Don’t Wanna Pay Taxes? Run For Congress!
By Wyatt Earp | February 2, 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.
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.
UPDATE: Obama was asked if he still stands by his Daschle pick in light of his “tax problem.” We’re frakkin’ doomed.
Topics: Politics | 12 Comments »
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
I’m sorry. You lost me when you said Obama had credibility.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 am
Deanna – Well, his judgment is certainly askew.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Can you imagine the backlash had anyone with an (R) associated with their name been involved. The hypocrisy continues to roll. HopeyChange, yeah.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Two tax cheats, two nominees with pay to play scandals (Clinton and Richardson), a Chief Of Staff that repeatedly lied about his contact with an impeached governor, and an AG who doesn’t know anything about pardons.
I’m sure the media is up in arms about this??? (crickets)
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
…and our good Republican senator will confirm them all.
Good gawd he needs to be primaried.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Change.
It’s all we’ll have left.
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Yes…We…Can…
Didn’t they get Al Capone for tax evasion? I’m just saying.
February 2nd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Didn’t congress just give itself a $93,000/year raise as well?
February 2nd, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Daschle is slime, he is truely worthy of every insult.
I have a low opinion of politicians in general, but this guy is bad. (and I don’t mean that in the Bad Mother F***er, Samuel L Jackson sense…)
Corrupt is corrupt, I don’t care what party either. He’s slime.
February 2nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
USMC8511 – It would be the top story on every news outlet in the country for weeks. And, for the record, I would destroy a Republican if he did this, too.
joemama – All of those cheats and criminals make the rest of the administration look better.
Doghouse – And it will be stuck in our sofa cushions.
Captain – He did, and he died in prison of syphillis.
Kaveman – That they did!
Sully – And he worked for a lobbying firm when he lost his seat. I thought Obama wasn’t going to hire any lobbyists?
February 4th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
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June 18th, 2009 at 1:10 am
how come Obahma is always going on about we gotta sacrifice for him, why isnt anyone saying “hey how about all the senators, congressmen, legislators and there ilk take a fifty percent pay cut for the good of the budget!” why isnt anyone ever asking why they make what they make when half the time thet arent even in house to vote on things they should be taking care of in DC??? why is it “WE” have to make this great sacrifice and they dont even lose a dime in the grand scheme of things??? Why is it they arent losing there house’s or cars or jobs when its their ignorant and arrogant way of doing things thats a big part of the problems in the US??