Everyone should get a pass like the IRS

Dear IRS Commissioner John Koskinen, I noted in your recent testimony provided during congressional hearings that you were questioned about missing emails involving Lois Lerner who is under suspicion for having directed the targeting of political groups opposed to the Obama administration.

Among the answers that you provided were as follows: (1) the hard drive crashed; (2) IRS technology support is incapable of locating and/or retrieving the missing emails from other hard drives or servers; (3) IRS technology requires updating that would require the expenditure of millions of dollars.

Finally, I believe that you defended your integrity by taking pride in noting that all emails dated from the beginning date of the investigation were provided in full.

I want to thank you for your testimony that provided a useful template that can be used by taxpayers who come under the scrutiny of the IRS. Based upon your testimony, I have drafted and filed a letter of response that will be submitted in the event I am audited.

When requested to provide documentation, I believe these responses will suffice in terminating any further investigation: (1) my hard drive crashed; (2) I lack the ability to locate and/or retrieve data from other sources; (3) My computer is woefully outdated but I can't afford a new one.

Finally, in the spirit of cooperation demonstrated in your testimony, I will be happy to provide any documentation dating from the receipt of your notice of investigation going forward.

Since I am certain that you do not wish to give credence to the existence of any double standard between what is required of taxpayers and what is required of the IRS, I have full faith and confidence that your agency will give me a "pass" in the same manner that you received one while testifying under oath.

Ronald Bearwald

Northbrook