Daschle withdraws nomination
Tom Daschle has withdrawn as President Obama's nominee for health and human services secretary because of his failure to pay his taxes on time.
Daschle, the former top Democrat in the Senate, apologized publicly and privately on Monday. Senators and Obama had stood by him, but Daschle withdrew today, saying he did not want to be a distraction.
Obama said he accepted the decision with sadness and regret, the White House said.
"Now we must move forward," added Obama, who on Monday said he "absolutely" stood behind Daschle.
Besides overseeing a huge agency, Daschle was also supposed to be the point person for Obama on healthcare reform.
In his withdrawal letter, Daschle said he would have not been able to operate "with the full faith of Congress and the American people."
Asked about the stunning reversal, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Daschle made the decision because he did not want to be a distraction to Obama's agenda.
"We're at a critical juncture in our nation's history... and the president has a robust agenda to deal with those problems," Gibbs said.
Gibbs also told reporters at his daily briefing that Daschle, and deputy budget director-designate Nancy Killefer, who also withdrew over tax problems today, recognized that they could not follow a different standard of ethics and accountability than Obama is calling for.
"That agenda and the president's call for change was more important," he said.
Asked whether Daschle's withdrawal will delay the healthcare reform effort, Gibbs said others in the administration will carry the ball.
"I don't think the effort for healthcare slows down," he said. "This is bigger than any one group or individual."
Senator Max Baucus of Montana, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, had backed Daschle's nomination on Monday and is helping lead the charge for healthcare reform, along with Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.
“It was with regret but with respect for his decision that I learned of Senator Daschle’s request to withdraw his name from consideration for Secretary of Health and Human Services," Baucus said in a statement. "Tom would have been, as I said, a terrific partner at HHS on health reform, and I hope and fully expect that he will continue to play a leading and valuable role in health policy for this country.”
Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, who had already been working with Daschle on healthcare, issued this statement:
“Tom Daschle is a public servant of high character and deep devotion to this country. He is strongly committed to health care reform and would have been an outstanding Secretary of Health and Human Services. Even though he has withdrawn his name, I know that Tom remains dedicated, as am I, to achieving quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Tom will remain a respected voice in this important debate, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Senator John F. Kerry of Massachusetts added his statement:
“I wish Tom Daschle had not decided to withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. While Tom’s decision is a reminder of his loyalty to President Obama and his determination not to be a distraction, this was no ordinary appointment and today is not a good day for the cause of health care reform. Tom brought a unique level of legislative skill and experience to this position in addition to his passion to achieve affordable health care for every American. Tom made it very clear he’d made a mistake and he took responsibility for it. I believe that when the smoke clears and the frenzy has ended, no one will believe that this unwitting mistake should have erased thirty years of selfless public service and remarkable legislative skill and expertise on health care. I know Tom Daschle well. I know his integrity and I respect his heart for this cause, and I know Tom will find other ways to contribute to this central mission.”
Harry Reid, the top Democrat in the Senate, said while Daschle was "ideally suited" for the job, the healthcare reform effort can move forward.
Reid told reporters on Capitol Hill that he was "terribly disappointed" by what happened to Daschle, whom he called "like a brother to me."
"I support his decision," Reid added.
Daschle was being criticized for not paying until last month $128,203 in back taxes and $11,964 in interest, mostly for the use of a private car and driver. He was also being questioned about speaking fees he accepted from healthcare interests.
Senator John Ensign of Nevada told reporters on Capitol Hill that there were "serious problems" with Daschle's activities.
While Daschle wasn't a registered lobbyist, he seemed to be in conflict with Obama's pledge to end the revolving door between lobbyists and government, Ensign said.
Daschle would have been grilled before the Senate Finance Committee next week, Ensign said. "He saved the president from being embarrassed next week in a public hearing," he said.
The statements from Daschle and the president are below:
Daschle's statement
"I have just informed the President that I am withdrawing my name from consideration for Secretary of Health and Human Services. To be chosen by President Obama to run the Department of Health and Human Services and to lead the reform of America's health care system is one of the signal honors of an improbable career.
"But if 30 years of exposure to the challenges inherent in our system has taught me anything, it has taught me that this work will require a leader who can operate with the full faith of Congress and the American people, and without distraction.
"Right now, I am not that leader, and will not be a distraction. The focus of Congress should be on the urgent business of moving the President's economic agenda forward, including affordable health care for every American.
"We need the best care in America to be available to all Americans. We need this effort to succeed. Lives and livelihoods are at stake. "I will not be the architect of America's health system reform, but I remain one of its most fervent supporters. Thank you."
Obama's statement:
"This morning, Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination. I accept his decision with sadness and regret."
Daschle "devoted his life to public service and healthcare reform, so that every American has access to health care they can afford."
But, Obama said: "Tom made a mistake, which he has openly acknowledged. He has not excused it, nor do I. But that mistake, and this decision, cannot diminish the many contributions Tom has made to this country, from his years in the military to his decades of public service."
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Daschle & Tim Geithner.......is Obama serious?
Awwwww. What a shame. We so wanted to see the hope and change candidate be just like all the others. Oh wait, he still is.
Are you kidding me???? These people need to go to jail. If that was me or you, the average American, we would be punished to fullest. How about Mr. Head of Treasury? He's the one that should be taken away from his post. This guy is the head of the whole Treasury Department and he doesn't pay his taxes? Seriously? What a joke...
I'm glad he's showing some responsibility. That's impressive. He still needs to clean up his problem. If only the CEOs on Wall Street could keep bonuses in line with performance....
Thank goodness! Finally someone is taking responsibility for their own actions. Hopefully this will get other lawmakers/officials to pay their taxes just like the rest of us.
Am I getting old and cynical or are more politicians being caught in sticky situations these days? Might just be my perception. Either way, this country is going to he!! in a race car (a handbasket doesn't illustrate the speed with which we're flying...)
couldn't happen to a better guy!
In is sad to see Tom Daschle not being able to help as secretary to pass health care reform, however, it is good for the senator to do the right thing. In light of this, the problems of Timothy Geithner as secretary of the Treasury are even more galling. Certainly, it is far more of a problem for somebody who will ask for bailouts from the American people to not having done the right thing with taxes. I have to say that Mr. Geithner's appointment has been a disaster. He too should have done the right thing and avoided being confirmed into a position that he has diminished with his tax behavior. making MUCH harder for Obama to tackle the financial crisis.
....about time you crook.
Good riddance to bad rubbish!!!
Absolutely the right decision. Daschle's a good guy, but too many exceptions to the core Obama premise of change-we-can-believe-in and we're left with gov't as usual. I have same problem with Geithner - shouldn't matter if he's as bright a spark as folks suggest. Obama needs moral high ground to execute his vision. This withdrawal permits him to retain some of that.
I glad the bum is gone.
Its beginning to seem that those in Washington believe that paying taxes is discretionary for them and only required of "the Great Unwashed", the "People of the Fouler Sort", like us. Is it too much to ask that, during the vetting process, President Obama's staff ask the prospective nominee a rather straightforward question: Did you pay your taxes?
Good. Now he can go back to his multimillion dollar per year lobbying job, where he belongs.
Two nominees withdraw in one day! At least the socialist is making good on his promise for "change".
What's next? "Biden Resigns"
Great discernment there, Oblunder.
Another disaster averted. THANK GOD! Now for Obama's so-called stimulus to go down in flames. Obama's first two weeks are a disaster.
What was Obama thinking?
Daschle's non-payment of taxes is outrageous.
What worries me more is that Obama wanted a lobbyist for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to run Health and Human Services.
This is exactly the type of appointment that was so common in the Bush administration to the detriment of the common good.
Obama now gets a second chance, let's hope he does better this time.
Great job Oblunder! Two nominees withdraw in one day.
Now that's a "change"
Seems like either he doesn't do his homework or no one wants to work for him.
What's next? "Biden Resigns- details at 11"
Another Obama nominee, tax cheat and consultant Nancy Killefer, has also been forced to withdraw her nomination. A tax cheat and a consultant - she's a two-fer.
The Obama administration is a collection of criminals and liars. What a disgrace.
And to think Obama promised he was going to bring honesty, openness, and transparency to Washington.
BWAAAHHH HA HA HA HA!
Daschle paid his taxes for nothing. He didn't get the position anyway.
This reminds of when Obama sent an aide to Boston to pay all of his numerous 20-year-old unpaid college parking tickets lest they become election fodder. These Democrats are a just a bunch of pikers who bribed their way to the top.
Must be a tough life, being a congresscritter. I mean really, how could I *possibly* remember to pay my taxes with the weight of the United States on my shoulders?
Fantastic. It's about time someone did the right thing. We American's are being treated like fools. Do As I say but not as I do! Why is it we have to abide by the rules but politicians are exempt from the rules they made.
Obama is making excuses for the Sec. of Treasury and had been for Dashle as well. Shame on him also. Change! What a joke.
Good. The bigger issue is the fact that he accepted nearly a quarter million from the very healthcare industry he would be in charge of "reforming". Obama- stick to your ethics pledge.
I really don't understand how the President of the United States can support someone for a CABINET POSITION who hasn't paid their taxes - over one hundred thousand dollars worth.
This epitomizes Washington DC. Politicians get on their high horse and say how taxes are necessary to pay for this, that, and the other - which is pretty easy for them seeing as they don't pay them! (see Daschle, Geihtner)
Change? Yea right. More of the same.
I like Tom Daschle but this is the right decision. It would not send the right message if the Senate overlooked this issue. It is astounding how many public servants have problems paying their taxes. If Obama wants to set a new tone in Washington then he must insist that the insiders play by the same rules the rest of us do.
It is too bad, but the right decision.
Daschle was correct to withdraw his name as a nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary. There is the issue of nonpayment of taxes, the issue of his being a lobbyist without calling himself a lobbyist and the lifestyle issue. His connections got him the use of a car and driver. Accepting "perks" makes him beholden to the donor. Not paying what he owes is fraudulent . It is analagous to the Sarah Palin fraud of trying to pass as "one of the people" in Alaska and on the campaign trail, while spending $150,000.00 dollars on a wardrobe. It is analagous to the financial bonuses which have continued to be given to frauds, with our bail out money.
Daschle is supposed to be representing us and protecting us with sound
judgement and policy. Thumbing his nose at us through the car window driven by his chauffeur , while we stand on the corner waiting for the bus to take us to the hospital is not in our best interest.
wait for the bus.
I believe that it is actually called tax evasion and it is a crime. Ask Wesley Snipes or any taxpaying US Citizen.
If our leaders were not corrupt, this guy and Guitner would need to explain themselves to the American Justice System and face jail time. Again, ask anyone who decides to screw the IRS.
Great news. One less tax cheater down...
Althought Obama still supports him...
Now they can turn to former Vermont Governor, DNC Chair, and physician Howard Dean. I hope they do.
It's all Bush's fault.....
"He made a mistake" (?) I'm getting tired of this. If I did it, if you did it, the IRS would have us by the neck, would bankrupt us to get their money, would destroy and even imprison us. But, if it's one of "the boys" in Washington, "he made a mistake" . Also, I don't appreciate the headline you used - "failure to pay his taxes on time" . Nope. Wrong again. Failure to pay his taxes. Period. Never mind the cute languare, don't insult intelligent readers. This is one of hundreds of examples of stilted reporting the Globe throws at us every single day.
How corrupt is this Congress I want ot know? What about the rest of them? And please, stop calling their work "pub;lic service" They are not public servants, not at those salaries and perks. This is just disgusting.
Your first paragraph is flat out wrong! "..because of his failure to pay his taxes on time" Daschle didn't file an extension to pay his taxes he did not report taxable income which is tax fraud. He should be prosecuted the same as anyone else.
Two things come to mind learning of this - 1.) Nice to the standard raised relative to behavior and expectations for these important positions. While I'm willing to be the mistakes made by Geithner and Daschle are likely honest ones, given the magnitude of the posts we're talking about, those mistakes shouldn't happen. 2.) If these issues aren't evidence that our tax system is bloated, too complicated and otherwise rediculous, I don't know what is. You want to provide a stimulus? introduce legislation seriously reforming the tax code, reducing the IRS by 70-75% while also cutting taxes - now that's stimulus! Never happen because no one would have the stones to stand up to the IRS and the cottage industry it's Windows-esque code has created
Millions of people each year call into the IRS and apologize about not being able to pay their taxes does the IRS have sympathy for them "NO" so its a little hard for me to have sympathy for some one who makes well over $300,000 a year and is able to, but refuses to pay taxes. Its unfortunate that its cost you this magnificant opportunity, but what happens in the dark is alway brought into the light, and there is always a price to be paid.
Hey Tom,
Thank you for paying those taxes on your way out.
Failed to pay taxes on time?? Come on - he never intended to pay them. The Globe political coverage BLOWS
Dems only hope for your change not their bucks.
Meet the new boss same as the old boss.
Our country is littered with clueless and self centered people who can't follow the very laws that they pass, they seem to be unclear on the demands that need to be met to live in this place. Just yet another reason out of hundreds of why I don't bother to vote anymore, Imagine if I didn't bother to pay my taxes, I wonder what would happen to me?
Sounds like real change, Obama... Not.
Good! Daschle was the right man for the job but all of this not paying taxes stuff if ridiculous. Good for him for doing the right thing. If Obama wants to set an example of doing things the right way then none of those nominees who didn't pay their taxes should be getting confirmed. Cut down on the corruption starting at the top!
Well, Obama can lose one now can't he?
Oh, the hypocrisy! It's OK when Democrat tax cheats don't pay their taxes - then it's just a "mistake." But when Republican conservatives get caught doing something, the Democrats cry foul and howl at the morality of it all!
Hello? Pot, meet kettle.
Geithner should have also withdrawn his nomination - OR Obama shouldn't have accepted it. The President says he's all for "accountability" - I guess that just means AFTER you get caught, right?
Our new "change" President just keeps making one bad decision after the next. I still believe Mr. Obama is a person of character, however many of his choices for key positions are withdrawing because they aren't responsible citizens who fulfill the basic obligations to our Country like most citizens do. A great leader surrounds himself with great people, so far Mr. Obama is struggling to find great people with high standards of character. It has to be frustrating to him, but it is demonstrating his lack of leadership experience and that is a huge concern to this Country right now.
Oh come on -- it's not that Daschle failed "to pay his taxes on time" -- it's that all thinking people know he would not have paid his taxes at all if he had not been nominated to HHS. This is not a story about reactionary Republicans making a big deal over a guy "failing to pay his taxes on time." This is a story about political elites believing they are not bound by the same laws as everybody else.
Change to believe in! This story might mean Nancy Killefer giving up her nomination will barely make news. She was going to be Obama's "chief performance officer" but she cheated on taxes as well. You'd think an asst Sec of Treasury under Clinton and IRS oversight board member might know better!
At least Daschle exhibited more integrity than Obama did. For all his moralizing and promising to make a change as to how things are done in Washington, Obama has resorted to putting idealogue above integrity. If he was a man of his word he would have requested Daschle, Geitner, and Holder all to have removed their names from consideration. Yet, Obama is willing to play the old game of Washington politics and keep his nest feathered with the feathered favorites of old time politics.
America lost the services of a major tax cheat, Tom Daschle. Too bad. But those of you in Boston still have the services of John Kerry, who saw nothing wrong with the problems surrounding Daschle. The trouble with government at the federal level that Daschle came from is you automatically get to cash in on your rolodex once you leave office. People court you for who you know. When that happens, the (bribe) money starts to roll in. Daschle compromised himself with the car and driver and the big consulting fees. Kerry has been in Washington so long, and he is so rich, he can't figure out why Americans from the right and left wanted him out.
Good decision!
If Tom Daschle was in the private sector, he would have been in jail, with no house or job. Why should he be different than us. Also the Tresurary Secretary should be gone. These people only paid because they got caught. How could it be a mistake not paying your taxes, especially for the amount these people owed. Would the government forgive my mistake if I did not pay mine? Obama is for hope and change? He's giving jobs to people below the law.... The American People are tired of the favors and overlooking of "mistakes".... No one overlooks our mistakes....
Wow.. Guess the "change" coming is that Ted and co.. wanted to work with Pushover Dashcle to get healthcare for all... I wonder if Ted realizes that if we had national healthcare right now, he would be dead, as he probably would still be waiting in the ER to get seen.
America lost the services of a major tax cheat, Tom Daschle. Too bad. But those of you in Boston still have the services of John Kerry, who saw nothing wrong with the problems surrounding Daschle. The trouble with government at the federal level that Daschle came from is you automatically get to cash in on your rolodex once you leave office. People court you for who you know. When that happens, the (bribe) money starts to roll in. Daschle compromised himself with the car and driver and the big consulting fees. Kerry has been in Washington so long, and he is so rich, he can't figure out why Americans from the right and left wanted him out.
Dont you love how the Globe spins the headline to say that he didn't pay "on time". What the hell is that supposed to mean. Either he paid them or he didn't. The guy is a hack, same for the Globe!
No, Mr. President, Daschle did not dedicate his "life ...to health care reform." He was doing what so many others in America are doing who work hand in glove with the private insurers and that is trying to preserve the current private health insurance against the growing demands by the American people for a single-payer system while making it APPEAR that he is concerned about health care. The Richard Daley/Warren Christopher/Chicago wing of the Democrats are now in power. They are as opposed to single-payer, e.g. extending Medicare to all, as the Republicans. Both parties will dance and dance but in the end will implement a fraudlent health care package like the Massachusetts plan that will ultimately FORCE middle income persons to buy private insurance and others into a humiliating means test. Only the private insurers will win and everyone else will go broke.
fraudu
What is going on with this guy? This is unreal!
LOL at the bias. "Failed to pay his taxes on time"? How about "failed to pay his taxes until he realized he's up for a Cabinet position".
Imagine if this was Condi Rice or Dick Cheney. They'd be up for waterboarding from the Boston Globe. Keep cheerleading for your Messiah.
What troubles me the most about this is how people continue to offer support and praise to Daschle even after he is exposed to be a Tax Cheat. There is an undercurrent of sentiment here from the Democrats as to say, "It's really not a big deal that Daschle tried to cheat the US citizens out of 140K in taxes." I think if the media wasn't making a stink...his nomination would have rolled right through.
I feel for Obama. He's trying to bring in the right people, make changes, stir things up but finds himself churning up the same old political stew. I say..."There's 350 Million Americans in this country...you've ogt to be able to find at least one that both qualified for the post and is not a crook"
If anyone else in this country made that "mistake" they would be sent to jail for a long time. Half of his Barry's nominations can't seem to pay their taxes and the other half are the ex-lobbyists that he said would not get jobs in his administration and even signed legislation stating this. Glad to see all the "change" thats coming to Washington. The more things change, the more they stay the same!!
What did Obama say, "Tom has not excused it"! Dsschle & Killefer should be thrown in jail for income tax evasion. If you or I did it the IRS would be banging at our door.
Wake up America, the politicians in MA and DC are making the laws they want us to follow but exclude themselves from the same rules.
Thats 2 today. The messiah is having a bad day folks. Daschle is a fraud, liar and a cheat. Not surprised our wonderful state Senators Kerry and Kennedy supported him. This administration is 2 weeks old and has already made dumb moves. Change is on the way!!! Keep telling yourselves that!!
I love the wording, "failure to pay his taxes on time"
Goos. Now he can go back and do what he does best. Being a crook.
I believe Mr. Daschle and Ms Killefer have done the honorable thing in this situation. If we elected a man who promised change in Washington, I assumed this would mean having honest representatives in his cabinet. People in Mr. Daschles financial income bracket, have accountants and tax lawyers doing his taxes, he either had poor representation in this department or he failed to disclose all his imcome which, as we all know ,is illegal.
I want the hope and dreams President Obama has promised which starts with no corruption in Washington.
During the campaign, Obama was saying how he is going to tax the wealthy to "spread around" the wealth. We should all do our part to help out others. Well, apparently his colleagues do not think they should do THEIR part. I find it deeply disturbing that 4 of his nominees for cabinet positions have had tax troubles. He discussed being held to higher standards - his standards thus far have been pitifully low. How can these people NOT pay their taxes?
I did not, and do not agree with Obama with his "spread the wealth" around mentality even though it benefited me. I do not need a handout. I am smart, I can work hard and earn my living myself. But, when Obama accepted the Presidency, he said he heard the voices of the 46 million people who did not vote for him and he wanted our help too - I liked that and thought, well, I certainly am not his priority as I did not vote for him, but he is open to other options and I hope he does bring higher standards to the Presidency. (I am no Bush fan either and didn't vote in either of those elections because the choices in my opinion, were so poor)
I am so disappointed that it is more of the same. Is there anyone - democrat, republican, or independent - who has some integrity? Who WILL hold our leaders to higher standards? It doesn't look like we have found that person yet......
You are 100% correct in what you say, Foon, that Daschle did not "pay his taxes on time". You also could have said that his being nominated for a cabinet post where his tardiness became public just might have had something to do with the "timing" of his payments.
No bias here, right?
What's with all of these rich white liberals not paying their taxes?
Hope and Change. The most honest administration ever. Well.......... Richardson withdraws because of legal problems. Guithner is a tax cheater and will lead the IRS. Daschel was another tax cheater who is now thankfully gone (hopefully forever). Don't forget Nancy Killefer who has withdrawn because of tax issues. Obama also vowed to not appoint former lobbyist but he has broken that vow 17 times. I now understand why Democrats favor higher taxes. It's because only the honest people (usually conservatives) will pay the taxes. The Democrats don't pay their taxes.
this isn't even news anymore. "Politician breaks law...politician is 'found out'....politician apologizes and repays...fellow politicians immediately forgive him and reward him with kindness, reminding us not to forget all the good things he's done. '
it's a great lesson: do a few good deeds, and then go on a killing rampage...it's OK!!!
Pity. Daschle was perfect for the position. Why do all these goverment officals have tax problems? If they can't understand and adhere to the tax system, how are we poor working slobs suppose to follow it?
I am not surprised, I felt this type of behavior would happen NOW more than ever. Its a free world.
I like the spin the Globe puts up there, by saying Daschle withdrew because he didn't pay his taxes 'on time'. HA! He wasn't going to pay them, he got caught.
How stupid do you think people are? Daschle knew what he did, and did nothing until he was outed.
Liberal spin. I can imaging what the Globbb would have said if it had been say, ummm, a REPUBLICAN! OMG!
And Mr. Kerry calls the failure to pay over $140,000 in taxes and interest an "unwitting" mistake??? It is NOT a mistake. Somebody didn't add wrong. It was a purposeful attempt to avoid paying taxes to fund the same programs he wants us all to contribute to. Please. Good riddance.
What else lurks just beneath the surface with this crowd... as we all struggle, these people have more in common with the CEO's that have been caught double fisted stuffing of their own programs and pockets...
What a disgrace this administration is...absolutely deplorable. Obama must be the biggest clown ever elected president (which is saying a lot).
...I luv it......here's a constant Democrat/stone-thrower hitting on all Republicans, etc and he turns out to be a lying hypocrite all his political life going down in flames before the entire USA.....how come no Brig Time??......Obama, please select an honest Democrat, will ya??...."Hope and Change" and it's still the same olde phony-baloney shell game.
GET RID OF THE CROOKS. They let him go and throw Joe Francis from Girls gone Wild in Jail. At least Joe provides us with a service.
Daschle is Crook Like the Rest of Them!
Maybe the Boston Glob ought to speak to people who have dealings with the IRS. For them, it isn't simply a matter of saying - oops, sorry and writing a check. The hypocrisy of this situation is astounding.
The issue is not that he failed to pay his taxes on time!! Its that he failed to pay them at all! Stop trying to spin the story for the Obama administration. It would be great if we could have some fact based reporting and let the people decide if its serious or not.
The fact is, we have elected a very inexperienced President, who has brought a very inexperienced team with him to the White House. Get used to it, we will see more of this in the coming years.
The issue is health care reform. It is critical we not lose sight of the goal. Fix it or American businesses become less competitive (jobs), businesses and workers pay even more for the unemployed and underemployed (premiums). Health care is a broken market.
A long list of publicly elected Republicans and Democrats have "tax problems" This confirms the need for all publicly elected individuals to undergo a financial screening. Every one.
Some may at the outset of a career. This measure would ensure better comliance. It is suspected that the longer one stays in office, the more one is prone to taking liberties....
Regular examination of tax docs would go far to ensure a better crop of elected officials.
Obama needs someone to help him check out the person (make sure that person is follow the law all along ) before he pick for his administration.
I don't know why he not careful in doing that.
"pay his taxes on time" What in the world are talking about?
Kerrys support of Daschle is a slap in the face of the taxpayers
Kerrys support of Daschle is a slap in the face of the taxpayers
GO TO donttreadonmemass.blogspot.com
I am making a list of Democrats who pay taxes... so far I have... ummmm.... well, there must be a name here somewhere.... anyone?
I can't believe how corrupt this party is.... heaping taxes on the shoulders of people making a working wage while refusing to pay them themselves. Unreal.
The good news is that if Obama keeps picking 'em - we can expect to come up with more and more "forgotten" taxes that all these politicians haven't paid. Who knows where the corruption ends? Its clearly more widespread than anyone would think - already 3 -- its crazy!
I want the IRS to an immediate audit on all elected officials at every level (Fed, State, Local). This would at least be a start, and based on what we se he, may even generate enough money for the FED to pay for the 1 trillion for the bail out!
Hopefully Leon Panetta is next.
Oblunder puts the guy who lead cutting CIA funding and pushed for keeping "the wall" between the CIA and the FBI under CLinton's (Pinnoc's) administration in charge of the CIA!
Let's see how this stroke of genius pans out. Last time Panetta had his hands in national security issues it culminated into what we know as 911.
I say put Daschle in charge of Acorn.
No wonder they don't mind raising taxes....they don't pay them....It is almost laughable...
I think Obama seems like an OK guy, but he is naive about the process....
Let's hope his learning curve isn't a factor in other major decisions...
Maybe the change Obama was talking about refers to his appointees. They keep changing because they are CORRUPT. Thank you America for electing the biggest fraud Washington has ever seen. Or maybe he is like the Messiah who hung around tax collectors and sinners, and was a friend to sinners. Maybe they will all repent and give back what they stole, like Niccodemas.
I'm a very liberal democrat and I am pleased and relieved to read about Daschle's withdrawal. I wish Geithner had done the same. I would have been even more pleased if President Obama had rescinded both nominations when the tax news came to light. I would have been even even more more pleased if the president's team had vetted the two thoroughly enough to have passed them both over.
I am so pleased with the ethical standards that Obama has communicated. In the wake of the Bush administration's high crimes and misdemeanors, Obama must, from this point on, show that he can walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I think he can.
Thank you Mr. Daschle. Mr. Geitner should do the same.
Where is the "I'm going to Washington to change the culture" person on this one? Didn't Obama's people question Daschle as to any "skel;tons" he had in his closet? Sorry, but the Republicans look like fairy godmothers next to these guys!
We are in for another (4) years of politics as usual.
our new president is in over his head. this complete lack of judgement is bewildering to say the least. wish we could turn the clock back and deal with issues such as obama and barney.
Wow, this issue is getting more posts than the Red Sox. And the consensus seems to favor getting rid of 'em.
How about an IRS audit of his buddy Harry Reid. An also done nothing fed from the "Public Troth". What do you think readers, who's more partial, Reid or Nancy Pants?
Obama has brought Chicago Politics to Washington, If Al Capone was alive today he would have been appointed Secretary of the Treasury. How far we have come where is the modern day Elliot Ness the untouchable?
BGDad posts a typical lib response in #107. Blame Bush. So typical of a lib.
Mr. Obama,
I'm sorry doesn't work. Mr. D. was getting the job because he charted your way to the presidency by making sure you had no record, no indication of who you are. He was clueless regarding the issues you were going to charge him with. Except for the fact that he was a lobbist. Now, we know who you are. You are a politician. A Chicago politician.
I still hope you can measure up to the job. Your liberal ideals need to be in check. I am middle class. I pay my taxes. I am patriotic and I am insulted by your VP to incinuate that I am not because I make too much money for you. I kept this economy going, Mr. Obama. Not you.
By the way, your poll numbers are dropping...the media will be looking to take you down....they love to eat their own.
John Addar - before you accuse me of blaming Bush for Obama's bad picks read my post again. I was saying that Obama has to start walking his walk because he needs to rise above the major immorality of the Bush administration. I didn't balm Bush for any of the current flap. Thankfully Bush is now out of the way for all eternity!