Yesterday, Wesley Snipes was sentenced for 3 years for tax fraud; for not filing his tax returns for approximately three years. Wow, they are really making an example of him. I am sure…Joe Smoe will think twice about it if they are tempted not to file; or, not to pay when they owe taxes. This conviction will have a huge IMPACT on those tempted not to pay. No-one wants to, willingly, go through this kind of trauma, if they can avoid it…unless they got screws loose.
On the radio this morning, i heard that Mr. Snipes allegedly paid the court 5 million dollars in back taxes….with something like 30 million, or so to go! Wowee, how many zillions of dollars does a person have to make to OWE that kind of money in taxes and penalties? I, for one, don’t want to ever be in that position. Maybe it isn’t so bad being a middle class Joe Smoe! 🙂
I am sure that Mr. Snipes’ lawyers will appeal this sentence; but, more than likely, that will only delay the event. There was plenty of star power personal references presented to the court, attesting to Mr. Snipes character…but, it didn’t seem to make a difference. The government is going to hold up this conviction so that the public will pay close attention to the consequences.
I feel badly for Mr. Snipe’s family. The stress of paying that kind of money plus, worry over their loved one going to prison has to be overwhelming. If Mr. Snipes was a victim of poor tax advice…that is bad enough. However, if he choose to put himself in this position, rebelling against having to part with his money…then the sentence is deserved. It was alleged, in court, that he not only willfully was rebelling, he was hiding money overseas and through friends and family. Understand that the prosecution presented evidence that this was not just a whim or a mistake…they alledged that this went on for a decade. In that case, three years of prison time, should allow for enough time to reflect on the error of his ways.
None of us have the ability to read his mind and determine his actions; thankfully, that responsibility was up to the judge and jury. If nothing else, this conviction just reinforces the old saying…there is nothing sure about life, except death and taxes!!!
Write where you are 
I really don’t feel sorry for Wesley Snipes. I had to pay my taxes each year. Why do he think he do not have to pay taxes. There are only two sure things taxes and death. It have not change. He made millions of dollars, and he sure pay taxes. He did this to himself. If it was bad advised that too bad. But, he knows that you have to pay your taxes in this country. He was also hiding money overseas. He knew what he was doing was wrong, and it would catch up with him someday. So, off to prison he goes.
PLEASE!
We are all so blind. Have you not been looking at the protests being waged against the IRS? There’s not a law requiring people to pay income tax. Had Wesley Snipes, or someone on his team knew that truth, he would be out here enjoying his freedom.
Hating someone because they make money is the lowest form of bigotry to me. The goverment and agencies protected by the government will lie, cheat, steal, and arrest people to make examples so the rest of the thoughtless many will stay in line.
There is no law requiring Americans to pay income tax. There are rich white men who wants us to believe there is, thereby brainwashing people to write pointless blogs like this.
Steven…keep thinking like that; and, you might just have to put your money where your mouth is…right in a federal prison… alongside of each and every person willing to “test” whether their theory on non-payment of their taxes is legal or not!