#capitalism with enough regulation could do that fine

[iisthepopeoffools]

Marxist-Leninists try to explain what their society has accomplished that couldn't be accomplished under welfarist regulated capitalism (this isn't a dig at communism but a dig at those MLs who use states like the USSR as an example of a successful revolution - if you can't do better than capitalism - which sucks, in my opinion, to be clear - you've failed).

[giantkillerjack]

the average person doesn't expect you to be a perfect ethical consumer, that's not possible for the vast majority of us. but what youre saying is it's better to do nothing at all and choose the worst possible options (sweat shops, overseas shipping waste, idea/product theft, all wrapped up in SHEIN) than to put even the tiniest effort in where you can.

[they are referring to this post]

What I said was "some people are doing literally everything they can to survive and have no extra bandwidth to spend extra time and money on their purchases, and it is cruel and therefore un-punk to gatekeep punkness and add additional shame to these people's lives based on that fact."

I think it's still a good thing to try to ethically consume; I literally never said it wasn't. I had never even heard of SHEIN before. Rather, I am much more concerned about what I saw as arbitrary gatekeeping based on ability and income.

And frankly how dare you claim that I am supporting sweatshops and abuse by saying that this additional work you are demanding (in this case, presumably, vetting every clothing company you buy from) is not always possible for people. It is not a light accusation to accuse me of supporting abuse.

"How dare you say we piss on the poor", Etc. 🙄 this isn't Twitter. You are determined to enforce moral purity, but you are failing to see the nuance.

Because when I say "no extra bandwidth," I mean no extra bandwidth. This is not the "car shows it's on E but actually secretly it has a lot of gas left" situation that abled people constantly assume disabled people mean when they say they are at their limit.

This is "the car has stopped moving, and to move it I'd have to break my body pushing it." This is "at a certain point, people will hit a wall in terms of money and time and energy, and any energy spent after that comes directly out of their life force."

So the argument "okay but just spend a little more time money and energy actually" is not a valid one.

And the argument "if you are not able to do this specific task, then it means you're not doing anything else to make the world a better place" doesn't exactly impress me either. You said yourself that it is impossible to be a perfectly ethical consumer for most people.

How do you know what else people are doing to resist oppression? How many hours per week until your standards are met?What if someone works 3 jobs? Does that mean it's harder to be a good person if you're poor?? Why do you get to decide what specific avenue of bettering the world is the most morally repugnant or acceptable? What kind of proof of goodness and effort would make you satisfied enough to lay off on the shame?? Who are you helping??

Clothing is a fundamental human need, and some of us have to buy cheap fucking clothes quickly. Billionaires are buying their seventh yacht this month. The people who own fast fashion companies are abusing their workers and putting local affordable clothing stores out of business - and this applies for basically every company with price points that low because governments are failing to regulate corporations to enforce basic human rights.

I have $300 to spend on a new wardrobe as my old clothes have fallen apart or become too small. Do you have a way for me to get a new winter coat, 3 flannels, 10 shirts, 3 dress shirts, new sandals, 10 pairs of pants, 5 bras, 12 pairs of socks, and 10 pairs of underwear within that budget and also definitely 100% ethically sourced, with free returns in case it doesn't fit? Or will I simply have to use the cheap stores?

I have about an hour to spend on this per week. Many mainstream stores doesn't make clothes in my size, and I am now in *year 5* of needing an electric wheelchair and being unable to get one; plus I live up a flight of stairs, so I can't even bring my walker out with me - so thrift shopping is not gonna cover this. Should I continue to wear small and tattered clothing until I have the time, money, and energy to meet your standards?

Did you know there are more empty homes in this country than homeless people? If I decide to splurge on only 100% ethically-produced products, and I can't make rent, and I become homeless, are YOU going to be there for me?? Or are you too busy litigating the endless tiny shames of poverty in your own community?

So I ask you again, are you SURE this is where you want to direct your punk energy?

Because there are a whole lot of rich people relying on people like us punching down and to the side instead of looking up to see where the money is going.

Because energy and time, as it turns out, are limited resources. And I would never expect you to secretly have more than you claim to have.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

A business model for bankrupting the oil companies

Today (June 6), I’m on a Rightscon panel about interoperability.

Tomorrow (June 7), I’m keynoting the Re:publica conference in Berlin.

Thursday (June 8) at 8PM, I’m at Otherland Books in Berlin with my novel Red Team Blues.

When a giant company wrecks your life, what are you gonna do? They can afford more and better lawyers than you can, and they have people whose full time job is fighting off lawsuits — are you really gonna beat those people by pursuing your grievance as a side-hustle? Do you really wanna be a full-time, professional litigant?

For some people, the answer is yes: some people are angry enough, or sufficiently morally offended, to make suing a giant company their life’s mission. Sometimes, they succeed, and force companies to cough up gigantic sums of money. Obviously, this makes the plaintiff better off, but it can also make things better for the rest of us. Money talks and bullshit walks, and once it becomes clear that 300% of the profits from harming people will be sucked out of the company by a lawsuit, shareholders will revolt and force the company to clean up its act.

Shareholders don’t invest in companies that ruin our lives because they are committed to an ideology of cruelty. Ideology only gets you so far: the pursuit of profit incentivizes far worse conduct than mere sadism ever can:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/02/plunderers/#farbenizers

Incentives matter. Companies above a certain size become too big to fail and too big to jail. They capture their regulators and ensure that any damages the government extracts are less than their profits — a fine is a price.

Juries, on the other hand, can and do really whack a company for its bad conduct. They understand that incentives matter. They understand that a company that saves $1,000,001 by cutting back on workplace safety can’t be driven to improve its behavior by a fine of $1,000,000 after it kills a bunch of workers. If profit outstrips penalties, penalties aren’t effective.

A dirty $1m profit needs to be met with a $100m judgment. As the Untouchables MBA teaches us, this is just sound business: “They pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPZ6eaL3S2E

But suing these giant companies is hard. They can tie you up in court for years — decades, even. They can outspend and outwait you. The more profits a company has racked up through its evil deeds, the more claims it can fend off. Incentives matter, so if you’re gonna commit corporate murder, you’d better do a lot of it to build up the cash needed to scare off your victims and their survivors.

However: the bigger a company is, the more cash it has, the more money there is to extract from it if you can prevail in court. If the company has genuinely injured you, and if you can mobilize the capital and resources to pursue it to final judgment, there’s a huge payoff at the end of the process — and a lesson for all the other companies contemplating their own course of action.

That’s the Voltaire MBA: “you have to execute an admiral from time to time, in order to encourage the others.”

For hundreds of years, rich, powerful people have observed their colleagues’ abuses and thought, “They only pull that shit on peasants — but if they did it to me, I could sue them for everything!”

This led to an obvious course of action: strike a bargain with the mutilated, ruined peasants to finance their suit against the toff that so abused them, in exchange for a (large) share of the proceeds. Medieval courts called this champerty; today, we call it litigation finance: investing in other peoples’ grievances against deep-pocketed monsters, in the expectation of reaping huge cash payouts.

On paper, litigation finance seems like a neat solution to a messy problem. The bigger a company is, the worse the abuses it commits — and the more it can be made to pay for its sins. The normal economics of litigation are turned upside-down: rather than avoiding the largest companies, you pursue them. This is the Willie Sutton MBA: “That’s where the money is.”

Litigation finance is a large and growing chunk of the finance sector. For about a decade, hedge funds and private equity have been bankrolling law-firms that represent people who’ve been mangled by corporations, keeping the money flowing through whatever delays and entanglements the target throws up:

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/25/magazine/should-you-be-allowed-to-invest-in-a-lawsuit.html?smid=tw-share

Litigation finance can be thought of as the no-win/no-fee “ambulance chaser” business on steroids. While a local lawyer can make a tidy living going after slip-and-falls and fender-benders, splitting the proceeds with their clients, a firm backed by a huge investment fund can do the same to companies with billions in the bank and hundreds of millions on the line.

Litigation finance is also closely related to impact litigation, which is when a nonprofit uses charitably raised funds to chase corporations and governments through the courts to establish precedents that overturn bad laws or pave the way for future judgments. Impact litigation can be thought of as the trailblazer for litigation finance: for-profit lawsuits are risk averse and stick to pursuing cases that have a high likelihood of eventually succeeding, while impact litigators are a kind of legal entrepreneur, advancing new, uncertain legal theories in the hopes of making new law. Once that law is created, litigation finance can drum up thousands of similarly situated plaintiffs and sue tons of companies on the same theory, citing the new precedent.

Litigation finance’s first big scores was going after med-tech and pharma companies. A lax regulatory environment allowed medical companies to market deadly products that maimed or killed people wholesale — think Vioxx, vaginal meshes or metal-on-metal hip replacements (a doc about this, The Bleeding Edge, will give you persistent nightmares):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bleeding_Edge

Suing the companies that killed your family or permanently disabled you is a slow and ugly process, but it’s a lot more certain than asking Congress to patch the loopholes the company that hurt you exploited, or hoping that a future President will appoint an agency head who gives a shit, and that the Senate will confirm them. And since money talks and bullshit walks, corporations that can’t pay dividends or do stock buybacks because they owe all their cash to their victims will suffer in the stock market, and their rivals will clean house and tread carefully.

Which brings me to the latest turn in litigation finance: climate litigation. As more and more money has sloshed into ESG funds that are supposed to make money by investing in ethical, climate-friendly businesses, the idea of suing giant oil companies and other wreckers has grown more attractive. 18 months ago, Businessweek covered the nascent-but-growing phenomenon:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/09/grievance-factory/#champerty

That growth has only continued. With more and larger ESG funds chasing returns, there’s a lot more money available to represent, say, poisoned indigenous people in the global south whose ancestral lands have been rendered an uninhabitable hellscape by a mining or petrochemical company. The returns from these cases aren’t correlated with wider economic trends: whether the market is up down, it makes no difference to the size of the judgment or settlement that is extracted in the end.

A new piece in the Financial Times by Camilla Hodgson does an excellent job rounding up the state of play in litigation finance, starting with the oil giant PTTEP paying $102m to 15,000 Indonesian farmers to settle claims stemming from a massive, ocean-killing oil spill in 2019:

https://www.ft.com/content/055ef9f4-5fb7-4746-bebd-7bfa00b20c82

The firm that financed the suit is Harbour Litigation Funding, and they paid for a lot of shoe-leather lawyering, sending reps on off-road motorbikes to each of the farmers’ plots to sign them up. The case cost more than $21m, and Harbour creamed $53.5m off the top of the settlement from PTTEP — about 40% of the total.

Those numbers are pretty compelling investment story: there aren’t a lot of opportunities to make a >100% return on a $21m investment in 15 years — let alone investments that let you claim to be bringing justice to poor farmers who’ve been abused by rapacious corporate murderers.

Other cases are still ongoing: mining giant BHP is facing a £36b class action case over the 2015 collapse of Brazil’s Fundão dam, which released poisoned mine-tailings into waterways serving millions of people. 700,000 plaintiffs are in the class, and the investors, Prisma Capital (Brazil) and North Wall Capital (UK) have already fronted £70m pursuing the case.

There is a vast inventory of cases like these, just lying around, waiting for someone to stake a claim. One barrier is that most of the world’s large law firms are conflicted out of pursuing these cases — they represent these same companies in other actions. But a new sector of specialized, un-conflicted firms is growing up, and tackling more and more of these cases.

These firms are chasing relatively easy claims, but there’s an even bigger fish out there, waiting to be caught: class actions against carbon-intensive companies, especially coal and oil companies, for their knowing contributions to the global climate emergency. These corporations are sitting on hundreds of billions of dollars, and they have inflicted trillions in harms. There’s gold in them thar wildfires.

The FT cites experts who predict a massive wave of litigation finance climate suits in the next 2–3 years, and notes an increasing tempo of shareholder motions demanding that big oil and mining companies disclose their litigation risks in their investor reports. This is a very compelling idea, a kaiju boss-fight in which we recruit monsters to fight other monsters. It’s such a fun idea that I actually wrote a novel about it, 2009’s Makers, in which corporate misconduct that has not yet reached the statute of limitations becomes the new oil, prompting a huge investment bubble:

https://craphound.com/category/makers/

But is the answer to a bad guy with a law firm a good guy with a law firm? There are certainly some ways this can go very wrong (many of which end up in Makers). Back in 2015, Cathy O’Neil published an excellent critique of litigation finance in the context of vaginal mesh cases:

https://mathbabe.org/2015/09/01/litigation-finance-a-terrible-idea/

O’Neill’s point is that incentives matter. The incentive for a litigation finance fund is to extract settlements, not win justice. Time and again, we’ve seen how a financial tactic can be severed from a societal strategy — like how GDP can be goosed to spectacular heights without improving national prosperity.

There’s even a name for this phenomenon: Goodhart’s Law: “When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure.” The finance sector is spookily good at decoupling positive societal outcomes from positive investor outcomes. The real answer to medical companies that mutilate women with vaginal meshes, or destroy the planet with CO2, is criminal sanctions and regulation, not private lawsuits.

That said, I think there’s a case for the one leading to the other. Right now, climate wreckers devote very large sums to preventing effective action on climate. Suborning regulators and politicians all over the world isn’t cheap. If we take away the money they’ve saved up for this project through stonking, eye-watering judgments, and if we convince the capital markets not to give them any more money lest it be immediately extracted to pay for more redress of a litany of grievances, then perhaps we can deprive them of the capacity of corrupt our political process.

One way to understand whether something is a genuine threat to a company’s power is to look at how viciously the company attacks it. If you doubt that unions could do good for workers, just take a peep at the all-out violent blitzes that Amazon and Starbucks mount in the face of union drives. I mean, imagine if the Democratic Party took unions half as seriously as the GOP!

The corporate lobby exhibits the same terror over plaintiff-side lawsuits as it does over unions. A massive, decades-long campaign to villify plaintiff-side lawyers has convinced many of us that corporations are the victims of the legal system, rather than its masters. The PR campaign is surprisingly effective, despite its reliance on lies about the “McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit” and other urban legends:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/12/hot-coffee/#mcgeico

Corporate plunderers are terrified of being dragged into court by their victims, and devote titanic amounts of blood and treasure into making it harder and harder to do so. On the “the more scared the are, the better” metric, litigation finance is a slam dunk.

But winning a case isn’t the same as getting a judgment or disciplining a firm. When Steven Donziger won a landmark judgment against Chevron on behalf of indigenous people whose lands and bodies had been permanently poisoned, the company struck back:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/09/02/free-steven-donziger/#free-donziger

Chevron bribed a judge in Ecuador to claim that Donziger had rigged the case, then brought a case in the US against Donziger for racketeering, judge-shopping to get judge Lewis A Kaplan on their case. Kaplan is a former tobacco industry lawyer who never met a corporate criminal he didn’t love, and when the SDNY prosecutor declined to press charges against Donziger because the case was absurd, Kaplan appointed a private lawyer — whose firm also acted for Chevron! — to act as prosecutor. The case against Donziger was obviously trumped up — the Ecuadoran judge who accused him of corruption later recanted and multiple countries’ Supreme Courts upheld the judgment Donziger won against Chevron. Nevertheless, Kaplan got Donziger locked up under house arrest for years, and even got him banged up in Riker’s for a time. Donziger’s lost his law license and his clients are still awaiting judgment.

This is the best law that money can buy, and Chevron has a lot of money. The massive expenditures needed to railroad Donizer were a pittance compared to the $9.5b judgment Chevron owed its victims in Ecuador.

The lesson of Donziger is that these companies won’t go genrly to their graves. They are enormously, unimaginably wealthy and act with the ruthlessness born of greed, which makes mere sadism pale by comparison. Litigation finance is exciting and promising, but it’s only a tactic — and it’s a tactic that’s always in danger of being turned against the goal it nominally serves. The people funding litigation finance don’t want to save the world — they just want to get rich. They can and will change sides if someone can make the business case for doing so.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/06/thats-where-the-money-is/#champerty

[Image ID: A mirrored office tower bearing the Exxon logo. One face of the office tower is a graffiti-covered ATM. Before the tower is a giant pile of bricks of oversized US $100 bills in paper wrappers. The ATM screen depicts a smouldering Deep Water Horizon oil platform.]

Image:

Flying Logos (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Over_$1,000,000_dollars_in_USD_$100_bill_stacks.png

CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

 — 

Joe Shlabotnik (modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/2299501806/

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

[centrally-unplanned]

Somewhat unrelated (so in ask instead of additional reblog but) - have an opinion on the sentiment I see sometimes that the Warren people basically 'won the peace' in terms of getting all the day-to-day influential mid-level appointments post-inauguration?

Yeah, I have heard that, and I don't think it is crazy! Biden's admin is definitely more progressive than any admin so far (as much as one can say such a thing over time), and a lot of that reality is downstream of staffing picks like Lina Khan to the FTC. To get at the "implications" of this I definitely don't think the progressive faction were like suckers or anything, my point was that the parties work differently; this is the way someone like Warren exerted influence, and it was a win for that side.

To dig in more I think this was less political dealmaking than people make it out to be - Biden and his team authentically believed in a more active, aggressive place for the government in economic regulation & industrial policy. So while they were "Warren picks" it is more that Biden and Warren just agreed here, and these topics are low-level enough that Biden didn't have to worry about like optics and stuff, he could do what he wanted (relatively ofc) And hey, the entire electorate is just more "statist" in this regard, left and right, so the optics weren't even much of an issue.

The second point I would make is back to exactly that "squashing" of factions - the Warren Camp "winning the peace" is very explicitly on a relatively narrow range of economic regulatory issues. If you take the "racial justice" angle that Kamala was meant to appease, I think Biden has been perfectly fine on this topic, but a mainstream Dem; all of the causes of that movement have been virtually dropped at the federal level. They lost, and they lost big, as a political faction. Did Warren ever care about these issues? In my opinion, no, not really! She has always been an economic crusader. So while it isn't a ding on her specifically, for the Warren-equivalent on these kinds of issues, I don't think you can say they won the peace.

The third point I want to make is the limits of this kind of win - Lina Khan has not set herself up for a run for the Senate. Pete Buttegieg did, and he has done it being a centrist. Mid-level department appointees don't build political capital, they don't win races. They don't decide the future of the party, not directly at least. JD Vance has very, very good odds of being the President of the United States some day - a role that his own party has engineered to have expanding policy authority and growing immunity from checks and balances. What did Warren get? Policy for this 4 years, sure, that isn't small. But I think the current political climate, where the trendlines are imo starkly pivoting back to centrism, show the limits of that.

I'll also add a bit of a tangent point: has Lina Khan been good? Was student debt relief a good idea? Did Julie Siegel as Treasury Deputy Sec or Anne Reid as Deputy Chief of Staff at HHS really change the game? I don't think they were bad or anything, they have their wins (good action on drug prices for example). But I don't think the past four years have been transformational for anti-trust or financial regulation in the "actually making things better" department. This is more subjective of course, I obviously personally don't think Warren is right in her critique of the US economy. But my point is that if your influence is going to be through explicit policy and not sitting congressmen, then that policy being good and winning converts is crucial for it to have longevity. I don't know if that case has been won for Warren & co.

[queen-mihai]

I wanna talk real quick about "capitalism is the problem"

First

Capitalism IS the problem

Problem is, I really don't love the implication that sentence has. That's what I'm gonna discuss here.

As usual, I'm gonna start with a story.

Imagine you have a job. A decent job that pays well. Well enough, in fact, that you're able to save up and buy a car new enough to still be within its warrantee period.

You don't even mind the constant phone calls, emails, letters, singing telegrams, and dream invaders "trying to reach you about your cars extended warranty"

One day you go out to your fantastic car and find it doesn't start. You step out to inspect and notice one of the wheels has fallen off. You look under the hood and the wiring harness is fried, and when you search on the internet what the problem could be, it turns out an important update was never done on your car which causes all these problems.

The car IS the problem.

Your boss calls you, you're not gonna say "the dealer didn't complete the TSB". You might not know what that means. Your boss may not know what that means. You're gonna say "my car broke down"

Do you scrap the whole car?

The damn things in warranty! Heck no you don't scrap the car. You pay the $75 to get it towed to the dealer and you get into the managers office to have a polite but firm conversation about the importance of following manufacturers recommended service bulletins, especially those regarding driver safety. Maybe you kindly remind him that the car has just been in for service where you paid them to complete all necessary services and now you have needed to take half a day off work. Maybe you FURTHER request, in your completely pleasant and patient tones, that they kindly provide you with a loaner car for the duration of time your car is needed in service. You're so patient and kind. Go you.

Now the car in this situation is DEFINITELY the problem. You could blame the service manager for not completing the service as recommended but there are probably a thousand other cars out there without that service completed and they're all running fine. They had no reason to believe yours would be the one that goes wrong.

This is where we're at with capitalism.

We know it's the problem. We can see the smoke coming from the hood and the wheel lying on the ground. Capitalism IS the problem.

Where I draw a distinction from many others who say that, though, is this:

Capitalism doesn't need a wrecking ball. It needs a maintenance team.

The problem is, the services and follow-ups just aren't being done. Oversight is being overlooked. The maintainers with the wrenches in their hands have their hands tied behind their backs because the managers decided it's cheaper to run a maintenance crew if they just stop breaking so many tools

Yes. Like your car, the system needs a major overhaul. Extremely important systems have been neglected for an extremely long time.

But scrapping the whole thing would be like taking your car to the dealer and telling them you'll walk from now on.

You still owe all the money that car costs. You're paying for it anyway. We're not going to get rid of capitalism

We need. To fix it.

How?

Regulations. Taxes. Eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse. BORING stuff. People who make decisions all day, listening to people who look at numbers all day. Doing the right thing for everybody not just themselves.

I'm in maintenance. Maintenance has been my mindset as long as I've been an adult. I know when a system needs work and when it needs to be scrapped. We're not gonna be a bartering economy. And if other countries have shown us anything, there's always gonna be some idiots who want to turn any attempt at communism or full socialism into oligarchy or kleptocracy. We have a system that, even in its current broken form, is keeping us (barely) from becoming a dictatorship. It doesn't need to be scrapped. It needs to be fixed.

You want a hero for the ages? Look away from superheroes. There's nobody for Batman to punch. We don't need the world's greatest detective. We need the world's greatest accountant.

You want a 3 letter agency that could save our country? Think less CIA. More IRS.

[silver-studios]

Building Ninja Economy: Konoha

Konoha’s known statistics: 5/5 population, 3/5 military, 2/5 economy

Income: How are they making enough?

When I first read these numbers and then realised that Konoha is canonically supposed to be the strongest village, the first thing I asked myself was Why? From these numbers alone, it doesn’t make any sense. They’re overpopulated so there’s fewer resources to go around, both Iwa and Kumo are stronger militarily, and Kumo has a stronger economy to boot, so why is Konoha strongest instead of Kumo? 

Obviously, the answer is that they’re rolling around in the unending padding of plot armour, but it’s still a hard pill for me to swallow. So if Kishimoto won’t do it, I’m going to force things to make sense myself. 

First thing you gotta know: Konoha does not engage regularly in trade. Village income is almost entirely reliant on selling their services as shinobi.

Civilians, of course, are free to engage in trade, but Konoha takes a capitalist approach in that the government doesn’t regulate the market and it is left to the discretion of private individuals. This means that all production and sale happening in the village, which includes all import, export and local selling, is happening without any government intervention.

Which is fine; capitalism has issues obviously but it is usually pretty good for an economy. Except that Konoha’s dumb ass doesn’t levy taxes on production or sale, so the government sees no return on the village having really good circulation of money. The merchants keep 100% of what they make and the government stays where they started. 

This policy probably started off as a way to lure civilian merchants into the village when it first formed so they could be self-sustaining, but then they just kind of forgot to change it because Konoha tends to just not think about the civilians all that much, including what they could gain from them. 

So, their economy is reliant on their earnings as shinobi, the funding they receive from the Daimyo and private investors, and income taxes. For those of you who don’t know, every working adult is taxed on a portion of their earnings every time they receive a salary, and this tax makes up a large portion of any country’s economy. 

Under normal circumstances, this isn’t actually all that bad. They could definitely be making more easily, but Konoha has a lot of shinobi to bring in revenue and a large population to collect taxes from. The village doesn’t have to worry about buying most resources because Fire Country produces almost everything locally and there’s never a lack of merchants or farmers. They sustain themselves and don’t usually have additional expenses.

What is the problem then, you ask? So far, things are adding up. 2+2=4, Konoha isn’t rich but they’re definitely ok, so what’s the problem? The problem: war. And there’s like three of them. Almost one after the other too.

Of course, war is going to affect a ninja economy very differently than it does ours, but it doesn’t change the fact that wars are expensive and terrifying.

War Expenses and Government Debt: They aren’t making enough

Konoha’s revenue almost certainly takes a hit during wartime. They probably have to stop taking missions from other countries because they could be traps, seal their borders to prevent spies, and civilians within Fire might be afraid to commission shinobi services while tensions are high and things are so unsafe for everyone. 

This means that they’re earning less than they normally do, they have to deal with the expenses of buying any necessities missing from their market, they become reliant on local production to bear the weight of sustaining them, and they’re dealing with wartime expenses of buying weapons and supplies and paying shinobi out of their own pocket.

So, even though they won the wars they took part in, it doesn’t just end there. Now, they need to make a full comeback from their economy is currently being in shambles. 

There’s a couple of ways modern governments handle situations like this. A couple of them aren’t possible for Konoha. Basically, if there isn’t cashflow in the country because people don’t have money, the goal is to create cashflow. Either, the government borrows money from the banks and private lenders and does this themselves, or banks print a bit more cash and put it into circulation.

Konoha can’t really do the latter and this is because they don’t have a currency of their own. The entire Continent has one currency which means that it has a fixed value and it is only printed in a few central locations-- usually a Central Bank. Hidden Villages have no control on this cashflow because their economy being in shambles due to exclusively shinobi wars isn’t the Continent’s problem.

So, Konoha has to borrow money from Fire’s central bank and other private lenders so they can give themselves a bit of starting capital, and now the next big problem is obviously to pay off their new debt. 

Why can’t the Daimyo just pay off the expenses of his army? Well, he shouldn’t have to. Canonically, all three wars have been between the Hidden Villages and not the Elemental Countries. The civilians of these nations aren’t at war with each other. Konoha entered these wars of their own volition so the Daimyo has no reason to take responsibility for their actions.

I think the Daimyo have pretty solid peace treaties with one another and they try not to screw it up anymore because they’ve come to a comfortable point where they’re all pretty reliant on each other economically. It’s why we don’t see wide-scale wars anymore-- because it’s be a massive loss all around so there’s very little incentive.

As a result, the Hidden Villages function as their armies only for the off-chance that something happens, and are otherwise left to their own devices when the Daimyo have no further need for them.

Basically, Konoha has to start getting real creative real soon. And they do!

I’m not gonna lie and claim I’m any sort of economic genius, so I’ve absolutely stolen these ideas from real-world scenarios. For Konoha, I’m stealing Alexander Hamilton’s plans for getting a newly formed America out of its massive debts and on its feet post-independence. 

In general, what lets Konoha maintain its comfortable seat of power is the fact that they’re really good at economically managing the aftermath of the wars. And, as much as I don’t like him, I’m going to attribute this to the Sandaime Hokage. I think it’s a neat way to explain why everyone (including civilians) respected him so much and it’s a more fun reason for his nickname ‘The Professor’ spreading. It could have started because of jutsu but, to the civilians, it’s more symbolic of him being smart to keep them out of poverty. 

So, the first thing they do post-debt incurring is reexamine their tax policy. Increasing taxes is always a surefire way to get your people to hate you, but luxury taxes like those on alcohol and tobacco tend to be a safe bet. So, the Hokage imposes those and then adds export charges to boot so that people have more incentive to be selling their products within the village instead of outside. 

The next step is to sell or rent out public lands. Every government has portions of lands they own, and Konoha is no different. They’re lucky in that land is always in high demand in Fire, and especially so in Konoha. Senju Hashirama’s mokuton has a tendency of lingering and the result is that their lands tend to be more fertile, practically guaranteeing high return on agriculture. 

The good thing about selling or renting those lands is that not only do they make money on the initial sale, they now get to levy property taxes there too. 

They also create job vacancies by starting rescue and relief projects. Moreover, they weaponise the demand for their well-known medical services and encourage medical tourism by charging foreigners on healthcare.

Maintaining consistency with these few changes is enough for them to pull through and pay off their government debt when combined with their resumed mission income, and though they’re far from the richest village, things do return to the status quo.

Miscellaneous: Back to the regularly scheduled programme

Most of the village income comes from B-, A-, and S-rank missions. This means that jounin contribute the most to the village’s economy. 

Missions aren’t the only source for shinobi to earn money. Outside of T&I, there are also divisions for courier ninja, mission assignment, archive and record keeping, Research & Development, tutoring, mednin, cook-nin, code breaking and encrypment, and teaching at the Academy. 

Some of these positions require you to only have graduated the Academy (even if you never made genin), and others require a university degree or proof of apprenticeship. They receive a regular salary instead of relying on how many missions they run.

You only receive pension if you retire past a certain age, incur a career ending injury, your guardian is killed in line of duty, or are declared mentally unfit for further duty. 

In another display of how Konoha gives power to its clans, clan members do not pay taxes. Instead, the clan collects a portion of each member’s earnings (usually left to the Clan Head’s discretion) and then pays a fixed amount on everyone’s collective behalf. 

The Police Force receives a biannual budget and funds their activities and members through it. Maybe they were underpaid and it just pissed the Uchiha off even more that they were incurring financial losses and having to dip into their personal treasury as a clan because of the taxes when there wasn’t actually enough income. 

Civilians have stricter guidelines on what counts as a clan by Konoha’s standards so they have a harder time getting legally recognised as one even if they function as one. 

Konoha actually invests in arts and infrastructure pretty often for a shinobi village. It’s a Land of Fire mentality-- if you have the time and resources to be investing into these things, it’s a mark of wealth and development. Essentially, it’s a show of power. They’re flexing. Most of the other Hidden Villages really dislike them for it. They think it’s obnoxious.

[reversedout-blog]

Crowdfunding For Your Small Business

Crowdfunding is a powerful tool for small business growth. It can be used to raise capital, create marketing buzz around your company, and even gain customers. And now thanks to Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF), you don't have to be a creative product creator or project manager like you used to in order to access this type of financing. Here are some ways Reg CF could help your small business grow:

Crowdfunding has been around since the early days of the internet, but for a long time, it was mostly used to fund creative projects like films and music. Nowadays, however, crowdfunding is being used as a way for small businesses to get funding from their customers.

There are two types of crowdfunding: reward-based and equity-based. With reward-based crowdfunding, you offer people something in exchange for their monetary support (like a copy of your book or CD). Equity-based crowdfunding means you give away some ownership in your business and/or profits in return for investment funds. You can choose which type suits you best – there's no wrong answer!

Reg CF is the answer for entrepreneurs in regulated industries.

If you're an entrepreneur in a regulated industry and are having trouble finding funding, Reg CF can be an alternative to more traditional forms of financing.

Reg CF is a new way to raise capital and it's opening the door for you to a whole new world of customer acquisition and financing.

You can raise up to $1.07 million in a Reg CF offering, which is significantly more than what you can raise with a Regulation D or Rule 506(c) offering. You can raise money from non-accredited investors (up to 35) as well as accredited investors ($200k+ annual income).

You can also use Reg CF to secure your next round of funding from friends, family, and fans by creating an equity crowdfunding campaign on Fundable's platform and empowering them with exclusive content that they will love!

The new rules that allow small businesses to raise capital via crowdfunding can help your company grow in a variety of ways. Here are the top 9 ways you can use Reg CF to fund growth for your business:

Financing the expansion of your business.

Funding new locations, such as opening a second shop or restaurant location, or financing an expansion into another state or country.

Funding physical locations or opening a second shop if you already have one (like opening an additional store in the same mall).

Reg CF is a great way to raise money from investors without giving away equity. It's also an excellent option for companies that don't have much in the way of assets or profits.

Some other benefits of Reg CF include:

You can raise money from anyone in the world, including non-US investors.

The maximum amount you can raise is $1 million per year (subject to change). This limit applies across all of your investment offerings on Indiegogo InDemand—if you want to raise more than $1 million within a 12-month period, we recommend using other crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, CircleUp, or SeedInvest.

Investors can invest any amount they wish—even as little as $100 USD will be accepted! The only stipulation is that their total investment must not exceed 100% of their annual income or net worth (whichever is less). There are no minimums required either — so if someone wants to invest $100 USD and nothing else, that's fine too! Just remember that these things do affect your tax liability later on down the line when it comes time for your company's annual report.

Reg CF is a great way to test the waters in a new market. If you want to expand into a new market but aren't sure if there's enough demand, Reg CF can be an excellent way of finding out without making too big of an investment.

You'll be able to use Reg CF to test the waters with a small investment and then scale up if it works. This is similar to how Amazon does things: they launch their product on their website, offer free shipping, and then see what happens – if it works well, they start expanding into other markets.

If you're looking to launch new physical locations or open a second shop, crowdfunding can be an excellent way to kickstart your expansion plans. That said, this type of campaign will require more planning and preparation than those listed above.

A few common questions that come up when trying to crowdfund for this type of effort include: How do I find the right location? What equipment should I purchase? How do I get employees on board and trained? How will I attract customers?

Luckily, there are tools available that can help you answer these questions and more—from market analysis software like Nielson to customer relationship management (CRM) platforms such as Salesforce.

Online sales are continuing to grow faster than brick and mortar sales, with digital commerce actually outpacing traditional retail by 2X, according to the U.S Department of Commerce.

Online sales are growing at an annual rate of 7% per year, making it a great channel for small businesses to expand their customer base and geographic reach.

By selling online you can reach customers who would otherwise be too far away to visit your physical store in person (or even if they did live closer). You can also sell in markets where you're not physically located—whether that's international or domestic markets!

Prove market demand before scaling up production & inventory

Crowdfunding is a great way to test market demand for your product or service, and also how much you can raise through crowdfunding. If you've proven your concept on the crowdfunding platform, then it's time to scale up production and inventory so that you're ready to fulfill orders when they come in.

One of the biggest challenges faced by small business owners is raising capital for assets that will help them scale. For example, if you need a fleet of trucks to deliver your product, or if you want to invest in expensive machines that make it easier for you to produce your product, this could be difficult without an influx of cash.

This is where Reg CF can help. In exchange for funding your company's growth through fixed asset purchases (FAPs), investors can earn a return on their investment and benefit from increased sales over time.

How much money can be raised through FAPs? The maximum raise allowed under Regulation Crowdfunding is $1 million per year per issuer with no more than $50 million in outstanding capital at any one time—so while it may seem like a lot at first glance, it's not enough capital to fund massive projects like building new factories or acquiring entire companies! This means that unless your business needs only minor upgrades such as computers or office supplies, Reg CF probably won't be able to meet all its needs through FAPs alone; however, depending on how quickly production capacity increases after those initial investments have been made (which could be anywhere from weeks up until years), there may still be room left over within these limits once everything else has been taken care of thanks to what we'll talk about next:

The best time to scale up manufacturing is when you have a product that can be produced in large quantities and a manufacturing process that can handle those volumes. Many small business owners find themselves in this position when they outgrow their limited production capabilities, which are usually based around handcrafting or small batches of items. This is when you may need to buy new equipment, like an industrial sewing machine or an industrial laminator, which costs thousands of dollars each.

In addition to these large purchases, you also need to consider paying for the labor needed for large-scale production. If you're making 10 units at a time now and want to make 100 units next year, then hiring someone part-time might not be enough—you'll likely need staff members who work full-time on your project (and will thus cost more per hour).

Introduce a new product line or service offering that requires capital investment upfront.

If you have a business model that can be replicated and scaled, this is the perfect time to introduce a new product line or service offering. You'll need capital upfront for equipment, marketing campaigns, and additional human resources (or software). Using Reg CF through SeedInvest allows investors to fund these types of projects while earning tax benefits and equity in your business.

You could also use Reg CF as an alternative way to finance expansion into new locations or markets, allowing you to grow without having to do all the legwork yourself!

Crowdfunding can be used to cover advertising costs and prove market demand for your business.

Advertising is one of the biggest costs associated with growing a business, but it's also necessary to get the word out about what you offer. Advertising can include print ads, social media, TV commercials, radio spots, billboards, and more.

Crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter or GoFundMe are known best for projects where people donate money in exchange for an early version of the product being developed. But crowdfunding can also be used as a way to prove market demand for your business—and show investors that there's enough interest in what you offer that they should invest their own funds into it as well.

Regulation CF is a new way for small businesses to raise capital.

The crowdfunding rules were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2015, and they went into effect on May 16, 2016. As of today, there are over 1,000 different companies conducting Regulation CF offerings; this number grows every day as more small businesses discover how easy it is to use Regulation CF to get funded for their growth plans and ambitions.

You may have heard about crowdfunding before and the information we have provided may have filled you in—but to break it down simply, here's what you need to know: Crowdfunding means taking an idea or concept from the conceptual stage all the way through production and distribution without any external funding or investment until you're ready to launch at full scale. With traditional crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, your backers are donating money without expecting anything in return; they're simply contributing because they believe in your project enough that they want to make it real. But with Regulation CF offerings under Title III of the JOBS Act (the law that legalized equity crowdfunding), investors get something in return—typically shares of ownership or debt instruments such as bonds issued by your company (or both).

Regulation CF is great news for entrepreneurs who want a simple way to raise capital for growth but don't have access yet through traditional channels like banks or venture capitalists because those options require complex paperwork processes that take months if not years from the beginning application until approval.

If you're still on the fence about Regulation CF, consider this: as long as you have an idea and a plan for how to execute it, Reg CF can help you get your business off the ground. If your company falls into one of the categories listed above, there's no reason why you shouldn't explore this funding option! We hope this article has given you some insight into what crowdfunding is all about and how it could work for your business. If you have any questions or want to explore marketing strategies for your business, feel free to contact us at Reversed Out Creative.

Contact Us

At Reversed Out Creative, we understand the challenges and opportunities presented by AI disruption. Our team of experts specializes in web design, SEO, graphic design, and digital marketing services. Reach out to us through our contact form to learn more about navigating the evolving job market and embracing the potential of AI. Together, let's shape a future that combines human ingenuity with the power of AI.

Content source: https://reversedout.com/crowdfunding-for-your-small-business-reg-cf/

[constructionaccounting]

518: How To Protect Your Construction Company From Bankruptcy

This Podcast Is Episode Number 518, And It's About How To Protect Your Construction Company From Bankruptcy

  Starting a construction business is not for the faint of heart. A certain level of stress comes with ensuring your company's success. If things go wrong, it all falls back on you. That said, the freedom and sense of accomplishment of running your own business make the challenges well worth it. With good planning and strong business practices, you can avoid the pitfalls and drive your trade business to financial success. Learn the top reasons why small businesses end up in bankruptcy and what you can do to prevent that from happening to you.

1. Poor cash flow Not bringing enough money in is the main reason why businesses fail. You must have more money coming in than is going out, or you're on the express train to bankruptcy. This might mean increasing your prices, decreasing costs, or combining the two. There might also be different service models you can offer (such as subscription services) or ways to branch out your income. 

  Work with an accountant or bookkeeper to help you identify issues with your cash flow as soon as you know there's a problem–or to prevent one before it happens. The earlier you catch a cash flow problem, the better.

2. Insufficient initial funding

Don't rely solely on credit to fund your business. If you start in a deficit, climbing out of debt and becoming cash positive will be much harder. It can also be challenging to break the habit of throwing capital investments on credit in an attempt to start making money.

Explore all of your options for initial funding. Ensure you have enough budget to start your business on the right foot. 

3. Difficult market conditions

Economic recessions or depressions can negatively affect businesses, especially those relying heavily on consumer spending. Unfortunately, there's not much anyone can do about a poor economic climate but try to budget for the ebbs and flows of the market so you have breathing room if times get tough.

An emergency account with money set aside for unexpected situations will at least give you some cash to survive on if things take a downturn.

4. Poor financial management

Finances can get complicated, so you must ensure you're on top. Failing to keep accurate financial records, not managing expenses effectively, and not correctly forecasting future revenues and costs are all issues that could hurt you financially.

Work with an accountant, bookkeeper, or advisor if you have difficulty managing your finances. They can help you set a plan and show you how to ensure your money is best used. 

5. Lack of market research

If you can't compete with your rivals, your construction business may struggle to generate enough revenue to stay afloat. This problem typically comes back to a lack of market research. 

Entrepreneur jumps into a market they're passionate about, only to discover that somebody else is already offering the same thing – and they've already got the market cornered. Or maybe there's no need for that particular product or service. 

Market research before entering the business and offering a new product or service. The results will tell you whether there's a need for what you're offering. 

6. Legal issues

Lawsuits, fines, and penalties can be costly for businesses, draining their financial resources. The best way to avoid this is to ensure you're familiar with the rules and regulations you must follow or get help from a professional advisor when necessary. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Construction Company Failure is Always Preceded by Bad Bookkeeping

The construction company owner who buys QuickBooks and hires a regular bookkeeper to "put stuff into QuickBooks" and then ignores all of the financial and job costing reports generated from their QuickBooks file drives their construction company into economic doom.

Too often, contractors have led down the primrose path into bankruptcy and business failure by relying on inaccurate, false, misleading financial and job costing reports from their QuickBooks file.

Part of the blame rests on Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks because their marketing strategy implies that anyone, regardless of their understanding of accounting principles, can use QuickBooks, and if you are a contractor, all you need is QuickBooks for Contractors. It sets up contractors for failure by playing to their self-image of strong people who are rough and tumble and can do anything. In too many cases, these contractors end up feeling inadequate and experience huge disappointments feeling like they are the only people on earth who cannot figure out how to use QuickBooks.

Most of these contractors give up trying to make QuickBooks do what they want and lower their expectations to just knowing how much money is in the checkbook, Key Performance Indicator #1, and ignoring the other four Key Performance Indicators. Ultimately, it is like driving a car in the pitch-black darkness, on the freeway, with a tiny flashlight at 60 MPH, and being shocked and dismayed when it crashes, rolls in the ditch, and burns.

How to avoid bankruptcy

While the reasons construction businesses end up going bankrupt may seem numerous, there are some specific things you can do to make sure it doesn't happen to you, such as:

Maintain accurate financial records and regularly review your business's performance.

Develop a solid business plan that includes realistic revenue and expense projections.

Diversify your business's revenue streams to reduce reliance on a single source of income.

Stay current on industry trends and market changes.

Reduce unnecessary expenses and manage costs effectively.

Seek professional advice from construction accountants, lawyers, and business consultants when necessary.

Build up an emergency fund to help your business weather tough times.

Avoid taking on too much debt and manage what you already have effectively. By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of bankruptcy and increase the chances of long-term success.

Final thoughts

A business might end up in bankruptcy for many reasons, but a bit of planning goes a long way. Do your research, be honest when you need help, and work with a financial professional to help you stay profitable. Contact us to discuss further how you can protect your construction business and learn how we can help.

No construction company goes bankrupt that had useful, accurate Financial Statements and Job Costing Reports that they understood and paid attention to because they would have seen bankruptcy coming well enough ahead of time to avoid it.

About The Author:

Sharie DeHart, QPA, co-founded Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services companies and cash management accounting for small construction companies across the USA. She encourages Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770 or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com

  Check out this episode about Contractors Marketing - Accounting - Production (M.A.P.)!

[thebigsliceorg]

Crypto Tax Pitfalls: Common Mistakes To Avoid

Cryptocurrency has become a popular investment for many. With its popularity, however, comes the responsibility of reporting and paying taxes on crypto transactions. Crypto tax pitfalls are easy to fall into if you’re not aware of them! In this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes that crypto investors make – so you can avoid them and stay compliant with your taxes.

Taxes can be complicated enough as it is; when investing in cryptocurrencies, there are more considerations to take into account such as capital gains or losses depending on whether you bought or sold cryptocurrency during the year. Failing to properly report these in your annual tax return could result in hefty penalties from the IRS! Fortunately, there are measures you can take to ensure that your crypto investments remain compliant with US tax law.

By understanding the rules surrounding cryptocurrency trading and familiarizing yourself with potential crypto tax pitfalls, you can save yourself time and money come tax season. Read on for an overview of some common mistakes made by crypto investors – so you don’t have to worry about making them!

What Is Cryptocurrency Tax?

Cryptocurrency tax is the taxation of cryptocurrency transactions like buying, selling, or exchanging. Cryptocurrencies are not considered legal tender in most countries and instead are treated as property by governments. As such, any profits made from trading them must be reported to the relevant authorities for tax purposes. Taxpayers need to understand what type of gains they have incurred and how much taxes these gains may incur.

In many cases, people do not realize that their activities related to cryptocurrencies can lead to a taxable event. For example, when someone exchanges one cryptocurrency for another, this counts as a sale and will likely trigger capital gains taxes if there was an increase in value between the two trades. Additionally, it’s important to keep track of all crypto-related activity because even using digital currency as payment could result in a taxable transaction depending on the country’s regulations.

Not adhering to cryptocurrency tax laws can lead to serious penalties including fines or jail time so taxpayers should ensure they are aware of all applicable rules before engaging in any crypto-related activities. It’s best practice to consult with an accountant who specializes in crypto tax law whenever possible.

Common Misconceptions

As cryptocurrency taxation can be a complicated topic, there are several common misconceptions that taxpayers should avoid. The first is assuming that all cryptocurrencies are taxed the same way. While some may be subject to capital gains taxes and others may require reporting income as self-employment or business income, each type of crypto asset has unique tax implications. It’s important to understand what type of crypto asset you’re dealing with before filing your taxes to ensure that you report it correctly.

Another mistake many people make is not keeping adequate records of their transactions. This includes both inbound and outbound transfers as well as any trades made during the year. When filing taxes, accurate recordkeeping makes it much easier to calculate taxable profits and losses accurately. Additionally, failure to keep records could lead to an audit or penalties if the IRS discovers mistakes on your return due to lack of documentation.

The last misconception is thinking that cryptocurrency trading isn’t taxable at all. While this was true for a few years, most countries now view cryptocurrencies like stocks and other investments and have implemented laws requiring them to be reported when calculating taxes. Therefore, anyone who has traded cryptos must include those activities on their tax forms in order to remain compliant with local laws. Ignoring these regulations could result in hefty fines from the IRS or other government agencies depending on where you live.

Tracking Of Crypto Transactions

It’s important to keep track of each crypto transaction you make, as some transactions may incur taxes. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when tracking your transactions:

Not Keeping Records: Not keeping records of all crypto-related activities can be a costly mistake come tax time. It’s essential to document and store receipts or other proof of purchase for any crypto purchases made throughout the year. Additionally, always remember to keep track of sale prices, fees associated with trades, and interest earned on deposits.

Inaccurate Date Tracking: The IRS requires taxpayers to report their crypto activity in USD amounts based on the fair market value at the time of the transaction. This means that it is important to accurately track dates related to each trade and use those dates to determine fair market rates at that given time.

Missing Dates: Make sure not to miss out on key details such as the exact date and time of purchase/sale transactions.

Inaccurate Rates: Be careful when calculating exchange rate conversions if you’re trading between different currencies or coins. Use reliable resources like CoinMarketCap or Google Finance for accurate conversion information.

Time Zones: When entering data into your record-keeping system, also take note of time zones so you’re using the correct date stamp.

Taxes can be complicated enough without having incorrect records or missing information due to sloppy bookkeeping practices – something no one wants come April 15th! Being diligent about collecting proper documentation related to cryptocurrency investments will save plenty of headaches down the road during tax season.

Reporting Requirements For Crypto Taxes

When it comes to crypto taxes, reporting requirements vary from country to country. It is important for taxpayers to be aware of their specific reporting obligations in order to avoid any costly mistakes. Here are some common errors that can occur when filing your crypto tax returns:

Mistake 1: Not Reporting All Crypto Gains and Losses | Underreporting | Overreporting | |—————-|————–| | Taxpayers often forget to report all gains and losses, especially those transactions which occurred more than a year ago. | Conversely, some taxpayers overreport gains or losses by including income received from non-taxable sources such as gifts or loans. | Mistake 2: Not Accounting for Forks & Airdrops | Ignoring forks/airdrops | Claiming them incorrectly | |———————–|————————-| | Some taxpayers overlook the fact that receiving new coins through forks and airdrops is taxable income. | Other taxpayers may mistakenly claim these funds as capital gains rather than ordinary income, resulting in an incorrect calculation of their total taxes due. | Mistake 3: Failing to Report Foreign Accounts & Transactions | Neglecting foreign accounts | Forgetting overseas trades | |————————–|————————-| | Taxpayers need to take into account all foreign accounts where they store cryptocurrency if they have not already reported them on previous years’ tax returns. Additionally, any profits made from trading with overseas exchanges must also be declared accurately. | Furthermore, traders who do business across international borders should make sure that they properly document each transaction and include this information when submitting their tax return. Failure to do so could result in severe penalties being imposed by the IRS or other authorities. |

Filing accurate crypto tax returns can be complicated but with proper preparation and knowledge of one’s jurisdiction’s specific regulations, costly mistakes can be avoided. By taking the time to double-check one’s calculations before turning in a return, taxpayers ensure that they are paying the correct amount of taxes due while avoiding any potential legal troubles down the line.

Penalties And Interests For Unreported Crypto Taxes

If you fail to report your crypto taxes, there are various penalties and interests that may be imposed on the taxpayer. It is important to understand what they are in order to avoid them.

First, failure-to-file or late filing of tax returns can result in a penalty of up to 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month it goes unreported, with a maximum penalty of 25%. Second, if an individual underpays their taxes due to negligence or disregard of instructions, they will incur a penalty ranging from 2 – 20%, depending on circumstances. Third, taxpayers who commit fraud or misrepresent themselves may have additional fines applied by the IRS. Finally, accrued interest will be charged at 3% above the federal short-term rate until all owed funds are paid off.

Taxpayers need to exercise extreme caution when reporting cryptocurrency transactions as noncompliance can lead to hefty penalties and long-term consequences. Therefore, it is essential for individuals to consult with experienced professionals such as CPAs and tax attorneys prior to making any decisions regarding crypto taxation.

Tax Implications Of Exchange Trading

Transitioning from the previous section, it is important to understand that engaging in crypto exchange trading carries its own set of tax implications. Exchange trading involves buying and selling digital assets for a profit or loss within a short period of time. This type of transaction has specific rules when filing taxes with the IRS, which must be followed if avoiding penalties and interests.

First, all profits and losses related to exchange trading must appear on an individual’s federal income tax return. These profits and losses should be reported as “capital gains” using Form 1040 Schedule D. Capital gains are taxed based on whether they are considered long-term (held over one year) or short-term (held less than one year). The rate at which capital gains are taxed depends on several factors such as annual income level and filing status; however, it can range from 0% for taxpayers in lower brackets to 20% for those in higher brackets.

Additionally, any cryptocurrency purchased through an exchange must also be reported as part of cost basis information each time it is sold or traded since this figure helps determine gain or loss amounts subject to taxation. Cost basis includes the purchase price plus any brokerage fees paid but does not include additional costs such as travel expenses associated with purchasing the asset. It is important to keep accurate records detailing these transactions so you can report them accurately come tax season. Failing to do so could result in severe penalties imposed by the IRS.

Crypto traders who fail to properly report their exchanges may face significant fines and interest payments because they have failed to meet their requirements under U.S law.. Therefore, understanding how exchange trading works and being aware of the relevant tax implications are essential steps towards staying compliant with current regulations and maintaining financial security going forward.

Tax Implications Of Mining Activities

When it comes to mining activities, there are a few important tax implications that need to be considered. Firstly, if you’re earning income from your mining activities, then you must report this income accordingly on your taxes. Additionally, any capital gains associated with the sale of mined coins are subject to taxation and should be reported as such. Finally, depending on how you acquired the cryptocurrency (whether through trading or mining), different rules may apply in terms of taxation and reporting obligations.

In some cases, miners can claim expenses related to their operations as deductions when filing their taxes. This includes costs associated with equipment used for mining purposes such as computers and other hardware. Further, electricity fees incurred throughout the process may also qualify as deductible expenses in certain instances. However, keep in mind that these deductions have specific requirements so make sure to research applicable regulations prior to claiming them on your return.

It’s also important not to overlook foreign exchange transactions between digital currencies and fiat currency which could result in taxable gains or losses when converted back into dollars at the end of the year. If these types of exchanges occur frequently throughout the year they must be tracked carefully and accounted for properly on your tax returns. Failing to do so could lead to costly fines or penalties imposed by the IRS.

To avoid potential pitfalls with crypto taxes, ensure all earnings are properly reported according to federal guidelines and don’t forget about relevant deductions or foreign exchange conversions – both of which will help minimize possible liabilities come tax season.

Strategies To Minimize Tax Liability

Having discussed the tax implications of mining activities, it is important to note that there are strategies available to mitigate the taxes associated with these kinds of activities. Through careful planning and consultation with a professional, miners can minimize their taxable liability while still reaping the benefits of their work.

The first strategy to consider is tracking each individual transaction. This includes documenting even small transactions as they do add up over time. Keeping accurate records will help make filing easier when it comes time for taxes. Tracking expenses such as electricity costs or equipment upgrades may also be beneficial in reducing taxable income.

Another option is taking advantage of any relevant deductions or credits related to cryptocurrency mining. Many countries offer incentives for businesses conducting certain types of operations, including crypto-related ones. Researching what applies to your particular area is essential; proper documentation must accompany all claims made on taxes in order for them to be accepted by appropriate authorities. | Tax Credits/Deductions | Necessary Documentation | Eligibility Requirements| |—————–|———————–|————————-| | Home Office Deduction | Rental Agreements or Utility Bills | Must be used exclusively for business purposes daily | | Business Expenses Deductions | Receipts & Invoices | Must qualify under IRS guidelines| | Capital Gains Exclusion (USA) | Sale Records & Brokerage Statements | Limited application depending on country laws and regulations |

Finally, consulting an experienced financial advisor prior to beginning any mining activity can provide guidance regarding specific rules and regulations applicable in the miner’s region and how best to structure affairs accordingly in order to reduce potential liabilities while maximizing profits from crypto-mining endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between Cryptocurrency And Regular Currency?

Cryptocurrency and regular currency are two different forms of money, but they differ in important ways. The most obvious difference is that cryptocurrency exists only digitally, while traditional currencies like the US dollar exist both physically and digitally. However, there are several other key distinctions between these two types of currency:

Cryptocurrencies are decentralized and not backed by governments or banks, whereas regular currencies are controlled by central authorities such as a government-backed bank.

Transactions made with cryptocurrencies can be anonymous, while transactions involving traditional currencies usually require personal information to be exchanged.

Cryptocurrency purchases often involve higher fees than those associated with conventional banking services due to their unregulated nature.

Currency exchange rates for cryptocurrencies can fluctuate rapidly based on market conditions, compared to more stable exchange rates for national currencies which tend to remain consistent over time.

It’s important for consumers considering investing in crypto assets to understand how these differences may impact them financially before making any decisions about their investments. They should also consider additional factors related to taxes and regulations when determining if investing in digital assets is right for them. While it may seem daunting at first, understanding the nuances between crypto and fiat currency can help investors make smarter decisions about where they put their money and avoid common tax pitfalls along the way.

How Do I Know If I Need To Report My Cryptocurrency Earnings?

Figuring out if you need to report your cryptocurrency earnings can be a difficult task. With various regulations and laws in place, it’s important to make sure you understand the requirements of reporting any gains or losses made from trading digital currency. The first step is knowing when you should report those profits or losses.

Generally speaking, if you’ve received crypto as payment for goods or services, then that income must be reported on your taxes just like any other type of money. If you have bought, sold, exchanged, or mined cryptocurrencies during the year – even if there was no profit involved – this activity needs to be reported too. It’s important to keep track of all transactions involving virtual currencies so that accurate records can be provided at tax time.

When filing your taxes, it’s also essential to remember the potential capital gains tax implications associated with investing in cryptocurrencies. This means that any coins acquired through mining activities will likely count as taxable income due to their status as “property” rather than traditional currency. Additionally, depending on how long each coin has been held by an individual investor before being disposed of could result in different levels of taxation; thus understanding which rates apply is crucial for avoiding hefty fines later down the line.

Cryptocurrency investors may find themselves facing additional complexities when it comes to filing their taxes; however having a comprehensive understanding of the regulations surrounding digital assets can help ensure compliance while minimizing errors throughout the process..

Are There Any Tax Deductions Or Credits Available For Cryptocurrency Transactions?

Are there any tax deductions or credits available for cryptocurrency transactions? This is a common question asked by those who are new to the world of digital currencies. Fortunately, there are various options available when it comes to filing your taxes and claiming deductions related to crypto-assets. Here’s what you need to know:

Cryptocurrency exchanges may provide a 1099-K form which reports earnings from exchange activities.

Taxpayers can deduct expenses associated with their mining operations as business expenses.

Any losses incurred through trading cryptocurrencies might be eligible for deduction on Form 8949 in certain circumstances.

Certain states offer tax incentives and exemptions for holding virtual currency assets over an extended period of time.

When preparing your taxes, it’s important to take into account all applicable rules that apply to cryptocurrency transactions in order to maximize potential savings opportunities while avoiding costly errors or omissions. It’s also useful to consult with knowledgeable professionals who specialize in filing taxes related to digital assets so that you’re able to make informed decisions about how best to proceed with reporting your income and taking advantage of relevant deductions and credits. Taking this approach will help ensure that you remain compliant with federal regulations while making use of every possible opportunity to minimize your tax burden.

Are There Any Tax Benefits Associated With Donating Cryptocurrency?

When it comes to donating cryptocurrency, there are some tax benefits that you may be eligible for. Depending on the type of donation and how much you donate, you could get certain deductions or credits from your taxes. It’s important to research the specifics before making any donations in order to make sure that you’re taking full advantage of these potential savings.

Before donating any crypto coins, it is essential to understand what kind of cryptocurrencies can be donated without incurring a taxable event. If the currency isn’t classified as a capital asset such as Bitcoin or Ethereum in the eyes of the IRS, then no taxable event occurs when donating it. However, if the currency is considered a capital asset, then there could be taxation involved depending on its value at the time of donation.

It’s also important to consider whether or not the charitable organization will accept cryptocurrency donations. Not all charities do so it’s best to check beforehand if they will accept this form of payment. Additionally, donors should keep track of their transactions since they’ll need proof when filing taxes later on. This includes documenting information such as cost basis and date acquired/donated in case an audit arises down the road due to discrepancies between reported income and expenses.

By researching available tax benefits associated with cryptocurrency donations and understanding applicable regulations, donors can ensure that their contributions are both beneficial for them financially and for their chosen charity.

Are There Any Special Rules Or Regulations Regarding Cryptocurrency Taxes In My State Or Country?

When it comes to cryptocurrency taxes, there are often special rules and regulations that vary by state or country. It is important for investors to be aware of these specific rules in order to avoid any potential pitfalls when filing their taxes.

To start, here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Be mindful of the tax implications between different types of cryptocurrencies (e.g., from Bitcoin to Ethereum).

Check your local laws and regulations regarding cryptocurrency taxation before investing or trading.

Keep track of all transactions involving crypto assets so you can accurately report them on your taxes.

It’s also helpful to remember that some countries may have more lenient taxation policies than others, so it pays off to do research into the specifics of each country’s stance on crypto taxation. Additionally, certain organizations like the IRS might offer some guidance as well as resources related to paying taxes associated with crypto investments/trades. All in all, understanding the applicable regulatory environment will help ensure accurate filings and minimize possible risks down the line.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s important to understand the different tax implications of cryptocurrency transactions. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls that could cost you money down the road. It’s also important to remember that laws vary by jurisdiction so be sure to check with your local government or a professional accountant if you have any questions about how to report your crypto taxes correctly. Finally, don’t forget that there may be some financial benefits associated with donating cryptocurrency as well – just be sure to follow all applicable rules in order to take advantage of them. By doing your homework and staying up-to-date on the latest regulations regarding cryptocurrencies, you can ensure that your crypto activities are compliant with the law and minimize any unexpected surprises when filing taxes.…

The post Crypto Tax Pitfalls: Common Mistakes To Avoid first appeared on The Big Slice.

source http://thebigslice.org/crypto-tax-pitfalls-common-mistakes-to-avoid/

[paigerro]

Chapter 1 Reflection

One thing that stood out to me in this chapter that made me rethink previous economic beliefs was the phrase "guns and butter". I have long known that the US spends most of its taxpayer's money on national defense (guns) instead of “…consumer good (butter) to raise its standard of living”(Mankiw, p. 2). But it got me to wondering what all could fall into the category of “butter”. Is education butter? Are social welfare programs butter? Is free health care considered butter? Or is the phrase “consumer goods”to be taken much more literally to mean physical goods like roads, quality meat stuffs, and an actual stick of butter? Does this cute phrase maybe downplay a little bit the importance of the hypothetical butter? And is there any way to shift US policy makers into spending more money on this good good butter or have we pushed ourselves into a paranoid gun spending spree? It seems like if you swagger around long enough waving your guns and reserve currency of the world around in everyone’s faces and playing global Captain America in places that honestly sometimes aren’t interested in being bullied into playing along, you maybe run the risk of NOT spending enough on the guns. But then when are we ever going to get some of that sweet sweet butter to raise the standards of living for everyone and not just the priveleged few. My next questions arose shortly thereafter in the same paragraph in which Mankiw states:

Also important in modern society is the trade-off between a clean environment and a high level of income. Laws that require firms to reduce pollution raise the cost of producing goods and services. Because of these higher costs, the firms end up earning smaller profits, paying lower wages, charging higher prices, or doing some combination of all three. Thus, while pollution regulations yield a cleaner environment and the improved health that comes with it, this benefit comes at the cost of reducing the well-being of the regulated firms’ owners, workers, and customers.

This is put as if pollution regulations are somewhat harmful to firms and therefore, us all. First off, I’m personally not that bothered about the well-being of a well regulated firm’s owner(s). If you own any kind of company that qualifies as a "firm" that must play along with the EPA’s regulations, you’re doing just fine. In a well regulated, healthy environment, surely workers’ safety and well-being should naturally increase. Maybe the firm can’t afford to pay it’s workers enough or must charge its consumers higher prices, but then guess what? In our free-market economy, some other more innovative firm can come along and offer to pay more or sell cheaper while maintaining environmental standards (you’d hope). Again, it makes too much of a case for the need to protect these firms and their owners, which I don’t agree is all that important. At least not more important than caring for the individuals that make up the firm- the workers. At this late of a stage in Western capitalism, you would think that more people would be happy to make the sacrifice to move to smaller, more sustainable and environmentally responsible companies than try to provide break after break for larger and larger firms. Clearly, this system has not been working well for the environment or the social fabric of our country as it drives a larger and larger wedge between the ultra-wealthy and everyone else. The last question that I have after reading this chapter, is how many people that get degrees in Economics end up in policy making/ advising roles? How many studied economists are playing a role in the development of the US’s economic policy? How many of them are lawyers and/or businessmen and/or politicians by trade? What do the majority of people who graduate with a degree in Economics go on to do career-wise with this field of knowledge?

[prismaticutie]

Regarding my last reblog,

Fuck that post.

It is so fucking stupid oh my god.

Overcomplicated explanation to sound stupidly smart and sophisticated, long ass post that just boils down to "the real problem was the companies all along, not the people" IT ALWAYS FUCKING IS YOU MORONS

YOU THINK YOU'VE CRACKED THE CODE? YOU'VE SOLVED THE FUCKING PUZZLE?

The problem with capitalism ALWAYS lies in the fact that the rich, including corporations, have unchecked powers and can go about their actions completely unregulated.

It lies in the fact that there's not enough restraining them and putting a stop to their heinous acts, that there's no laws in place to punish them for what they do.

Do you honestly think you're a fucking genius for figuring that one out?

The op of that post was fine. But that fucking second reblogger was just a pretentious prick.

If you want to educate people, literally just tell them "this is the problem, we as individuals have little to no influence over it, so we should advocate for laws regulating this sort of thing in order to solve the problem."

That's all it is. That's all it fucking is.

Look at me. There is no other way. To get a corporation to change their ways.

It's not a mentality. It's the real fucking world. The only way you're gonna get anythimg fucking done is through real life consequences.

And the laws barely hurt them either.

What you need to understand is that laws would help to regulate corporations and make the world a better place, solving a lot of fucked up prpblems regarding the environment and human conditions.

But the system enables them. Your legislators would never fucking enact such laws. Never.

The issue is inherently within the system. You want change? You literally need to shame capitalism every moment you fucking get and get others on your side to be fucking communists and anarchists or some shit.

This society cannot continue if you want these things to change. The systems in place would need to be destroyed.

But you should also understand just how impossible that is. Just how powerless we are, even together.

Even stopping one multi-billion dollar corporation isn't enough. That's barely a dent.

The systems need to be dismantled. There is nothing we can really do to bring this about other than motivating ourselves and others to feel this rage. But there are no actions we can take other than direct action against the rich. And it would not be towards the corporations. It would have to be towards those people.

But obviously we face more penalties for that than any rich people heading these corporations will face in their lives.

But what pissed me off the most about that second commenter is that IT STILL THEN GOES ON TO SHUN THOSE WHO BUY INTO FAST FASHION

IF PEOPLE FUCKING WANT NICE THINGS. THEY CAN HAVE THEM

THEY ARE NOT THE PROBLEM

THEY ARE NOT THE ENEMY

You ignorant fuck. "Don't buy into fast fashion because an informed, caring person could never do that." Congratulations, you've become the very same fucking hypocrite mentioned in the post, dickhead

If people want to buy clothes they can fucking buy clothes it changes NOTHING DO YOU HEAR ME? IT CHANGES NOTHING

THE ISSUE IS INHERENTLY WITH THE CORPORATIONS GETTING RID OF AND DAMAGING PERFECTLY GOOD CLOTHES AND SENDING THEM TO LANDFILLS

You could take the wardrobes of hundreds of people who are into fashion and it would not make even near to a dent as one instance of a corporation doing this.

The working class is not the problem.

[gladerwolfstarkimagines]

Zuko x Kyoshi Warrior Series: Part Three

You and Zuko head for your weekend away but things don’t go as planned and your date is royally interuped. 

Part One here

Part Two here

Part Four here

Part Five here

Part Six here

____

The day of your mini getaway with Zuko was here. Suki and a few of your warrior sisters were coming with you on the trip as bodyguards and while to others that might’ve felt awkward you felt relief. Walking with them to the launch pad you could just pretend this was a warrior outing where you’d forgotten your gear or something. Their presence brought you comfort and suppressed the nerves you felt. You were excited too of course to be spending time with Zuko but you couldn’t help but feel like this trip would be a step away from your and Zuko’s casual “friendship”. A trip away was a lot of time to devote to one another and this might determine if you and Zuko were to stay friends or become...well more.

Your took an airship and arrived at your destination within 2 hours. You stepped out to find the air slightly chillier. You bundled your coat closer and Zuko noticed “come, there should be a carriage waiting” and he hurried you into it and warmth engulfed you. “The city is the north of the Fire Nation so naturally it’s a little bit colder”. You could tell he was a bit nervous and so you smiled “it’s fine! I’ve just gotten so used to the warm fire nation air it was a bit of a shock”. Zuko smiled “Well i’ll have fires lit in every room of our house and i’ve brought extra layers just in case. You won’t be cold for long”.

You arrived at the *house* you were staying at which was actually a large mansion. Of course to Zuko this was what all houses were like and anything was small compared to the palace. Still it was homely and true to Zuko’s word soon a fire was roaring in every room. Your bedroom was very extravagant and if you’d forgotten by however slim the chance that Zuko was Firelord and filthy rich this was a stark reminder. You had a quick rest from travelling before it was time for your tour of this city.

Zuko led you around the city personally and was totally in his element. He told you facts he must’ve had memorised since he was a child and you listened surprised by how much he knew. The city was beautiful and you were pleased you were familiar enough with the Fire Nation by now to notice the differences from this city to the capital. You mentioned this to Zuko and he seemed to swell, his smile growing even wider. You spent the remainder of the day out in the city and it was nice. Zuko had guards of course but this far out in the Fire Nation nobody should recognise him on sight so your warrior sisters stayed several feet ahead and behind, out of uniform which made it all feel normal. You still hadn’t gotten used to the cold and on the walk home Zuko brushed your hand and his eyes widened in shock “y/n your hands are freezing!”. You looked down “oh no they’re fine...”. “You should have told me, clearly we’ll need to use those extra layers tomorrow but for now here take my coat”. You paused as Zuko held out his jacket which was probably worth more than your entire village and hesitated “but won’t you be cold?”. Zuko shook his head “no don’t worry, fire benders can regulate their body heat so i’ll just do that. Please take my coat, I don’t want you to catch a chill”. You nodded and Zuko wrapped it around your shoulders making you blush “thank you Zuko” you said looking at him fleetingly and you spotted a blush on his cheek as well. “No problem” he smiled but he seemed very happy. You caught thy eyes of your warrior sisters a few meters away and they were all smiling too. Apparently you weren’t the only one who found this whole situation very adorable.

You reached the house and were happy to find it was very toasty. Zuko led you to your room and you took his jacket off and held it out to him “thank you for letting me borrow it Zuko”. He smiled “no problem, we’ll get you kitted out in the warmest garments tomorrow and i’ll wear another warm coat just in case that’s not enough”. You laughed a light blush on your cheeks “how gallant of you”. Zuko smiled also blushing “well I do try” and you laughed along with him. “So tomorrow you can have a lie-in and then we’ll head to the museum around mid-morning?”. “Sounds great” you nodded and Zuko smiled “great! Okay so i’ll leave you to relax for the night. If you need anything my rooms just down the hall...or I guess you could just ask a guard, well whatever works for you”. You smiled and squeezed his arm “thank you Zuko, tonight was lovely”. “I’m glad you enjoyed it cold and all” he smiled searching your face. “I did” you agreed not breaking his eye contact. Zuko looked away first to disguise his blush “wonderful well hopefully tomorrow should be even better! Have a good sleep”. “You too” you nodded and you watched Zuko walk away, glancing back at you over his shoulder as he went.

You stepped into your room blushing vividly. At the capital you’d hoped Zuko liked you but here you were actually letting yourself believe it more and more. There were small signs and signals which were easier to notice and there was just an atmosphere between the two of you that was so charged it couldn’t be friendship or so you hoped.  

You got ready for bed but you weren’t sleepy so you left your room and found your warrior sisters in their shared room. You knocked and they all paused before they saw it was you “y/n you know you don’t have to knock” Suki smiled and you blushed “thanks” and came into the room. They all stared at you and you paused “what?”. “So...you and Zuko seem happy” one of your sisters said in a high tone and you shot her a look. You lasted four seconds before you burst “what have I got myself into? He’s perfect” and they all laughed. “What you’ve done is gone and captured the heart of the most powerful man in the Fire Nation who just so happens to be a great person” your sister teased pushing you “i’d say a big congratulations is in order!”. You shook your head but you couldn’t stop smiling.

You had meant to go back to your room before you fell asleep but you stayed up talking with your sisters for hours and fell asleep wrapped up with them without meaning to. You woke up feeling safe and secure due to their presence and sat with them as you all stretched and woke up properly. It was early so you had some time before you’d have to go upstairs and make yourself presentable. Or so you thought.

There was a knock at the door and you turned as Suki opened it “Firelord Zuko!” she said surprised. You shot up and turned to see everyone in the room bowing. You quickly copied them before rushing to the door “sorry am I late or something?”. “No not at all. I just wanted to ask if you’d prefer to eat breakfast here and head straight to the museum or get food out, I know we planned to eat here but we both saw that really nice cafe on the way back here last night so I thought you might like to try it this morning and go to the museum a little later?”. You thought for a second before nodding “I think that sounds good. We have all day to spend at the museum so it might be nice to try some local foods while were here...although you might have to help me pick what to eat, i’m not too familiar with Fire Nation delicacies”. “It’d be my pleasure” he smiled “okay so i’ll meet you in the upstairs living room whenever you’re ready”. You nodded “I’ll grab my stuff and be there shortly”. Zuko nodded “no problem see you then. Ladies” he said addressing your warrior sisters and he bowed before leaving. You closed the door and your sister sighed “he’s just so kind...does he have a brother you could set me up with? A cousin?”. You smiled “he has two sisters but one is Azula and the other is 5 years old”. “Dammit!”.  

You got dressed quickly and met Zuko in the living room. At the restaurant Zuko was super helpful. He explained all the dishes to you and helped you select one that sounded nice. His main concern was the spice but surprisingly you had no trouble with it. When you finished the whole thing without breaking a sweat Zuko actually looked impressed. The waiter noticed too “wow it’s very impressive to see a non-native finish a whole bowl of spiced noodles, your boyfriend must’ve shared our food with you often?”. You blushed looking up at Zuko worried he’d get scared off but he just chuckled at the look of shock on your face. “I think sharing foods is one of the best ways to introduce someone to your culture” he told the waiter who nodded “that is very true sir! Food is the doorway to the heart as my grandmother used to say”. Zuko nodded “she sounds very wise, please may we have the bill?”. “Yes of course” the waiter nodded and they rushed away. Neither you nor Zuko mentioned what the waiter was inferred or the fact Zuko hadn’t refuted it and you couldn’t look at Zuko for half an hour without blushing at the memory.

You and Zuko arrived at the museum later than expected and so it was far busier. You queued up to get in and found it amusing none of the other art-lovers knew the Firelord was standing right beside them. Finally you were allowed inside and you made your way to a map. Zuko took out a piece of paper from his pocket and frowned “I did some research beforehand and thought there might be some exhibitions you’d like to see” he said handing the paper to you bashfully. You took it surprised “you did all this?”. Zuko nodded “yeah but I probably got some of the art terms mixed up. I know you like landscape paintings so stayed away from the portrait exhibition but wasn’t sure if I confused that with horizontal paintings..”. You chuckled “no you were right the first time and all the times judging by this list” you said smiling as Zuko had circles everything you’d possibly want to see “You picked everything I would’ve picked”. “Really?” Zuko asked surprised before he smiled “Great! Okay let’s begin, so the first one is on the ground floor and according to the map it should be this way”. You smiled and fell in step with him. “You know I feel like after this we should do something you like” you commented “as much as you appreciate art I can’t help feeling like i’ve dragged you here”. Zuko shook his head “not at all! I’m happy to be here”. “Are you sure?” you asked “is there no other things you’d like us to do? An interest of yours?”. Zuko blushed looking down “this is what I mean when I said I was boring. I don’t really have hobbies besides work and training. The only things I really do for fun is sit in the gardens or read occasionally...so i’m more than happy to piggyback on your hobbies”. You nodded “of course whatever you want and again I don’t think you're boring. The pond is beautiful and I can’t think of a better evening than being curled up with a book. Zuko smiled “then we’ll have to visit the pond then when we get back home, the turtle ducks are very entertaining”. You laughed “I already can’t wait”.

The museum was wonderful, it was much larger than the one in the capital and the range of pieces was mesmerising. So much so the place was packed, every room had a swarm of people and so it was difficult to get a good look at each piece without someone cutting in front of you or a queue forming behind you. So when you walked into the room filled with one of your favourite painter’s works to find it packed your shoulders slumped slightly. Zuko noticed and frowned “i’ll be right back” he called and walked to one of the security guards. You were too busy staring at one of the few unoccupied paintings you didn’t realise the staff making her way to the centre of the room. “This exhibit is temporarily closed” she called “if you could all make your way to the exit please it will be open again in half an hour”. You frowned and began to follow the crowd when Zuko appeared beside you “hey, don’t worry we can stay”. You paused “but the guard said...”. “I know, I may have convinced her to let us have the room to ourselves for a little while”. A small smile formed on your face “what? How?”. “I name-dropped” Zuko said wincing “I know really embarrassing but I also know how much you like Eziro’s work so I thought I’d pull some strings to let you enjoy it without a screaming kid on one side of you and a loud tourist yelling into a phone on the other”. You smiled “that’s so sweet but you know I don’t expect you to use your title to get us things right?”. Zuko nodded “of course, that’s why I wanted to do it. I knew it wouldn’t affect how you acted around me”. You nodded “yeah...I’ve known you were Firelord for a while now, the novelty has worn off”. “Ow really?” Zuko asked smirking and you admired how nice he looked when he did that. You then remembered Zuko had got you half an hour of uninterrupted art time so you dragged your eyes away from the pretty boy and looked around the room. “We appear to have gotten sidetracked from the art”. Zuko nodded “I wonder how that happened” still smirking. You blushed and he held out an arm to you “well I believe there’s only one place to start” and he gestured to Eziro’s section. You took his arm and made your way forwards.

After you’d seen those masterpieces up close you were content and so you didn’t mind being blocked by school children or having loud people all around you. Not to mention you hadn’t dropped Zuko’s arm since that room and you couldn’t stop smiling. Apparently you and Zuko were both in such a happy daze you missed the fact none of your Kyoshi Warrior sisters were around. You’d lost them in the crowd, which wouldn’t have been a problem if someone hadn’t been watching you and Zuko the whole time. You and Zuko were debating over what was prettier winter or summer paintings when a man approached. “Sorry to disturb you both but we need you to come with us. A boy stole your purse earlier and we need you to confirm the item is yours”. You and Zuko looked at one another and began searching your pockets. “I still have my purse” you said locating it and Zuko nodded “me...ow wait no I don’t”. The guard nodded “yes, don’t worry we’ve recovered it but you need to come with us to make a statement”. This was common protocol so you didn’t wonder how the guard knew it was Zuko’s purse or wonder why their badges looked different to the other guards. You and Zuko followed the man as he led you to the back of the museum. He scanned into the museum staff entrance and led you down a corridor into a small room. “It’s there” the man said looking at Zuko and pointed to a covered item on the table. Zuko took a step forward before he frowned. Something definitely wasn’t right. Suddenly two other men rushed into the room from the opposite direction. They were in between you and Zuko and crowded him. One slammed him down on the table from behind while the other tried to put some handcuffs on him. You reacted as soon as you saw what was happening and reached for your fans in your top pocket but the original man noticed and grabbed your hand. “Don’t do anything stupid we won’t harm you, the last thing we want to do is harm a high born lady” the man told you. You paused confused what on earth the man meant before it hit you, without all your warrior makeup and gear they had no idea who you were. They must’ve assumed you were Urila or some other rich noblewoman Zuko was dating. They didn’t know what you could do. You assessed the room and realised in these narrow quarters you didn’t have the advantage. You had no idea where the exit was or if you’d be able to get out of the doors without a key. So you played the part and waited for your opening.  You shook and made tears appear in your eyes “please don’t hurt me” you cowered and the man laughed, happy to see a woman so scared. “We won’t...atleast not too much. Grab her”. Zuko seemed to guess what you were doing and played along “leave her alone! She hasn’t done anything wrong, she’s just my date”. “Wow what a charmer” the kidnapper laughed “don’t worry she’s not the one we want” and he pushed Zuko harshly. You bit back your anger and surveyed the men, sizing them up. They led you and Zuko further into the building. They handcuffed Zuko but didn’t even bother with you they underestimated you that much. They led you outside where two carriages waited. They pushed Zuko towards one and you to another. “Wait why isn’t she coming with me?” Zuko asked. “Because she’s our leverage over you” he cried seizing you by the arm “you fail to comply and she gets it”. You shrieked as if terrified but met Zuko’s eyes with an unfaltering gaze. You nodded and mouthed “five...four...”. Zuko nodded “fine” and the man let go of your arm. “Now Zuko!” you yelled. You used earth bending to trip the man leading Zuko and Zuko used the distraction to break out of his grip. His hands were bound behind his back but that wasn’t the only way a firebender could bend. He spat fire at the two men and you worked on the one behind you. 

You immediately dodged his punches and overbalanced him as he used too much force. You smashed your knee into his stomach winding him and flipped him using your sash to bind his hands. You grabbed his weapon and rushed to Zuko who was getting backed into a corner by the two men. One of the men sidestepped Zuko’s bending and knocked him harshly into a wall. “Zuko!” you yelled angrily and bent a wall of earth between them and him. “Why don’t you pick on someone who isn’t tied up?” you yelled and bent a large chunk of rock at the boss. The man grunted “you take the prince i’ll deal with this one”. You spotted Zuko from behind the rock barrier and noticed he’d somehow got his handcuffed hands in front of him now. It wasn’t much but it was better and you made a split-second decision. “Zuko here” you called and slid the sword across the ground to him. “Really? Giving away your only weapon to your boyfriend?” the man asked mockingly “If I were you I'd worry about yourself”. You took out the fans you always kept on you and smiled “funny, I was going to say the same thing to you and it’s not my only weapon”.

The two men charged you and Zuko at the same time. You brought the earth up around their feet and while Zuko’s opponent got caught and tripped yours didn’t and leapt over it. He was a lot taller than you but you found that was an advantage. You were a lot quicker than him and dodged his first attack with ease. You could tell by looking at him his most dangerous quality was his strength. If he did manage to hit you it would hurt but he was slow and cumbersome because of all the muscle and weight he carried. So you danced around him taking the fight away from the carriages and where you could bend a little easier. Your fans enhanced your bending and you sent rock after rock at him. He took the first two without complaint but after a while they began to hurt. When one hit him on the shoulder he growled in pain and yelled running at you. It was almost too easy. You stayed in place giving him a target to run at before pulling up the earth around you. The man crashed into it and broke the rock apart with his force. While he was floored you bent the earth around him to trap him and rushed back to Zuko. He was doing well with bound hands and would have easily outmatched the man sword to sword if he had the use of both hands but his handcuffs were really restricting him. You could hear voices back the way you’d come and knew you had to end this. You smashed a rock into the back of the man’s head and the minute he went down you bent the earth up around his waist trapping him in place. That got Zuko’s attention. “Come on we’ve got to go!” you cried and rushed to the driver seat of the carriage. Zuko leapt up beside you and you snapped the reigns.  

You sped back to the house where Suki and the others were waiting. You were relieved to see your warrior sisters all present and unharmed. “You’re back!” Suki cried and you nodded “but they’re probably right behind us”. Suki nodded “Okay we’ll head to the airship and get Zuko out of here right away”.

Once you reached the ship Suki ordered it to take off immediately. She also arranged to have medics look over you both but you could hardly relax. Zuko didn’t seem able to either and he gave Suki some messages to send ahead for preparations to secure the capital. Once he’d done all he could he dismissed everyone and asked not to be disturbed. You headed towards the door too but Zuko grabbed your arm “y/n can you stay?”. You nodded “of course” and Zuko’s frown eased slightly. You watched everyone leave the room and it seemed to take forever. With what had happened the silence felt very poignant but that wasn’t the only tense thing in the room.  Finally everyone had left and Zuko closed the door turning to face you, he looked...nervous almost timid. " Y/n I owe you so much already but now we can add my life to the list. You’re the reason we got out of that, if you weren’t with me I’d be in the back of that truck on my way to god knows where. How can I even begin to thank you?". You shook your head "You don’t need to thank me...I mean you were only here, away from the capital and all its safety because of me so technically I put you in danger in the first place. Not to mention even off duty I'm still your bodyguard so saving your life isn’t something you need to thank me for".  Zuko shook his head "see I don't agree with any of that. I was there because I wanted to be there. I suggested the trip and I was the one who encouraged it and in terms of not thanking you because it’s your job. I don’t care if you're paid to keep me safe, you risked your life for mine tonight. You could have just escaped or kept playing the damsel and gotten away but you didn’t. You almost singlehandedly took out all of those men and it was impressive but I have to admit I was scared...not for me but for you. I was terrified they were going to hurt you but I should have known better...you’re a Kyoshi Warrior after all. However I still wish you didn’t have such a dangerous role. This was the first time I saw you put your life at risk for mine and I didn’t like it. Not a bit”. Zuko stared at you intensely and you looked down "if you don’t like me putting myself at risk for you then I don’t think we’ve discussed what a good bodyguard does" you tried to joke but Zuko didn’t laugh or take his eyes off you. "No I understand what you should do but seeing you fight tonight made me realise how real your role is and how easily you could get hurt. This is not something I can have happen to you. I see you and I just want you to be safe and happy... I think I actually wouldn’t be able to let you face risks alone. You’d command me to stay behind while you assess the danger and I wouldn’t be able to because I’d be worried about you so I’d have to come too which kind of defeats the object of a bodyguard”. “Well maybe stop seeing me as y/n and see me just as a body. A guard with no name there to protect you?” you suggested.  "Perhaps I could have tried that when we first met but that would be impossible now" Zuko admitted "I notice every time you enter a room and just your presence relaxes me in the same way your absence makes me uncomfortable. I like being around you and I've developed feelings for you y/n which can’t be ignored not anymore". Zuko was now standing right in front of you and you stared at him captivated. "You have feelings for me? You like me?" you asked and Zuko smiled shyly "that's an understatement and I know this might seem out of nowhere and it’s totally fine if you don’t feel the same way but I had to let you know. That’s why I can’t be the cause of any harm to you. Someone hurting you would hurt me far more than an attack on my life...you’re what I prioritise y/n. I like you". Your emotions all flared inside you and you felt like you were on fire with how monumental this was. You’d hoped Zuko might be fond of you but to hear him confess all this was unbelievable. You pinched your own shaking hand to make sure it was real and Zuko frowned “y/n? Are you okay?”. You nodded “I’m just in shock...I like you too and I feel like i’m dreaming. I did the pinch test and that didn’t wake me up so this must be real but I don’t know it still feels like i’m dreaming”. “You like me too?” Zuko asked his voice happier and higher than you’d ever heard it. You nodded laughing and Zuko had a wide smile before an idea occurred to him. “Well I know of one another test you can try to make sure this is real...”. You saw a light blush on Zuko’s cheeks and he glanced to your lips before looking back at your eyes. You could’ve pointed out that was a technique for panic attacks not dreams but of course you didn’t. You just smiled and kissed the Firelord.

In retrospect it probably broke several ancient laws to just kiss the Firelord, not to mention your oath’s as a warrior, but seeing Zuko stare at you with such an intense gaze and hearing him tell you things like that broke your resolve. Zuko didn’t seem to mind at all. He kissed you back immediately and wound his arms around your waist pulling you closer. It was an intense kiss, the adrenaline from the assassination attempt and the emotion from your confessions to one another making it far more passionate than either of you intended. You didn’t want it to end and were fairly certain the two of you would have stayed like that forever if Suki hasn’t intervened.

A loud knock broke the two of you out of your spell and Suki’s voice muffled from the door swept into the room. "Firelord Zuko y/n can I come in?" she called “we have some information on who tried to kidnap you”. You and Zuko stared at the door before removing your hands from one another. Zuko straightened his shirt and tidied his collar before he stood up taller “come in”. He stepped away from you but no more than a few steps and you appreciated the gesture. Suki walked inside and nodded to you both, if it was obvious something had happened she didn’t point it out. "So the palace received a ransom note sent before your escape and we know who was responsible for this. Azula is leading a rebellion against you in your father's name".

That was quite a bombshell but if Zuko was shaken he didn’t let it show. He asked Suki a few more questions and began planning ways to fortify his position on the throne. This wasn’t just an assassination attempt but a full-blown rebellion. Your stomach was in knots just thinking about it but Zuko gave clear commands before dismissing Suki as they couldn’t do too much more until you reached the Fire Nation Capital. After Suki left Zuko stayed looking over the notes Suki had given him and you approached cautiously. "Are you okay?" you asked as gently as possible. It couldn’t be easy to learn your sister and your father wanted to overthrow you and were willing to kill you to do it. You placed a hand on Zuko’s shoulder and felt the muscles relax. "I'm strangely fine or I guess not so strangely" he said turning you have you lacing his hand with yours "everything Suki told me was bad, don’t get me wrong and I’m nervous but it felt like a knife with a blunt edge. It didn’t hit me so hard because my brain was still processing the fact you like me back and we just had an amazing first kiss...it’s hard to feel anything but happiness after something like that”. You blushed “well i’m glad it didn’t vanish the second you heard the news, I guess we picked a good time huh?”. Zuko chuckled “I know, if things weren’t about to get crazy enough...but i’m glad I told you how I feel”. You nodded “me too...” and stared up at Zuko before a thought occurred to you “I know you have so much on at the moment but do you have any idea what happens now...with us?”. A smile appeared on Zuko’s worried face “now that I do know. I’d like to date you”. You smiled pleased at how quickly Zuko had answered “wow that was a quick answer”. “Well of course” Zuko smiled “I know I like you and I’d like to keep spending time with you and being close to you as much as I can...unless this whole day scared you away?” he asked his smile turning into a smirk. “It probably should’ve” you admitted “but you’re stuck with me i’m afraid”. “Perfect” Zuko replied with a dazzling grin and you blushed. “Now in terms of how we proceed forwards” Zuko said, the Firelord side of him clearly on show “I've given it some thought and I think we have to tell Suki purely for the fact I don’t want you serving me anymore. Not just because it puts you at risk but because it puts an awkward skew between us. I can’t date you and employ you without feeling ethically wrong. I don’t want there to be any cohesion or unfair power balance hanging over you”. You smiled and nodded. That thought had occurred to you. Zuko was your boss and dating him would be...complicated so this made sense. "I agree. Personal and professional would be better kept separate...which we’ve done such a great job of so far". Zuko laughed "that is very true. So we agree you won’t be my bodyguard anymore which brings up a few more uncertainties. I understand you moved to the Fire Nation purely for work and now you’ve settled in...so you might not want to move back home?" Zuko asked a hopeful tone in his voice. You smiled nodding "I don’t want to move back to Kyoshi Island. I’ve been here a year and it feels like home now, not just because of work or my warrior sisters but for other reasons” and you glanced at Zuko who blushed vividly. "Well I can’t pretend that isn’t a relief. I have a few ideas about jobs in the capital I think you’d be good for but in the meantime how about you take it easy? Relax a bit?". “Relax?” you asked and Zuko nodded “yeah have a little time off. A paid vacation”.  You paused contemplating the idea "i haven’t had a holiday since...I was sent to that Fire Nation prison when Azula beat us. Is that weird?". Zuko chuckled "nope the last time I went to prison was some of the best reflection time I ever got! The quiet cells, the solitary confinement” he continued smirking “so no you’re not weird”. You laughed at Zuko’s joke and shook your head “we have to be the only young people in the world with such a fond memory of prison”. “I’m going to take that as an encouraging sign” Zuko smirked “it must mean we’re very compatible and are going to be very happy together”. You laughed and nodded “I like that, let’s go with that”. Zuko admired your smile and you just looked up at him in awe of his resilience and so thankful he was safe in front of you as opposed to locked up in a cart to his sister. “It might sound stupid to say but I’m really grateful for today all things considered,” Zuko said softly “it could have gone really bad but somehow it didn’t and I actually think it was a very positive trip”. “I think the kiss is definitely still messing with your head” you joked and Zuko smiled “maybe and I hope it never stops. It’s just so odd, after Mai when I thought about dating again I didn't think it would be so easy. I didn’t think i’d just stumble across a girl I liked, that's why I tried to match myself with suitors based on our personalities and interests. I spent so much time on that and you were in front of me all along...i have been very lucky in that aspect". You blinked "wait so am I like Mai?" you asked confused. Zuko shook his head smiling "no you’re nothing alike. Your personalities and temperaments are complete opposites. Not to mention you don’t look anything alike but I think the two of you would actually get on really well in a strange way". You hummed “that’s comforting I think”. Zuko nodded “it’s definitely a compliment but i’m done talking about the past. All I want to think about is you and the future so how about we go tell the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors about us?”.

You found Suki in the control room overseeing your safe return. When Zuko asked to speak to her she agreed and led you into a small room. She looked at the two of you worried and Zuko closed the door before coming to stand next to you. "So...there’s something we have to tell you". Suki’s whole expression changed, her worried frown vanished into a curious excited stare. "We?" she asked looking between the two of you. "We’re together" Zuko said with a smile as he looked at you. Suki’s face broke into a wide grin "I'm so happy for you!" she cried rushing to hug you both. To say you were relieved was an understatement. "You're not mad?" you asked and Suki smirked. "Ow please y/n I knew about your crush on Zuko for ages and did nothing". Zuko paused "wait how long have you had a crush on me y/n?". You blushed "erm...pretty much since I first arrived the palace". Zuko laughed "really? Wow that’s a while, i’m flattered" he said with a teasing smirk. "Hey you’re one to talk” Suki cried “I knew you liked y/n since that night she walked into your study and you froze for like 10 seconds just staring at her". Now Zuko blushed "I...yeah that's true". "I guess it is about time then" you smiled and Zuko nodded "I agree" taking your hand. Suki smiled "I'm really pleased for you guys and y/n don’t worry this doesn’t affect your role as a Kyoshi Warrior". You smiled "thanks Suki but we actually have some things to ask you about that". Zuko frowned "see I don’t like the idea of y/n dating me and also being employed by me. I just think the power balance is too skewed and I don’t want it to influence our relationship". Suki nodded "I understand. What did you guys have in mind?". "Well I’d like to stay in the capital for obvious reasons but we thought avoiding palace work would probably be best in general". Suki nodded "no problem, was there any service or company you were thinking of?". Zuko nodded "I have a few in mind which we can discuss later but for now we just wanted to make sure you’re okay with y/n taking a step back from her duties?". Suki nodded "of course! Whatever you need, a good reference, help looking for work, a friend just let me know". You smiled and hugged Suki again “thank you for...everything”. Suki smiled “you have no reason to thank me and well done for getting your man” she added in a quiet whisper “we all knew he liked you” and with a wink she dismissed herself.

“Well that went well” you said still blushing and Zuko smiled making you think he’d heard everything Suki had said. “It did and now onto the next step” he said turning to the palace which was appearing on the horizon.

______

Is it just me who thinks Suki is an amazing friend? I bet she’s a great wing woman and just so supportive...I might’ve gotten distracted by Suki while writing this but it’s okay! I managed to get back on track and keep talking about Zuko.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Obscure Texas election could change the world

Things are very dire. The world is aflame. Our political will is in tatters. But despite all this, there are leverage points, where a small intervention can have gigantic consequences.

One of these is an obscure political race in Texas.

It's been 26 years since a Democrat was elected to the Railroad Commission of Texas, which regulates the state oil and gas industry, whose practices are lethally dirty, even by the industry's own homicidal standards.

https://capitalandmain.com/race-obscure-texas-office-could-have-lasting-impact-climate-change-0910

Particularly egregious is Texas's world-killing flaring process  - burning off usable gas and creating massive amounts of CO2 for no useful purpose, merely because it is inconvenient to capture it - in 2018, West Texas flared enough gas to power the whole state for the year.

For the first time in a generation, one of the three seats on the board that oversaw a transition from responsible capture to toxic, reckless flaring might go to a Dem.

The Democratic candidate is Chrysta Castañeda, the superlawyer who got T Boone Pickens $145m from the partners who ripped him off.

Her GOP opponent is bizarre: Jim Wright, who primaried the GOP incumbent. Wright's company paid a $181k fine for violating commission rules.

Wright - who, recall, is running for a seat on the commission - owns DeWitt Recyclable Products, a company that "toxic waste to pile up and leak into the soil."

It's also been repeatedly sued by oilfield operators for fraud.

Wright is a staunch proponent of flaring, insisting in print that "If you do away with flaring today with no other technology, that would shut our oil business down." (This is not true)

The Railroad Commission is a century-old, extremely powerful bulwark against pollution, and it can only grant licenses to flare if all three commissioners agree. A single commissioner COULD END ALL TEXAS FLARING.

Castañeda is a long-time opponent of flaring. Her work led to ex-commissioner Ryan Sitton publishing a report that called out the worst flarers, and the oil industry promptly raised a war-chest to mount a primary challenge against him, creating this competitive race.

"Wright, who won the primary with barely $12k on hand compared with Sitton’s $2m, now has more than $400k in his campaign bank, much of it from employees of the sectors he intends to regulate. (Castañeda has slightly more than $120k)" -Judith Lewis Mernit/Capital and Main

Here's Castañeda's campaign site. I just made a donation - these leverage points are few and far between, and we can't waste 'em.

https://www.chrystafortexas.com/meet/

Image: EdJF (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kuwaiti_Oil_Well_Fire.jpg

CC BY-SA: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

[tradescantialover]

Ways to reduce waste!

Hey everyone! In honor of Earth day, I thought I’d compile a list of things that everyone can do to reduce waste! I’ve been working towards going zero waste, so these are just a few things I’ve done/want to do in the future to further reduce my waste! 

First, my spiel on waste, consumerism, and capitalism. Obviously, most waste and pollution created is created by huge corporations who have little to no emissions regulations. And, obviously, this is a huge problem!! However, the point of reducing your waste or starting a zero waste journey is not necessary to save the planet from just your individual actions. If enough people try to reduce their waste, then we’re collectively telling corporations that we will no longer buy their shit! Going zero-waste often requires some initial investment (however, I try to work with what I have before buying a new thing and you should too), but after you’ve got everything you need, you won’t be consuming nearly as much!! For example, I want to switch to cloths rather than paper towels. Obviously, I’m gonna use all the paper towels I have stocked before I switch. In the mean time, I’m collecting fabric scraps from clothes that I alter and random towels from the thrift store. And, I’m gonna do this before I go out and buy a whole new pack of Swedish dish cloths. My point is, you don’t always have to buy something brand new to make these switches! In fact, it’s even more of a fuck you to consumerism if you go to the thrift store or collect random garbage from your home and repurpose it! And finally, to reiterate, reducing your waste is a bit more about rejecting consumerism than saving the planet. Eventually, it will save the planet, but in order to do that, we must exile consumerism from our culture! Also, buy local if you can!! Anyways, onto the list!

From above, cut out paper towels! Collect scraps of fabric from cropping your shirts or whatever the fuck or buy some rags second hand! If you want buy some Swedish dish cloths from a local store!

Maybe controversial, but get a bidet! They’re not as pricey as you may think and it will seriously help you cut down on toilet paper!

Get a safety razor! It can take some time to learn to use, but it’s worth it in the end! It’s also a lot cheaper for you in the long run! And, I don’t really think they’re that expensive to begin with. 

Get a reusable notebook thing! Like rocketbook or whatever it’s called. 

Try a crystal deodorant! Or just one in paper/reusable packaging. Crystal deodorants aren’t anti-vax facebook mom garb, they actually work! They’re usually crystals of potassium aluminum sulfate. Yes, there’s aluminum in that name, but it is not the same as the aluminum compounds in other deodorants! Those are the ones found in other deodorants that increase risk of breast cancer and stuff. Using crystal deodorants have actually proven to reduce your risk of breast cancer! It’s sort of like how sodium chloride, NaCl (table salt) is fine, but hydrochloric acid, HCl, is bad. Both have chlorine, but only one of them is bad! 

Side note, my favorite natural deodorant is Hey Humans, which you can find at target now! The packaging is recyclable, and they come in a lot of really fun scents (my fav is apple matcha!)

Switch to bar soap! This is really easy/cheap switch you can make. Also, there are a ton of small businesses that sell soap! You could also make your own soap if you’re into that! It’s pretty easy to make, which is partially why so many small businesses sell soap. 

Also, try out bar shampoo! I was pleasantly surprised, but it’s not for everyone’s hair. There’s some brands that sell bar shampoo for curly/kinky hair, but I’d try to look into some small or local businesses! Even if you find something technically for your hair type, it may not work out and that’s okay too!

Buy natural loofahs instead of plastic ones! Loofah is a plant that’s a member of the gourd family. They grow on vines, and they can be grown in most temperate regions. They need approximately 100 days without frost. 

If you can’t grow them, there’s tons of small businesses online that grow them and sell them! Or, see if any of your local businesses sell them! 

Natural loofahs are also great for cleaning dishes and stuff, and they don’t need to be replaces as often because they are less dense than normal sponges or plastic shower loofahs, so if they are dried properly, they should last a long time before they start harboring bacteria! When you need to switch them out, they can be composted!

Be more conscious of the packaging you buy at the store. Buying from the bulk section is good, but when you need other things, try to buy aluminum or glass. 

Aluminum is (nearly) infinitely recyclable and rather easy to recycle, but a lot of glass is not recycled because the process of recycling glass requires a lot of heat (and by extension energy). So, try to repurpose any glass you have to buy.

If you buy plastic, try your best to buy number 1, 2, or 5. The numbers can be found somewhere on the container and these numbers are the most easily recyclable. However, check your area. Sometimes 5 will not be recycled in certain places. If it doesn’t have a number, it’s best to not recycle because it may be a combination of types of plastic. Other types of plastic can be recycled but really only a small percentage is, so just try to avoid it if possible. 

2 and 5 are the safest to get because they leak out the least amount of microplastics. They can be reused, although I’d recommend that you never heat any plastic up. 

Sort of obvious one, but use reusable grocery bags. Again, they can be anything, you don’t need to buy any. You can use extra backpacks or duffle bags or literally anything you have at home.

Use beeswax wraps! I get mine from a local bee keeper, but you can make your own out of fabric scraps and beeswax which you can buy online or just wherever.

Bring your own cup to wherever you get your coffee!

Buy/make soy or beeswax candles instead of paraffin wax candles! Paraffin is a carcinogen (causes cancer)! It’s a petroleum byproduct, so it’s not renewable and is obtained by destructive mining techniques and refining processes. 

It’s also toxic to pets! Because our pets are much smaller than us, they will get sick from less particles/exposure.

Composting!!! is!!! so!!!! important!!!! So, do it if you can!! If your community doesn’t have a compost drop off, bug your legislators until you do! You can just send them a bunch of emails! Also, if you have a mulch/dirt supplier, chances are they compost. Look on their website or call!! You can ask to drop off your compost there; they may not let you, but it’s worth a shot!

Buy second hand when you can!! You can buy cookware, appliances, furniture, dishes, fabric, clothes, home decor, etc. for a fraction of the price!

I know that sustainable fashion can get a bit controversial. But, I think sustainable fashion can be anything! Buy what you can afford and have the time to search for. If you don’t have the time or live in a place that doesn’t have a lot of good clothing at thrift stores, buy from shein or whatever the fuck. Buy from wherever as long as you think that clothing will last you for a long time!! Just buy clothing that you will cherish! Not just because it’s a trend or whatever the fuck. If everyone bought sustainably from places like shein, then their fast fashion model would no longer work and they’d have to shift their practices to be more sustainable. It doesn’t matter where you buy from! You are a consumer and every business matches what consumers want (this is why reducing your waste will actually help in the long run).

Also, extend the life of the clothing you have! Don’t use fabric softener because it just causes your clothes to wear down faster. Wash your clothes less often! It’s not gross as long as you’re hygienic otherwise. Here’s how often you should wash clothes, but adjust this for how much you’re sweating/getting dirty:

Shirts: 2-3 wears

Jeans (or thicker pants): 4-5 wears

Pjs: 3-4 wears

Tighter clothes: 1-3 wears

Underwear, socks, etc: 1 wear, nasty nasty

The amount of times you wash your clothes depends on the fabric and how it fits. Tighter/thinner fabrics need to be washed more, while looser/thicker fabrics need to be washed less.

While on the topic: dryer balls instead of dryer sheets!! They last super long and they actually work! If you want a scent, you can spray perfume or put a drop of essential oil into them.

Get an email receipt when you can. I know it’s annoying to type in your email, but receipts are made from non-recyclable plastic that leaks microplastics. 

Find a refill place near you!! There may not be, and that’s okay too!! There are some places online that will do low waste refills for delivery, so just do a bit of research and find something that will work for you!

When buying fresh fruits and veggies, try to make them last as long as possible! I’m sure there’s a ton of things, but here’s a few tips I’ve learned! (Note: all of those glass jars you’ve collected will come in handy!)

Wash fruits (like berries) and DRY THEM COMPLETELY before putting them in an airtight container. And DON’T CUT THEM!

Store carrots or celery in water in an airtight container

Refrigerate avocados (maybe I’m dumb, but I didn’t know this). When you cut them in half, you can store the other half in water to prevent it from getting brown. You can also do this for apples!

Wash herbs, dry them, wrap them in a cloth, and then put them in an airtight container

For some herbs, you can put them in water and set them by a sunny window (basically like growing them in water). I know that you can do this for green onions and soft stemmed herbs like basil, mint, lemon balm, etc. 

Citruses go in the fridge!

Clean out your email! Unsubscribe from all the garbage you don’t want to see anymore!! Sending/receiving emails requires electrical energy that is, in most places, created with processes that create pollution! It’s really simple and will probably make you feel better!

Also, I just want to say that I know that being eco-friendly can sometimes be expensive/discriminatory and if you can’t do it, it’s not your fault!! I made this list hoping that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, could find at least one thing they can do!!

Well, I think this is all I have! If you have any suggestions, let me know!

[bitchesgetriches]

Hi bitches, I'm a bit nervous to ask this but I'm being genuine I promise. I don't want you to think I'm some biggoted old fool.

Could you please help me understand how sex work isn't exploitative? I hear a lot of people saying "it's just the same as normal work, it's better than my job at Amazon/target/wherever and no one is calling that work exploitative" or "well you wouldn't do YOUR job if you didn't have to either" but like, checkout work IS hella exploitative??? Most work IS hella bullshit that only exists to feed the capitalist machine. I DO fight for a world where work is a choice. I understand why The Right would love onlyfans, but why is The Left lining up to defend it?

Sex work - especially things like onlyfans - is overwhelmingly done by the poor or as a way to escape poverty ("I was being paid shit in my previous job, now I can afford an apartment" is something I hear a lot). But in doing so it transfers all the risks to them, it's essentially turning sex work into the gig/hustle economy, isn't it? You end up on a zero hour contract with no union, health, benefit, maternity protection, in a job that can be hella dangerous and have serious emotional repercussions and requires huge emotional labour and/or disconnect and I don't really understand why we're just cheering this along?

I don't object on moral grounds. Sex is sex. Consenting adults do what you want. People are well within their moral and legal rights to choose to sell sex, (or the emotional labour that comes with it), or photos, or whatever they want - just like they are free to go work for target. I absolutely understand the need to - and support - decriminalisation of sex work, the need to make it safe and secure for sex workers, but I just can't see why ~the world at large~ sees huge numbers of young 18 year old women being herded and encouraged into joining Onlyfans - in several cases with people saying "can't wait for you to turn 18 so you can have an OF" so the patriarchy can pay £3-4 a month to see their tits and people cheer this along? One or two get rich, I'm sure, but who is getting REALLY rich? It's the old white men that own onlyfans and take a 20% cut, as always. It's the patriarchy working as it always has. Allowing one or two women to succeed while holding the rest down for exploitation. Except now it's mixing with the worst bits of 21st C capitalism, too. Surely all OnlyFans is is Uber for Sex work, using the gig economy to de-unionise and isolate workers, strip them of benefits, make them into independent contractors and profit off them?

Sure, it's a step up from kidnapping girls from Romania to have them do porn, but is that really the bar? Can we maybe just stop for a second and imagine a world where rich white men don't get richer off the emotional and physical labour of women? Where the other available work options aren't so shit that a zero-hour career with no employment protections, a limited lifespan, in a dangerous industry doesnt look like heaven in comparison? Sure, you can work for three years, sell your emotional labour, and pay for college. But why are we cheering that instead of asking why this has to happen in the first place? We're fiddling around the edges of the system, giving it a makeover, and rebadging it "female empowerment" instead of actually changing anything fundamental. Poor women sell sex. A few are allowed to break out. Men get to leer at naked women for pennies a year. Rich men get richer. Plus ça change. Not even to mention that because of the ~emotional~ connection that onlyfans gives beyond porn, we're embedding the idea that women are "money in, girlfriend out" machines. I know several girls that won't even *talk* to men in any situation without a minimum $50 fee. And apparently the fact we also have a crisis of men so lonely they're willing to pay this isn't a problem either? Where's our luxury communism dreams bitches?

Bitches, I trust you. What am I missing?

I don’t think you’re a bigoted old fool. Nor a prude! I think you’re incredibly enlightened about the dangers of unfettered capitalism and labor exploitation.

Almost all of the issues you highlight about exploitative sex work can be said about exploitative labor in any industry. Poor people taking shitty jobs that don’t pay enough and enrich capitalist, patriarchal corporate overlords? That happens all over the world in industries from meat packing to clothing sweat shops to, yes, sex work. The exploitation of a person’s body for labor is an ethical stain on our culture at large. It’s why we’re so in favor of labor rights advances including a higher minimum wage, unions, and humane work environments. 

Raising the Minimum Wage Would Make Our Lives Better 

Are Unions Good or Bad? 

Coronavirus Reveals America’s Pre-existing Conditions, Part 1: Healthcare, Housing, and Labor Rights 

Sex work is not unique in that it opens desperate and poor people up to labor exploitation. It’s not even uniquely dangerous to the bodies of workers--John Oliver did a bit on the US meat packing industry recently that made me faint with body horror. 

So we agree that labor exploitation is bad. And it’s something that we should work towards ending in every industry. But I can see why some people would view exploitative sex work to be a different kind of bad. Because sex is sensitive! It can be used to punish and hurt. See revenge porn and the way synonyms for “sex worker” are stigmatized and used as insults throughout society. 

Now, a few clarifications. When I refer to sex work, I’m not just talking about cam work on OnlyFans. There are lots of other outlets for many different kinds of sex work. And I’m also not just talking about women sex workers. People of all gender identities and sexualities do sex work, and we should advocate for fair labor practices and safety for all of them. I am firmly pro- decriminalizing sex work so that the industry can be made safe, regulated, and destigmatized in an effort to reduce exploitation. I want sex workers to have the power of collective bargaining! I want them to be protected by law enforcement and our justice system, instead of targeted by it! I want them to pay taxes and have the privileges associated with all tax paying workers! I want them to have the power and protection of a regulatory industry that will purge abusive and violent clients from their field!

I also disagree with the characterization that choosing sex work freely, even out of desperation, is a “step up from kidnapping a girl from Romania to have them do porn.” Human trafficking is not sex work. It’s slavery and torture. Even when the choice is between making $7.25 an hour working at WalMart and making $7.25 as a cam girl, there’s still a choice involved, even if it’s a shitty one. There’s consent. Trafficking victims have no choice, no consent, only violence. 

I honestly don’t want to start a debate here. We’re all on the same page that labor exploitation is bad. So I’ll just end with this: not all sex work is inherently exploitative. Which I guess is your real question!

I’ve mentioned before that I have friends who are former sex workers. Specifically strippers and a specialty dominatrix. As with any job, they had their ups and downs, their good nights and bad nights. But they all agree that they freely chose the work not out of desperation or a lack of other options. And they even enjoyed the work in some cases. If someone prefers sex work, thrives in giving that emotional labor to others, I’m not going to judge and I’m certainly not going to tell them they’re being exploited. It would frankly be insulting, condescending, to tell someone that their choice of work (when it truly is a choice) is bad for them. 

It’s a fine line, but the line does exist. Sex work CAN BE exploitative. But it is not inherently exploitative, as far as I’m concerned. 

[lamortexiii]

The HellBilly Pulpit: Time is a Fraud.

Well, at least the current standard and practice of measuring time and how it affects us.

Our ancestors, thousands of years ago, didn’t have clocks to follow.  They relied on the natural order of things to help them keep track: the moon, the stars, and the seasons to name a few.

It amuses me at times. To sit here and watch people, myself included, unfortunately, base everything on this idea of the time we all follow knowing that it’s all a man-made premise.

How old am I? How old are you? Who really knows? It was practically arbitrarily decided that XYZ equals the months, days, and years we follow.

Measuring time started out as a way to keep track of the weekly Sabbaths, but there was much debate on when this actually occurred. So modern timekeeping started to be used as a way to take “man and the creator” out of the equation. This was based on the lunar cycle. The most attuned way of keeping time out of man's hands and rearrangement of cycles is using “Atomic Time” which keeps its rhythm with the moon and the stars. This sounds fine to me, but in the end, it is still a manmade practice used to determine the passing of time, which continues to still be “tweaked” by leap years and the days in a month.

We have to follow these rules of time to keep managed and maintained. Everything is rushed or put off based on these principles. “We have a deadline to meet”, “you have two days to turn it in”, or “you have a month till you go on vacation”, and so on and so on. So with the way of things, you don’t get to really experience life by always looking at your watch or phone for when it’s time to do the next chore or go to the next place. Humans were not meant to be in these little uniformed rows following each other to the same cadence. We evolved from nomads that were always on untethered journeys. But now, “You have to be back at…” is what they always say when you go on a trip now. It gives that feeling like you have to make it back at that certain point no matter what, regardless of if you have to shorten your trip or the sights you wanted to see.

No, I can’t sit comfortably here and do this anymore. I’m of an age where my hair is mostly gray, my body hurts for no reason, and even sometimes just sleeping in a certain way will jack me up for days. I know by those measurements, I’m getting older. I don’t need your clocks to tell me that my 20s were 20 some years ago. I can see it in my face when I look into the mirror. I can see it in my kids as they grow older. The clock is irrelevant to these things.

It’s all corrupt. It goes along with the wonderful concept of capitalism. It’s really rather brash if I think about it enough. Just the plain idea of man’s audacity to try to control how time is measured is incredible.

I mentioned before you can follow or observe any of the natural ways to keep track of your time. The modern use of the clock as a means to regulate our days only really just began in the 20th century.

All of our occult kin have our methods and practices to pace ourselves, a tremendous amount of groups or practices follow the moon for most rituals just as our Native American friends and others track by its stages.

The druids built Stonehenge, Sailors used the stars, and ancient travelers could judge by the position of the sun. We as pagans and heathens have to keep this in mind to live our best life. We are not bound to the clock other than when we have to get our kids from school or get to our dentist appointments.

I mostly use the change of seasons to remember how long ago something really was. Like when I think of the first ritual I attended 13 summers ago, or that I have been with my partner these 11 summers now. I’ve found this can help to keep from being so distracted and miserable watching the hours tick away every day to relate it to the experiences that you have had since that certain event, or how much life you have to look forward to experiencing before going on that next vacation or having that next anniversary

Get back to your roots.  As the stars and sun have their dance. They don’t care what day we call it, or what “time it is”. They just keep doing what it is they do… We should too.

Ava Satanis

The HellBilly Pulpit Blog by @hellbillyvvitch @thehellbillypulpit