Cash is wonderful for obtaining discounts on goods and services. However, it won´t always work. For instance:

1. In order to participate in craft fairs or other public sales in South Carolina (and, no doubt, elsewhere) one has to produce a state business license to participate. Monthly reports of income are required in most instances (even if it´s zero) in addition to annual business tax returns.

2. When we refinanced last year we first had to pay off the balance of a home equity loan. We put some cash in our checking account to avoid shifting money around. However, we were required to reveal the source of that cash. Thinking of the regulation regarding cash in excess of $10,000, I protested: "But it´s only two thousand dollars!" And was told, sniffily, "Some banks consider two thousand a lot of money." I explained there had been withdrawals of cash from our checking account to explain why we had that sum on hand--and had to send copies of our bank statements in support.

Look before you leap.

It will happen. During Jimmy Carter´s reign, the so called grey market was said to have been 20% of the economy. Even today, I know a certain land owner who provides a small cow pasture in return for a beef carcass(about 700 lbs)every year. Carter never was able to stop barter, but I think Obama will send out the storm troopers to try and stop it.

Resourceful people will always find a way around. Like the writer, there are people who will wash cars, shovel snow, clean houses etc. and their name is Cash.

There comes a point at which failure to screw the feds at every opportunity becomes an endorsement of their communist-dictatorial proclivities.

Further....as a form of unyielding patriotism I will be planting and harvesting any damn thing I like in this year´s garden without consulting the government for permission.

Come and get me.......coppers !

The new American is a person who collects a check from the gubmint while working for cash. There are millions of them out there. I work in a profession that is far too regulated be done with cash or barter or else I´d be doing it. I´m trying to hang on a couple more years before applying for MY Social Security . I have cash/barter skills left over from a couple of earlier careers that will allow me to do quite nicely in the new America.

This is all a result of confiscatory tax rates. Taxing America has turned into outright THEFT!

I´m guilty of drive by commenting today (violating my own rule) - but did the article mention the Obama cash folks? By that, I mean those who take all the gummint hand outs they can qualify for and do cash jobs on the side part time, and live like kings?

What is dangerous is a President Obama and democrats being in charge of defining "fairness".
Rest assured, once again in the foreseeable future, the pendulum will swing and Republicans will decide "fairness"..and payback is going to be a bee itch because we will not forget the heavy handed greedy tactics of the Obamas and the democrats.
What consoles me today is the saying "what goes around, comes around"..and it will.

As #2 says, remember the Carter Years. Doctors in my area, are already discussing ´retainers´ (Concierge).

Greece has had two economies for quite some time now.
Property transactions to everyday grocery transactions - all happening without a bank being involved.