Support Your Local Gunfighter
February 4, 2009
So let’s see: Charlie Rangel doesn’t have to pay his taxes, and new Treasury Secretary (and head of the IRS) Timothy Geithner doesn’t have to pay his taxes. So why should Tom “Puff” Daschle have to pay his taxes?
WASHINGTON — Four prominent Democratic senators spoke out Saturday in support of former Sen. Tom Daschle, whose tax records have come under scrutiny since President Obama nominated him for a Cabinet position.
And yet, Daschle will be easily confirmed. What do you think would happen if the IRS found that you or I made $146,000 in “tax errors?”
A committee memo obtained Friday by CNN indicates that committee members want to discuss the use of a car and driver that Daschle didn’t disclose on his income taxes, and nonpayment of taxes on more than $80,000 he earned in consulting fees after leaving the Senate.
Daschle also apparently once filed a tax form listing charitable donations to organizations that did not qualify for a deduction, according to the memo.
- A d v e r t i s e m e n t
Don’t worry, though. Daschle has received very vocal support from Congress’ most trustworthy members:
Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, the senior member of the finance committee, released a statement Saturday saying, “Months ago, Tom personally and proactively addressed the taxes issue and took all necessary steps to correct his innocent error.”
Another committee member, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, said Saturday that Daschle had “identified and self-disclosed his oversight.”
Democratic Sens. Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts also released statements supporting Daschle. (H/T – CNN)
Wow, I mean if these fine, upstanding men support Daschle, who are we to argue? /snark. Well, in fairness, Daschle stated that he was “deeply embarrassed” about “the error,” so there’s no problem. Confirm away!
First of all, he is only deeply embarrassed because he got caught. Second of all, not paying your taxes – until you are asked to be part of a POTUS Cabinet – is not an error. It is criminally negligent.
Should we be worried that President Obama has nominated two tax cheats for Cabinet positions? Lord knows it is adversely affecting his credibility.
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