I believe him.

That was the motive behind the invesitation that ultimately brought down Scooter Libby, wasn't it? Patrick Fitzgerald loves taxes and want to have their babies.

Apparently one requirement of Obama for his nominees is to be a tax cheat. We now have Daschle paying 140,000 in back taxes after he's been nominated to Sec of Health and Human Services.

Best comment I read on that -

"Sen. Dick Durbin (D, IL) claims that Daschle is one of the most honest people that he knows. Probably for an Illinois politician that statement is true."

Hahaha.

[Optimism]
I think this is a clear call for tax reform. If these highly educated, intelligent individuals cannot do their own taxes correctly then it's the system that is broken. We need serious tax reform.
[/Optimism]

[Pessimism]
Goll darn cheats... We need tax reform now to eliminate all these loop holes and dodges. A simplified tax structure would give these varmints no place to hide.
[/pessimism]

I'm for tax reform....ain't never gonna happen.

In a moment from bizarro world, yesterday I was listening to some news story and a Republican congressman was criticizing the stimulus package saying that it seems to think that if you spend money at the top it will just trickle down to regular people making their lives better.

He actually used the phrase "trickle down."

Now, he's right about that assumption and it is pretty much the basis of any form of stimulus that is not in the form of direct assistance checks from the government. And Obama has been pretty explicit that the goal is not to give people $500 now but to "lift all boats" so that they are earning money this month and next month and the month after.

Independent of the question as to whether this approach is right or wrong, since when do Republicans find that idea bad?

(Do-si-do, partner's switch sides...)

Never? That's a long time.... Regan was able to put in meaningful tax reform, Bush and Clinton failed, it might be time once again...

Certainly tax reform is in the Obama game plan but it will take some time before he can focus on that.

I do think if Obama is able to spend $850 Billion (plus or minus) on his stimulus plan along with the leftover $350 Billion from the first go round, cut taxes on 95% of Americans, Increase federal spending and programs, reform the tax code, while at the same time reducing the federal budget deficit, strengthening the economy and providing for our national defence, well then the Republican party might just as well fold up and call it quits because it would make a mockery of everything they have ever stood for.

But they got a black dude in charge now, they've already solved all their problems!

Obama may want to (not saying he does or doesn't), but Congress knows their real power is the power to write the tax code. They don't want it simple.

I must admit, I am cranky about the Daschle nomination. Surely Obama can find someone else qualified for this position that has a bit less baggage?

And less silly glasses.