhood. We lost only outbuildings. Their heroic air show was a dance I will never forget. Helicopters, jets, prop planes, and ground crews swooping in and out, accomplishing miracles, YAY!

After this close call, Pete and I checked our home insurance and increased it to cover the cost of rebuilding. We also went around our home and property photographing and describing all of the buildings and things in them. This made our bills higher but we thought it was worth it. Now, we are in the process of negotiating to receive that insurance coverage. At some point, we should win the ARM WRESTLING MATCH with the insurance carrier, then we can proceed. So, our belts tighten up and we do what we can do until then.

Elk is a community I love. It is full of strong and opinionated “freedom-loving” people. We work things out for ourselves, thank you. And we know our neighbors.

Many of us have lost absolutely everything and are still displaced 6 months after the wildfire. But, we will not be giving up. Dealing with the loss of all of our STUFF is hard, but even if you see a tear leak out of my eye, I will not give up. I have a lot less clutter in my life.

The sun keeps coming up each morning and setting each night no matter how I feel. We are still required to go to work or attend school, and take care of the kids and animals. Life goes on.

We shiver as we continue to experience the chilly and below-zero temperatures this winter. We miss the beauty of our trees, but will replant. God is good and he has a reason for everything.

 

Gas Prices

surprised girlGas Prices

The skyrocketing gas pump prices make it difficult to even consider taking a relaxing scenic drive anymore. During the past couple of weeks, I drove around painting beautiful scenes outside. The smile did not leave my face, and the only downer I felt was at the gas pump. I could not remember when was the last time I went for a drive. American freedoms could soon become a thing of the past.The American Response to the Great Reset

To understand what is behind all of this check out this little booklet, “The American Response to the Great Reset“, written by Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA. It is a short 39-pager that explains it so it is easy to understand. This is the best-condensed reference I have found on the subject.

With the COVID health crisis announcements of fear 24/7. We switch to an ecology-driven scare tactic by the government.

LIE #1 – Electric Transportation

In order to save our planet we must use “electric/mass-transit” transportation.

Governmental overreach initiates tax hikes on fuels. A basic “strong-arm”, budget-enforced isolation move. “If they can’t afford gas then we can make them quit driving.”

Pros

  • Less pollution (except when you look at the battery manufacturing & disposal)

Cons

  • Expensive electrical grid improvements
  • Expensive initial vehicle purchase
  • The battery is hazardous materials, with short charge life, costly to replace
  • Wheels are low mileage, high-cost replacement

This is not possible until we build a grid capable of supporting increased demand and recharging stations across the nation.

LIE #2 – Windmills/Solar Panels/Water

We can save the planet using Wind/Solar/Water alternative energies.

Sounds great until you look at what these alternative systems can supply along with what they require in real life. “We will outlaw fossil fuels and only allow alternate energies to force them to stop using fossil fuels.”

Pros

  • Wind, solar, and water are renewable sources

Cons

  • Wind/Solar/Water inadequate or sporadic (weather)
  • Wind/Solar/Water decreased performance
  • Wind/Solar/Water parts are rarely recyclable
  • Windmills are an expensive initial purchase
  • Wind turbines kill birds
  • Wind vane high-cost replacement and hazardous materials
  • Solar panel high-cost replacement and hazardous materials
  • Water damns affect migrating salmon

Manipulation by lawmakers is a crime, it is a dictatorship. Passing laws without constituent approval, that severely limits travel ability, but have no effect on a politician’s chosen mode of travel is wrong.

It really bugs me when I see the smiling fools in Washington DC hop onto a jet plane, helicopter, or limousine for another vacation or night out that is paid for by our tax dollars. They do not stand at the pump and pay upwards of $5 per gallon for their limo fuel, we pay for that fuel too.

Endless Wars

Are Endless Wars Part of Your Plan?

Not for me, I say. The endless wars that America is involved in are so counterproductive for caring for our own nation. “End Endless Wars Act” would repeal the 2001 AUMF act and make is so Congress decides who we go to war with, not the president. The guy who can’t walk upstairs without falling.

JBS Article Quote

ACT NOW: Members of Congress are seeking to enact legislation that would repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which has been used to unconstitutionally mire the United States in several foreign military conflicts.

S. 1872, titled the “End Endless Wars Act,” is sponsored by U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and cosponsored by Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.). If enacted, this bill would repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), enacted by Congress one week after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

S. 1872 is important because under Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress, not the president, possesses the power to declare war. By adopting the 2001 AUMF, Congress unconstitutionally abdicated this power.

Furthermore, as Senator Paul noted in his press release, the 2001 AUMF was used to unconstitutionally drag the United States into multiple wars over two decades:

The 2001 AUMF was passed days after the attacks of 9/11 to bring the terrorists responsible to justice. The wording of the 2001 AUMF was precisely worded to authorize the President to make war on those who attacked us on 9/11 or anyone who harbored them. Not a word about making war on “associated forces.” Not a word on making war on their descendants. Not a word on making worldwide war on religious extremism. But that’s exactly what the 9/11/2001 AUMF has become — a catchall for permanent war.

Since its passage, presidential administrations of both parties have used the 2001 AUMF to justify wars in over 20 countries, from Afghanistan to Libya, to Somalia, to Yemen. By not repealing the 2001 AUMF any President alone has the ability to decide where and when to engage in hostilities without congressional approval. The result has been thousands of lives lost and trillions of dollars spent in endless conflicts across the globe.

It is imperative that Congress follow the Constitution by reclaiming its constitutional powers. Ignoring the Constitution has cost the United States trillions of dollars and many lives unnecessarily lost.

Rather than continuing to engage in useless foreign wars, the United States should heed the wisdom of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. For example, in his farewell address, President George Washington said, “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.”

Contact your U.S. representative and senators and urge them to support S. 1872 and to end all U.S. intervention in foreign military conflicts.

Thank you,

Your Friends in The John Birch Society

Extreme Gun control

Extreme Gun Control is not good. I want to keep our second amendment rights intact.

Quoted From JBS Article

URGENT; ACT NOW: Congressional Democrats are seeking to use a discharge petition to force House floor votes on extreme gun-control bills H.R. 698, H.R. 715, and H.R. 2403. The former two bills both have over 200 cosponsors, and only six Republican votes are currently needed to pass them. This development comes as California Governor Gavin Newsom is advocating an Article V constitutional convention to enact similar tyrannical gun controls over the entire United States. Contact your U.S. representative (along with your two senators) and urge them to strongly oppose dangerous, unconstitutional bills.

Members of Congress are seeking to pass extreme and unconstitutional gun-control legislation that would effectively nullify the Second Amendment.

The tragic shooting at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 27 has given leftists another excuse to push their predetermined goal of civilian disarmament. Notably, they are conveniently ignoring the cause of the shooting — a radical, gender-confused individual who allegedly had a hatred for Christians — along with broader radicalization among “LGBT” individuals.

Unfortunately, many Republican politicians are caving to leftist pressure and joining the effort to incrementally make it impossible for civilians to defend themselves. In Tennessee, for example, Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order strengthening draconian background checks while calling on the state General Assembly to enact a “red flag” law. We must ensure that Congress doesn’t cave or restrict our God-given freedoms!

Several unconstitutional gun-control bills have been introduced in Congress. These include:

  • H.R. 698, the “Assault Weapons Ban of 2023”: This bill would ban the possession, sale, manufacture, and transfer of firearms erroneously classified as “assault weapons.”
  • H.R. 768, the “Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2023”: This bill would implement a national “red flag” law. “Red flag” laws are particularly dangerous as they allow the government to confiscate law-abiding Americans’ firearms — without due process or even an accusation of a crime — merely because they are labeled as “dangerous.” This violates both the 2nd and 4th Amendments. Furthermore, “red flag” laws wouldn’t even have prevented the Nashville shooting.
  • H.R. 715, the “Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2023”: This bill would enact draconian federal background checks for firearm transfers between ordinary American citizens. Expanded background checks will result in citizens needing the government’s permission to own or purchase a firearm — violating the Second Amendment — and it also would inevitably result in a national gun registry. Such a registry would enable the government to easily confiscate people’s weapons at a future date, similar to what actually happened in other countries like Australia.
  • H.R. 625, the “Keep Americans Safe Act”: This bill would limit magazines to 15 rounds of ammunition or less — this bill would not “keep Americans safe.”
  • H.R. 660, “Ethan’s Law”: This bill would Americans to store their firearms in a certain way inside their own homes — a major violation of privacy — if a minor is present. Violating the law would lead to criminal penalties, including the seizure and forfeiture of the firearm.
  • H.R. 2392, the “Pause for Gun Safety Act”: This bill would mandate a national, seven-day waiting period for firearm transfers, another unconstitutional intrusion upon the right of self-defense
  • H.R. 2403, the “Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2023”: This bill would require a nationwide background check period of at least 10 days for firearm purchases.

Regardless of the specific proposals being pushed in Congress, they are unconstitutional and only amount to advancing the Left’s civilian-disarmament schemes. For an illustration of its ultimate goal, one only needs to look at Canada, which is in the process of totally outlawing firearms.

The ability of a person to defend him- or herself is a fundamental God-given right. Stripping individuals of this right would make them utterly dependent upon the government for their very lives and allow it to strip them of other rights without fear of reprisal.

It is imperative that we protect and defend the Second Amendment. Thus, urge your U.S. representative and senators to oppose H.R. 698, H.R. 768, H.R. 715, H.R. 625, H.R. 660, H.R. 2392, H.R. 2403, and any other legislation that infringes upon the God-given right to self-defense.

Thank you,

Your Friends in The John Birch Society

House Speaker Fight

Protesting, Megaphone, Hand, Woman, Yelling, Silhouette - Megaphone @clipartmax.com

The House Speaker Fight did have some success come out of it.

7 Fundamental Reforms
from the Speaker of the House Fight

    1. It will take only a single congressperson acting on what’s called the “Jeffersonian motion” to move to remove the Speaker if he or she goes back on their word or policy agenda
    2. A Church-style committee will be convened to look into – the weaponization of the FBI and other government agencies.
    3. Term limits will be put up for a vote.
    4. There will be a 72-hour minimum to read bills
    5. The Texas border plan will be placed before Congress
    • (a 3-prong plan):
    • to complete physical border construction
    • enforce our laws in the interior
    • target cartels & criminal organizations.

6. COVID mandates will be ended along with all funding including EUA.

7. Budget bills will stop the endless increases in the debt ceiling & hold Senate accountable for the same.

None of this would have happened without these men. They’d probably appreciate our Thank You, if you can take the time.

Chip Roy, Tx 21

Andy Biggs, AZ 5

Ralph Norman, SC 5

Matt Gaez, FL  1

Matt Rosendale, MT 2

Bob Good, VA 5