The theory must be that it's okay to raise taxes if you can
take your own private tax cut. At least, that would explain
why the Dems, who almost all want most of us--you know, "rich"
people who earn more than the minimum wage--to pay more in taxes,
are defending Tom Daschle.
Reports the Washington Post:
Many Democrats rose to his defense yesterday.
"If all you knew about Tom Daschle was that he used to be a
senator and he made a mistake and had to pay over $100,000 in
back taxes, you would have a right to be skeptical, even
cynical," said Sen.
Richard J. Durbin (Ill.). "But if you know Tom Daschle, you
know better."
One longtime friend blamed Hindery's company, InterMedia
Advisors, for the tax oversight. Daschle did report the $1
million annual consulting fee he received from the private
equity firm. He asked his accountant last summer to look into
whether the Internal Revenue Service considers the free car and
driver to be compensation, Washington lawyer Frederick Graefe
said.
"If there was no 1099 [form] from his employer for the car and
driver, how was he to know it was taxable?" Graefe said. "His
integrity is beyond reproach."
Maybe it all is innocent. But we know what the Dems would
be saying about a GOP nominee--even worse, two GOP
nominees--who hadn't paid up until his or
her nomination was moving forward.
Maybe Republicans should vote yes if the Dems agree to support
legislative giving the rest of us the right to "forget" to pay
our taxes until we are nominated for high office. Seem fair
enough?
