Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is looking into inspector general findings that, in several instances, the confidential tax records of political donors or candidates have been  inappropriately accessed or disclosed since 2006.  The inappropriate access most likely occurred at the IRS but since the inspector general didn't name the agency, another entity or entities, such as a state tax office, with access to federal tax records could be involved.  The inspector general is withholding details of the agencies involved and the names of the candidates and donors because of taxpayer confidentiality laws.  The inspector general found one case of access "willful" and sought Justice Department prosecution.  The Justice Department declined to prosecute.  Grassley is asking the Justice Department for an explanation of the decision not to prosecute.  Grassley comment:

"Any agency with access to tax records is required to act with neutrality and professionalism, not political bias.  The Justice Department should answer completely and not hide behind taxpayer confidentiality laws to avoid accountability for its decision not to prosecute a violation of taxpayer confidentiality laws.  With the IRS on the hot seat over targeting certain political groups, it's particularly troubling to learn about 'willful unauthorized access' of tax records involving individuals who were candidates for office or political donors.  The public needs to know whether the decision not to prosecute these violations was politically motivated and whether the individuals responsible were held accountable in any other way."

Grassley's initial inquiry to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) is available here.  TIGTA's response is available here.  Grassley's letter to the Justice Department is available here.

It's safe to say that women are on the ascendancy on many accounts:

• Throughout the next decade, women will be the beneficiaries of the largest transference of wealth in the history of the United States and control two thirds of consumer wealth in the country.

• Women are now the majority of the workforce in the U.S. and fill the majority of managerial positions.

• For every two men who earn a college degree, three women will get theirs.

"It's not just college and professional women who are transforming society - and the movement is not simply money-based - because I've witnessed women developing a dramatically new point of view on how we view ourselves," says Xandra "Sunny" Moon, author of "The Power of the Titz...a woman's journey back to her self" (www.sunnymoonspowerworld.com). "I am one of those women."

As a self-described "liberated, 18-wheeler-driving, 40-plus babe," Moon meets a countless number of women who she counsels. Like her, they've suffered physical and emotional abuse as young women. And, like her, after raising a family and enduring a deeply unsatisfying lifestyle, they are climbing out of depression and getting back in touch with the woman they've always wanted to be, she says.

"But, as women, we continue to run into several obstacles; while a woman's role has evolved, much of society has not," Moon says. She lists some of those obstacles:

• Other women: While there certainly is a sisterhood among many women, Moon occasionally runs into some who are fearful, lacking in confidence and, therefore, judgmental. "I've been accused of trying to steal husbands because I embrace and show off positive physical traits such as my large breasts, and I encourage all women to take charge of their beauty," she says. "I can assure you that stealing someone's husband has never been on my to-do list; I'm too happy with my life partner and second husband, Lee Abzu, who coauthored my book."

• Domestic abuse: In the U.S., a woman is beaten every nine seconds; most domestic violence victims are women - 85 percent; it's estimated that 1.3 million women are beaten each year - a number that could be much higher since most abuse is not reported to police. In some cases, emotional abuse can be worse because it works like a "psychic prison," Moon says, keeping women locked in awful relationships year after year.

• Human Trafficking: According to the U.S. Department of State, 80 percent of transnational victims are women and girls, 70 percent of which are supplied to the commercial sex industry. With human trafficking being a $32 billion industry, the problem will be an enduring one into the future, even as women in modernized countries earn key roles in changing the world.

• The other half of the population ... Some intellectuals argue that a modern, post-industrial civilization is simply better suited for women. They argue men tend to be more shiftless, inclined to take risks and, overall, living in a society in which excessive testosterone is a liability. "But it doesn't have to be that way," says Abzu, who adds his outside-the-box relationship with Moon exemplifies an ability to adapt to a changing world. "Women have always been beautiful, which means they've always had power, so it's not a huge leap to think of women as having significant sway in how the world operates." Some say that women have taken a page or two from a male-dominated world in order to get ahead; soon, however, it may be that men are the ones who will need to learn from opposite-gender leaders in society, he says.

About Xandra "Sunny" Moon

Xandra "Sunny" Moon is a survivor who came into her own after age 40. As a younger woman, she endured rape, unlawful imprisonment, mental and emotional abuse, and divorce. She has worked 14 years as a truck driver, during which she has spoken with thousands of women near or at midlife. After raising her four children, she continued her education at Idaho State University and eventually married her second husband and soul mate, Lee Abzu. She now counsels women who are seeking rebirth.

For everyone - even people in an ideal relationship with a lifelong partner - there will be times when you are alone, says serial entrepreneur Susan Alpert.

For 46 years, Alpert lived the dream with her husband, Larry; they had a happy home, children and thriving careers. When Larry died, Susan experienced the ultimate aloneness, fearing her happiness would never return.

"No, it wasn't easy to recover from the loss of a loving partner at my side, but I did, and learned how to be very happy on my own. It's possible at any stage of life," says Alpert, author of "Driving Solo," (susanalpertconsulting.com).

"I've spoken to those who have been divorced or separated from their spouse or they just haven't met that special someone yet and they, too, feel a sustained loss -similar to a death. But, as I've learned, going solo can be an unexpected and fulfilling experience.

Alpert reviews important markers along her journey to finding happiness again:

• Taking  Control: Whether you're widowed or emerging from a breakup, you have to reevaluate and assess where you are and take steps to move forward. If you were married and you've been off your game for a while - you've neglected a stack of mail, been out of touch with friends, etc. - start making progress one task at a time. If you've been left with papers and bills to handle, create a system, perhaps a digitized one to restore order. If your girlfriend or boyfriend left you, it's time to recognize and respect your self worth. Consider getting into good physical shape with an improved diet and a schedule for training. You might even consider a professional reboot - anything that gets you focused on something constructive can help you move on. Remember, you're responsible for yourself. It's you who has to take action.

• Ease the Throttle: While it's essential to take proactive measures, it's not wise to try to do it all at once. In some areas you should throttle back. Aim for achieving a regular sleep schedule - stress often impacts one's ability to sleep well, and current research is finding the heightened negative side effects of insufficient sleep. Also, take a break while awake, you'll think more clearly, have more energy and be prepared for the next steps, whatever they may be.  - Take a deep breath, get outdoors. Even a short walk is an excellent stress-reliever while providing moderate exercise. We all know that it's important to eat balanced meals, but you're human and that's not always possible. You may be tempted to indulge in junk food, alcohol and other drugs while in emotional pain, but this ultimately makes life harder. Hint: try to include different colored items on your plate, that's an easy way to eat well.

• If you're grieving, know that eventually, you'll feel better: The initial stages of her grieving were new and terrible. "People said the feeling wouldn't last forever. My response? - 'That isn't doing me any good right now, is it?' They hadn't lost Larry, I did," she says. Immediately, Alpert knew things would never be "normal" again - life would be different. It was going to be a long and painful process. She had to go through the experience of loss. Until then, she could expect to yo-yo between emotions, her therapist said, "In time, I got my health and strength back - I found a reason to get out of bed each morning and although unexpected and different, I have a wonderful, exciting and joyful life today," she says.

About Susan Alpert

Susan Alpert is the creator of "Chaos to Control," a program through which she coaches the bereaved on business aspects of death and other major life changes. Alpert - a successful businesswoman, educator and entrepreneur who has run several multimillion dollar companies - created the program after losing her husband of 46 years. Alpert is the founder of several companies, numerous focus groups and most recently her own consulting firm. Alpert holds a Master's degree in education and psychology, and has extensive experience in the fields of negotiation, finance, international services and business. She is a frequent guest speaker and has been featured on countless radio and television programs.