The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible - Bastiat Institute

Chapter 29
New Newcomers
ou think you have problems?” said a haughty looking
“Ywoman, clearly distressed that she was chained to people
she considered her inferiors. On the verge of tears, she pressed a
fi ne lace handkerchief to her eyes and said, “When the press fi nds
out that I, Madam Ins, am under arrest, my husband’s career will
be fi nished. I never thought I was doing anything so wrong. What
would you have done?”
Embracing a young couple chained next to her, Madam Ins
continued, “Years ago, I had a big home, three growing kids, and I
wanted to get back to my career. My neighbour travelled a lot so I
asked him to keep an eye out for people who might help with my
household. He highly recommended Jiyo and Shar, so I hired them
immediately. Shar is wonderful with the garden and carriage. She
can fi x anything around the house and does endless errands.”
“And Jiyo, such a dear, has been my lifesaver. He’s so good with
the children. He’s always there when I need him. He cooks, cleans,
cuts hair – does a thousand and one chores better than I ever could.
My boys are crazy about his cookies. When I get home I can relax
with my husband and play with the children.”
“Sounds like help that everyone would love to have,” said
Jonathan. “What went wrong?”
“Everything was just fi ne at fi rst. Then my husband got a new
appointment to head the Bureau of Good Will. His opponents
investigated our fi nances and found that we had never paid the
retirement taxes for Jiyo and Shar.”
“Why not?” asked Jonathan.
“With taxes high and my earnings low, we couldn’t afford to at
the time. And they’re not allowed to collect the retirement benefi ts
anyway.”
Jiyo spoke up saying, “Report is very trouble for us.”
Shar poked Jiyo and whispered, “Careful, Jiyo. Much risk.”