Tom Daschle's Income Tax Embarrassment

Is there special handling for tax matters depending on who you are? Only if you want a job within the Obama Administration - or so it would seem.

When an individual refuses to pay his income taxes for three years and then only pays them because of a nomination to a government post, how can anyone say this man is honest? Nevertheless, many would have you believe that former Senator Tom Daschle is an absolutely honest man and a man of integrity. However, had this been an ordinary citizen of the United States who owed $128,203 plus $11,964 in interest, not only would a lien have been placed on his assets, but also he could possibly have been charged, tried, convicted, and jailed for tax evasion.

That is, unless you are a Senator or other government official with many friends who will overlook the illegalities involved and pretend it was a mistake - and an honest mistake at that. Then again, with two people so far with tax problems that only became known because of the new administration of Barack Obama, even an ordinary citizen would have to wonder how many others that hold positions of power have skirted the issue of taxes and only pay them when it becomes front-page news?

On Jan. 13, Tim Geithner, who was chosen to run the Treasury Department, disclosed that he had not paid part of his taxes and subsequently paid $43,000 in taxes and penalties. Even so, he received a mere slap on the wrist and was then sworn in on Jan. 26 2009.

There is no way I can believe Tom Daschle did not know what his income was for each of the past three years no more than I believe he honestly had his taxes filled with mistaken information. Not only that, but now he is also claiming, "reduced charity contributions". What does this mean? Did he claim he donated more to charity than he actually did? Was he trying to reduce his total taxable income by hiding it as charitable contributions? It would appear that way to me. In addition, he claims he believed the car and driver was a generous gift of a friend. Yes, Mr. Daschle and I have swampland for sale in Kansas...

Oh, and why did it take him three years to pay his back income taxes, specifically only six days before his Senate confirmation hearing?

Yet, the American people are expected to forgive and forget while at the same time, they are facing hardships paying their own taxes in a recession with loss of jobs and an economic outlook akin to many third world countries. Ok, maybe saying that is a bit much, but I am not sure it is that far off the mark.

Dick Durbin of Illinois, defended Daschle by saying, "But if you know Tom Daschle, you know better. He's found himself having made a mistake and admitted to it. He took the steps necessary to start paying the taxes, make sure they're paid. Now, that's the right thing to do. I believe Tom Daschle's one of the most honest people I've ever known or worked with in public life."

Please, Mr. Durbin, do not insult my intelligence and that of the American people. Most of us know the difference between right and wrong and all of us know when our income taxes are due. Anyone may forget their anniversary, a spouse's birthday, or even their own birthday, but no one forgets what April 15th is. The only ones who are going to agree with your statement are those who like Daschle or want him in the position offered. Is this going to be an ethical administration? I am beginning to have my doubts.

Now Daschle has been saying "I am sorry" from dusk until midnight and through dawn.

The point is, had he paid his taxes like it is required for every regular citizen of the United States, he would not HAVE to say "I am Sorry".

Sources:

HHS nominee's tax errors reach $128,000

Senators Question Daschle's Tax Problem