BRINGING AN IRS AGENT TO TEARS

I just ended a 90 minute call with an IRS agent who walked me through a complicated issue. Phone answered without being put on hold and took the time to investigate issues (okay, so some brief holds then) to provide accurate information. This helpfulness is typical of my conversations with IRS agents. As always, I thanked the agent for their time and help, let them know I always get helpful support when calling, and told them that I hope they realize that they are appreciated.

Then something strange happened. I couldn't tell if the line went dead or what was happening, but it turns out the agent was choking up and trying to hide it.
The agent kept it professional and I didn't want to compromise them on a recorded line, so I didn't go further in my comments. But, ya'll...

Things are not okay.

Of the thousands who regularly see my posts here, there will be people who are delighted to read about an IRS agent crying and others who claim "bUt i DiDnT kNoW tHiS wOuLd HaPpEn!"

Be gracious and patient with your civil servants. Keep supporting and being helpful where you can. I love when I see that on here, and they are going to need it, because as much as we see support here, they are seeing others rejoice at their pain.

Even if you think they deserve it because "surely some of them voted in favor of this," it doesn't matter. They still deserve basic kindness and courtesy.