Daschle apologizes for not paying taxes; fights to save nomination

All is forgiven, Senator Daschle. As long as you bring the USA up with the rest of the civilized world by getting a universal health care program ready for approval.

well he apologized. i guess thats okay. no reason to expect the Democrat to follow the same rules everybody else is expected to follow, unless of course he were a Republican.

Well Daschle did screw up. Whether he's goods for the country or not, he should have paid his taxes. I'm glad he paid the penalties, too.

Now let's get on to fixing the country. < :-)

“I disclosed this information to the committee voluntarily,and paid the taxes and any interest owed promptly,” Daschle wrote. “My mistakes were unintentional.”

What serves to exonerate Daschle is the fact that this did not happen as the result of an IRS audit. Daschle himself was proactively asking the right questions of his accountants regarding the questionable income and deductions.

That's a pretty high standard, and we all saw how Ted Stevens came nowhere close to meeting it.

Thanks to the Democrats, a new precedence has been set. cheating on taxes is no longer a disqualification for high level positions in government. At least we have some understanding right from the very start the level of corruption American taxpayers can expect from Obama's administration. Now thats change.

Thanks to some Republicans, a new low has been set: A person can no longer make a mistake on their taxes without it being referred to as intentionally "cheating."

Of course, the usual low with Republicans is that no one expects them to live up to the standards they try to impose on others.

Ok in tax issue any difference between jp government official and us, de, gb, fr officials?

VOR: "Thanks to the Democrats, a new precedence has been set. cheating on taxes is no longer a disqualification for high level positions in government."

Still a little bitter over the major a$$-whipping the Republicans took thanks to your beloved ex-president? Please tell us how the man cheated; HE recognized the problem himself, quickly paid, and has paid penalties. This is unlike someone getting caught through an audit, denying it, then finally admitting it and denying they ever denied it in the first place. Did the man mess up? Absolutely, and it's affecting his reputation and career. But at least he didn't try to hide or deny it, and THAT makes it forgivable, if not excusable.

You're just upset, but the Democrats forgive you.

Yes, Daschle should have paid those taxes at the appropriate time, but he got involved and searched out that he had a tax problem and paid them.

Hey, if I was a republican I might try to make a big deal out of this too, but he wasn't charged with a crime of not paying them. He seeked out and paid them plus penalty. < :-)

Your out buddy, irrespective of your political persuasion, you have to admit that holders of high publc office have to be held to a higher standard.

It seems to me that about half of Obama's nominations are corrupt. Send Daschle to Gitmo; that would set a good example.

We have two who vollunteerily (sp) went to the IRS and ask about and corrected their taxes. They weren't audited and found to be avoiding their taxes, they corrected them, paid them and paid all penalties.

They weren't found to be committing crimes or breaking laws. They didn't tap tap tap dance around it, they immediately fixed it with in an appropriate time period. < :-)

Another lobbyist and crook in the Obama administration; this should not be a surprise to anyone. Let's see, add this guy to the guy chosen to be in charge of the IRS (who is also a tax cheat) and the Commerce Secreatary that had to be ditched because he is involved in a pay-for-play scandal. Let's not forget the Secretary of State whose husband is bought and paid for by foreign governments around the world. You gotta love those limousine liberals - do as I say, not as I do. What an obamanation this administration has turned out to be not even two weeks after taking office. Worst president in American history - you can write it down now.

To my esteemed Republican colleagues, I would remind you that the stench of the GW Bush adminstration still hangs heavy over Washington like a shroud, his administration being one that redefined self-interest and divisivness. As such, any finger-pointing by Republican hacks still lacks legitimacy, I would suggest you try again in 6 to 12 months, when the Obama administration has had time for fxck things up. At the same time, I truly believe that those who hold higher office need to be held to a higher public standard. Please note that I am not talking about political correctness, but rather that such people have a proven record of following (and obeying) the law of the land. Now, if this Daschle chap has fiddled his taxes, such actions should automatically eliminate him from consideration. The same goes for any other nominees who have broken the law, intentionally or otherwise. I make this proviso because intentionally indicates that a person is a crook, unitentionally indicates that the person in question lacks the required judgement to do what is right.

It seems to me that about half of Obama's nominations are corrupt.

In other words, a step in the right direction.

smithinjapan, you are obviously out of touch if you think this is his ONLY scandal. Get real.

Typical. Dems want to socialize 1/6th of the economy but believe themselves to be above paying the taxes that would fund health care.

Daschle, Geitner, Rangel, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, "Cold cash" Jefferson, Pelosi, "Countrywide" Chris Dodd, Barney Frank - these people are beyond belief.

timorborder: "To my esteemed Republican colleagues..."

What - you are suddenly an American now that Obama is president?

I like Daschle. I believe he made an honest mistake. However, in view of this mistake, I'd like to see someone else in this position and I'd like to see him bow out.

Wuzz - No mate, not an American, do not intend to become one either, I was just being polite.

I like Daschle. I believe he made an honest mistake." I will never let a politician off that easy. I was old enough to remember when people like Barbra Boxer were bouncing checks, only to tell the world "ok, I bounced a few checks and didn't balance my budget diligently enough.

Allowing this guy and the others the seats in question is absurd until the government comes up with methods of people, common people, who incorrectly file their taxes (it can be difficult for a young couple with kids, as well as first time business owners), help people who have taken out government backed student loans - did you know that those unpaid loans follow you for life and can put your family in debt?

No, any one of you who feel we should let him off the hook are blind and stupid. It figures we got a few up here about "well, look at the repubs" and I say to them what they have said to me when using the same analogy on torture - "its not about what they do, its about what we do" and that leads me to its not about what George did, it is about what Daschle has done.

Only fools will look the other way. If he is to be let off, then I want anyone who has had tax problems in the past for the credit to be cleared.

They just can't help lying.

“Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter. ”

Sen. Tom Daschle, Congressional Record, May 7, 1998, p. S4507.

Daschle is just one in the long line of Obama sleezy friends. The left shows its colors by going absolutely nuts when a Republican does anything remotely wrong but makes excuses for Democrats who clearly break the law. This continues, Obama is going to lead this country right down the toilet in much the same way Detroit or any city that put their trust in sleazy Democrats.

What's up with President Obama nominating these people for his cabinet who can't seem to pay their taxes?

"It was a serious mistake"

President Obama should get serious about the people he nominates to lead this country.

"Tom Daschle"

Get serious!

Pres. Obama cannot be blamed for Tom Daschle's tax problems or for any criminals in his cabinet.

He was given faulty intel when he brought them onboard. There you go; airtight alibi.

Besides, since when do presidents actually have accountability?

On a non-neo-con irony/hypocrisy note, Pres. Obama SHOULD have done a better job in choosing a member of his cabinet and Daschle SHOULD withdraw his name and face any legal ramifications his actions afford. Who the hell does Pres. Obama think he is? bush? C'mon Obama, you promised us better than the worst ever, time to man up on this one.

Nessie,

In other words, a step in the right direction.

Nailed it!

Taka

I'd like to know, as for some reason my taxes are difficult and I pay a lot of money to get them done here in Tokyo, that if I don't pay taxes, can I get off by just apologizing? Usually, a person not paying taxes, while they are fined and penalized, has a hard time fixing their credit, especially at an amount of over 100K.

It Could be worse since he can't handle his finances. He could be in charge of a multi-billion dollar National Health Care budget. Oh wait........

skipthesong,

As far as I can see, there is no hook from which Daschle has to be let off. Taxpayers make mistakes and correct them without draconian punishments.

sezwho:"Taxpayers make mistakes and correct them without draconian punishments."

His problems are not limited to mere oversights:

"The “tax problems” included Daschle using a limousine and chauffeur from the firm and not reporting the services on his income tax forms. This was a violation of the law. Daschle also took illegal charitable deductions and failed to report some consulting fees to the IRS."

http://www.aim.org/aim-column/tax-cheat-daschle-favors-federal-reserve-for-health/

This is why the Democrats always want to raise taxes: They don't pay them.

meh. this is not upsetting. he's still likely to get through.

Ok, I think Daschel made an honest mistake. At least he rectified it in an appropriate and brisk manner without someone having to tell him cough Geithner cough. I myself made a mistake on my tax return before and it took two years before anyone told me anything. You would be surprised at how easy it is to mess up.

As for calling Obama the Worst president in history, can we at least give the guy a few months in office? Heck, the left didn't start crucifying Bush until his little incident after the Towers were hit in 2001. Besides, have any of you ever checked out the presidential list? There are some pretty sad guys on there that didn't even do anything in their first 2 years, let alone the first hundred days. All Andrew Johnson did was manage to set the record for the amount of times he vetoed something and then was overturned. On top of that, he only escaped impeachment by 1 vote.

Obama, asked at the White House whether he was standing by his nomination, answered, “Absolutely.”

Obviously, admitting to being a crook isn't a dealbreaker to join the Obama cabinet.

sez,

are you kidding me? Our IRS has some of the most draconian methods of collecting taxes. The IRS can put you in jail is they can prove you purposely didn't pay taxes. A mere accusation which could also be a lie from a grudging ex-employee, can also bring on an IRS investigation and if you ever get down to Miami, you'll see a SWAT like action as they search your computer systems and records - this happens a lot to food services.

On a side note, how many other countries collect taxes from you from money you earned abroad? I have to file for company I have setup over seas. Not draconian?

wuzzademcrat,

If you are holding Cliff Kincaid up as a standard of objective analysis, I think your view of the situation must be slightly skewed. Of course, just because an ultra-rightist says so doesn't mean he's wrong.

Tell you what: Write to your governor, your Senators, your Congressperson, the Attorney General and the IRS and demand that Daschle be prosecuted for his "crimes". Do not stint in your efforts to bring this miscreant to justice.

I've already said that I'd like to see Daschle bow out. My other claim was that I believed this to be an honest mistake. If you have any real evidence that it was not, I'd be happy to inspect it. Of course if you're just fulminating because you hate Democrats, carry on and I will too.

zkna0: "smithinjapan, you are obviously out of touch if you think this is his ONLY scandal. Get real."

I love it when you guys come on here with a chip on your shoulders, don't bother to read the posts, and then spew out bizarre and completely incorrect assumptions. But hey, zkna0, go ahead and paste the part of my post where I said 'this is the ONLY scandal'. You'll forgive me if I won't hold my breath.

In the mean time, do you have anything to actually add to the conversation instead of merely flubbing up on someone else's comments? I'll 'get real' according to your standards when you guys decide to actually grow up and add to the conversation instead of trying to bring it back to the sandbox.

NOWHERE did I say this is the 'only' scandal, but I think it's quite premature to be saying the administration is a disgrace and what not. Come back, as timorborder said, in a good few months and if they are messing things up almost half as bad as bush had the US messed up after a year in office, I'll join you in calls of 'scandal' and 'abomination'. Until then, seriously, grow up. A person is not a 'tax cheat' or 'corrupt' they simply made a mistake and correct it THEMSELVES (plus pay penalties). If we really need to do a comparison in terms of corrupt officials chosen by a president, the few remaining and desperate bush supporters will have successful dug their own graves (for perhaps the last time).

sarge: "President Obama should get serious about the people he nominates to lead this country."

coming from the person whom you still support, you're basically praising Obama indirectly. I mean, how many of your beloved ex-presidents appointments were either fired or had to resign under pressure again? And those were for MAJOR scandals that are still unfolding, not for an oversight in which the person himself rectified (didn't have to be indicted and brought before grand juries, perjure himself, have the president deny open viewing of his records/emails, etc.). But hey, come on back when you want to play again, sarge.

Look, I don't we should be blaming Obama for some of his staff's issues. He has to work with what he is handed with for the most part. There is more in the back of the stage than what meets the eye. I am sure at first though, he didn't like many of the people in his admin but politics must trump all..And no politician is free from that hard to face reality because we, the people, allow it to happen. We allow politicians to keep their businesses and revenues from them after we elect them. We allow them to get twice, three, and some times four times as they get paid for the seat they win, the seat they are leaving, paid for committee seats, etc.... And what proves my point are people here, Americans who live in Japan are making quite a bit of money who are paying taxes for which we are nor represented of from Japan making excuses for the guy of wanting him to get passed under any circumstances. There are other candidates out there, how about a nobody for that position? Why does it have to be a politician who is no longer an elected official?

smithinjapan:"A person is not a 'tax cheat' or 'corrupt' they simply made a mistake and correct it THEMSELVES (plus pay penalties)."

Daschle "corrected" his "mistake" when it became apparent he would be chosen for the position.

I just laugh at some of the posters here,non-Americans especially, defending this hypocrite. Daschle is an elected official, wielding enormous power, about to make himself one of the architects of a nationalized health care system and he has shown complete contempt for the laws of the nation he is supposed to serve.

Yet, when Joe the Plumber's taxes were revealed to have been in arrears by an amount that was 1/100th of Daschle's "oversight" I imagine people like smith were saying Joe should not be allowed to practice his trade.

one of the architects of a nationalized health care system" That's the key point to keep in mind, or did you really think the government had any care about our health? He is possibly going to be next to Hillary in receiving lobby money from the med sector. And, he'll be overseeing your tax money as he chooses which company's products to procure.

Let's not forget how hard the government was on Wesly Snipes when he owed taxes

wuzza: "Yet, when Joe the Plumber's taxes were revealed to have been in arrears by an amount that was 1/100th of Daschle's "oversight" I imagine people like smith were saying Joe should not be allowed to practice his trade."

Since you decided to go off topic yet again, Helter, led me add that Joe the Plumber did not stand up and reveal the tax 'mistakes' himself. They were revealed to the public via the media after John McCain decided to use Joe the Plumber as his poster-boy. Kind of backfired, huh? What's more, it was proven Joe did it intentionally, and it was never clear if he intended to even pay the taxes back plus the penalties willingly (or maybe he did say it after he was strung so far through the wringer that no one cared anymore).

Any other models you want to bring up, wuz?

If it wasn't a mistake, wuzza, prove it. Show us your sources that the man did it intentionally and had no plan to pay it all back or apologize until he was caught-- err... not caught, but until he came outright and revealed his mistake, and paid it all back plus penalty.

And please, try not to 'prove' your point with opinion pieces this time.

smitty, are you telling me that Joe the Plumber deserved more criticism for his marginal taxes (what does a plumber make these days? Probably 50k max)who was a nobody/bum than Daschle, a politician? Why didn't this come up in the past?

I would have though you would have been more left wing and would have wanted to go harder on a government official than some working class trailer park dweller.

smith, I notice you never link to outside sources. Is that because you don't bother reading any (other than wikipedia)?

Here is the NY Times

Daschle Knew of Tax Issues Over Car Use Last June

By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG and ROBERT PEAR Published: January 31, 2009

WASHINGTON — President Obama’s choice for health secretary, Tom Daschle, was aware as early as last June that he might have to pay back taxes for the use of a car and driver provided by a private equity firm, but did not inform the Obama transition team until weeks after Mr. Obama named him to the health secretary’s post, senior administration officials said Saturday.

As Senate Democrats rushed to save the nomination of Mr. Daschle, their former leader, the White House spent the day trying to explain how he survived its vetting process despite his failure to pay $128,000 in taxes.

The White House would not say when the president himself learned of the tax issue, but said Mr. Obama is standing by his nominee.

Skip: "smitty, are you telling me that Joe the Plumber deserved more criticism for his marginal taxes (what does a plumber make these days? Probably 50k max)who was a nobody/bum than Daschle, a politician? Why didn't this come up in the past?"

Oy vay! You guys have a bit too much wax in your ears. I'm not talking about money! Amount was the point wuzzademcrat was trying to make as a means of measuring the ratio of public response/defense. I don't give a rat's behind if Joe the Plumber owed 100 times as much as Daschle did. My point was that in one case, Daschle's, the man came forward, admitted he made a mistake which was not previously known nor did he try to hide, and paid it all off openly including the penalty. In the other man's case, Joe the Plumber's, the man had avoided paying taxes and intentionally not reported it nor made it public. Joe the Plumber was indeed a tax 'cheat' as some people on here want to label Daschle, while Daschle himself is not.

Should he be chosen for his position? I don't know, but I think making himself accountable is a lot more admirable than many politicians of late, especially in the last 8 years. But as Sez rightly pointed out, even a mistake shows that the man may not be fit for the position he is probably going to be chosen for.

"I would have though you would have been more left wing and would have wanted to go harder on a government official than some working class trailer park dweller."

Well, once again, I didn't bring up the topic of Joe, wuzzademcrat did. I merely pointed out the difference between a man who reveals his mistake and owns up to it as opposed to your trailer dweller who still tried to hide what he was avoiding, while taking on jobs he was not qualified for.

wuzzademcrat: "smith, I notice you never link to outside sources. Is that because you don't bother reading any"

I have posted plenty of URLs in the past, and still do. I don't tend to post links when the information is common knowledge, or when, as you like to do, it's merely someone else's opinion or some rightwing blog.

I see, so he was told 'he might have to pay back taxes' way back when, was he? You know, I was told that with the current economy I might have to find a new job in the future -- it hasn't happened yet. If I were told I WOULD have to find a new job, I'd be worried and start looking ASAP. If the word 'might' were not in there and it simply said, "You have to pay back taxes" and he still ignored it? Well, case closed... he failed to pay back taxes on the car service.

What about besides that? Are you telling me the car service taxes account for the $128,000 in back taxes? Was it a Speed Racer? A super car from the future? Can you show me where he knew about ALL the back taxes and avoided them?

Nice attempt at stealing SuperLib's crack about Wikipedia, by the way, but as I stated pretty clearly, aside from one line that I cut in and pasted everything else was common knowledge (well, except for you, clearly). But that's neither here nor there.

What a crook. Only a Democrat could defend this guy Daschle

"WASHINGTON—Tom Daschle collected nearly a quarter of a million dollars in fees in the last two years speaking to leaders of the industry President Barack Obama wants him to reform as the administration's health secretary."

"That was just a portion of the more than $5.2 million the former South Dakota senator earned as he advised insurers and hospitals and worked in other industries -- real estate, energy and telecommunications among them, according to a financial statement filed with the Office of Government Ethics."http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/02/01/daschle_earned_220000_from_health_care_industry/

his letter, released Monday, Daschle sought to explain how he overlooked taxes on income for consulting work and the use of a car service. He also deducted more in charitable contributions than he should have.

I agree with Wuzz. He should be disqualifed and prosecuted. Once good is careless. Two goofs is criminal. He should not a get a pass.

If you are unwilling to accept a man's apology and correction of his own errors, I promise you more lies and obfuscation in the future.

I for one cannot tell you just how overdue we are for this kind of correction and apology by a politician. I suggest you at least let it slide if not praise him highly for it.

The things mentioned are rather dubious. Is use of a car service income? How many of us have multiple jobs and always remember to include income from every single one of them?

I used to run a business and I had to keep track of every dollar and it was from multiple sources. I had to figure what would include sales tax and what did not. There is was always some dispute about whether to include labor in the computation of that tax. It was a real mess. It was always a pain. And once I found invoices that got stuffed in odd corners and had to account for them.

So I can accept that it might have been a mistake. Even if it wasn't, he has made up for it. He paid the penalty. So move on. Harping about it will not help anything.

Is he qualified for the post? I have no idea. But this does not disqualify him. In fact, making up for past mistakes is a welcome and admirable trait.

wuzza, give it a rest. YOU GUYS LOST. If the IRS isn't prosecuting, then I don't care. Playing "your party's scandals are worse than my party's scandals" is lame. Especially since Tom Daschle's taxes didn't get 4200+ US Troops killed.

My point was that in one case, Daschle's, the man came forward, admitted he made a mistake which was not previously known nor did he try to hide, and paid it all off openly including the penalty. In the other man's case, Joe the Plumber's, the man had avoided paying taxes and intentionally not reported it nor made it public. Joe the Plumber was indeed a tax 'cheat' as some people on here want to label Daschle, while Daschle himself is not."

Hold on, we have several articles from very left leaning media that it was known. Unlike Joe the PLumber, Daschle has enough money on hand to pay any over due taxes, while someone like Joe most likely didn't. Now, I am not going to get on you being Canadian, but at least your country's tax system makes sense and is quite fair where the US's isn't. In fact, as my Canadian friend tells me, yous have one of the best tax systems in the world. I think you are missing quite a bit. Joe happen to be a guy who said he was a plumber and probably didn't one once of that type of work. I'm still leaning he was just a average Joe trying to make ends meat and just found himself in the spotlight and liked it. In my eyes, he could have been Canadian with his looks and style..

There is a big difference where a politician who gets paid by taxes, has all authority to raise his wage annually, he and his family get full medical coverage paid by the tax payers and then goes on to fail paying his own taxes - sorry, I can't let it go.

Again, had my father, a true lefty, been alive today, he'd probably consider having the man put behind bars. Its disgusting while so many are losing their jobs, including Joe who is probably out of work for a good part of the year, and you have an amount such as what he has.

If they pushed to put Wesly Snipes behind bars and it was proved that it was his accountants fault, they should at the very least pull his nomination.

likeitis:"The things mentioned are rather dubious. Is use of a car service income? How many of us have multiple jobs and always remember to include income from every single one of them?"

Dubious to the incurious, like you and smith.

Daschle's "use of a car" (it came with a driver - "I forgot!") is a taxable benefit, since it came courtesy of one of the many comapnies ("Intermedia") he lobbies on behalf of. They paid him 1 million dollars a year - though no one really knows what he does for this rather small company.

Elsewhere, Daschle, who has voiced very strong opinions about tax cheats in the past, overlooked 83, 000 dollars in income.

Could you?

He also deducted more in charitable contributions than he should have.

Quick question. You attend a charity dinner where its 300 bucks a plate. How much do you deduct from your taxes for charity? Do you account for the actual price of the food you ate? After all, you did receive something back. If you did it just once, maybe you might consider just shining it and not deducting anything at all.

Now imagine you do that ten times every year at least. Now you are talking about 3000 bucks (minus food, maybe). Still not going to worry about that deduction?

I studied accounting. Trust me, this crap is complicated and it is no where near cut and dry.

My biggest problem with him is that he is obviously yet another fat cat who is going to be governing us. In my opinion, honest rich people are a very rare breed and Daschle's "mistakes" are but the tip of the iceberg. You won't get at the rest of the iceberg by frying Daschle, so why bother? You will get more bees with honey. You jump on them when they make a habit of making mistakes, not when they make up for one.

"wuzza, give it a rest. YOU GUYS LOST. If the IRS isn't prosecuting, then I don't care. "

We all lost.

Daschle's "use of a car" (it came with a driver - "I forgot!") is a taxable benefit, since it came courtesy of one of the many comapnies ("Intermedia") he lobbies on behalf of. They paid him 1 million dollars a year - though no one really knows what he does for this rather small company.

And where did he drive the car to? Tahiti? I suspect it might have been a thing where they picked him up and dropped him off for business with the company. What is that worth? How do you calculate it? By the value of the car? By the mile? What?

And amidst all those other taxable benefits, you can't see a chance that might get lost in one's mind? A lot of English teachers in Japan get cars to use. You think any them EVER put that on their tax return?

And the company he lobbies for and gets money for "who knows what"? That, son, is a TOTALLY separate issue. You don't bust his chops for his "mistaken" tax return on that. You bust his chops for that as a separate issue, if and when you get the evidence that it is illegal or shady.

skip: You sure seem to like Wesley Snipes. Aside from Major League 1 and perhaps Rising Sun I think he more or less stinks, so maybe his punishment was karma.

Seriously, though, I agree with some of what you are saying, and more has come to light since this debate began to put Daschle in a more negative light, I will admit. I'm going to wait and see how things unfold to pass judgement, and I suggest everyone else do so to. Offer opinions, fine, and I still think the guy coming forward and paying things off is better than being caught before revealing anything, but save judgement for when the proof of all that's happened comes out. That goes double for the people who are just angry because he's a democrat and are trying to take some of the scandal stink from their own party off them by wiping it on anything more democratic... err... democratic party.

I also agree with likeitis, though, and disagree with many of wuzzademcrat's petty comments; if the man got a bunch of money for making speeches, what of it? Would you go give a speech for free? I wouldn't. Should he deduct taxes from what these things? If they are income, yes, absolutely. She he use things to subtract from his taxes, like the dinners Likeitis mentioned? Again, it's complicated, and that's his point.

Daschle is a tax cheat but with the politburo in place will get a free pass while thousands of the working class guilty of far less will have their lives ruined by the IRS. Welcome to Obama's Amerika.

Elsewhere, Daschle, who has voiced very strong opinions about tax cheats in the past, overlooked 83, 000 dollars in income. Could you?

If I were as rich as Daschle seems to be, yes I could. Remember, Daschle does not do his own taxes. He has an accountant. Your accountant does not know what you don't tell him or her. So the real question is could I forget to report a comparable sum to my accountant?

Let us say Daschle pulls in 2 million a year. That amount you mention represents 4.15 percent of his income. If it were me: I work a steady job and some jobs on the side. That comes to about 3.37 million yen all told. So could I forget to tell my accountant about 140 thousand yen from one of my odd jobs? I think I could. I just do one of those jobs, and the money flows into a separate bank account that I hardly ever think about. I withdrew money from that account ONCE, and because I had forgotten the pin, I had to get a new card! So yeah, I think its possible. I don't dwell on my money situation too much.

Tom Daschle is going to make a great health secretary. President Obama is a great judge of character.

Offer opinions, fine, and I still think the guy coming forward and paying things off is better than being caught before revealing anything, but save judgement for when the proof of all that's happened comes out"

He is a politician, who is provided by tax payers, accountants, not just one, but a a few at that and not to mention, he is part of the one of the two wealthiest political parties in the world. That is proof enough. Also not to mention, they give themselves salary hikes. They are all out of touch with reality. There is no excuse. If a politician can't figure out how much taxes he owes and we let him off, I want everyone to be let off.

VOR: "Daschle is a tax cheat but with the politburo in place will get a free pass while thousands of the working class guilty of far less will have their lives ruined by the IRS. Welcome to Obama's Amerika."

You had far less freedoms under your previous president than under Obama, or at least once he reverses some bush decisions, so if you really want to akin the US to some socialist 'Amerika' (and you guys truly lack imagination), then you need a Republican party leadership for it. There was no government closer to putting you guys in a situation where you lost more of your freedoms, etc., then under bush. YOu guys just can't deal with the fact that your neighbour might have as good a chance at being educated and be able to see a doctor as you -- so you stick this under some paranoid label of 'socialist'. Evidently, you didn't learn from the policies that lost McCain the election.

You really are bitter, aren't you, VOR? You wanted to give up more of your freedoms, have the right to be tortured without question, live in a socialist-like nation, but Obama has denied you those things. Sad for you, good for the world.

Also not to mention, they give themselves salary hikes.

Uh, you did mention it. I agree with you that that is bullcrap. But its still a separate issue, and no reason to single out Daschle.

If a politician can't figure out how much taxes he owes and we let him off, I want everyone to be let off.

Let off? He paid nearly 12,000 dollars interest! That is 9.4 percent on what he owed. I would say the government profited pretty nicely. When was the last time you got a 9.4 percent return on anything?

Yeah, he is a public servant so you are entitled to your opinion. But I promise that you will reap what you sow. In this case, the crop will be politicians hiding their mistakes and never making good.

Smith,

This article is about the Obama administration and their nominee for HHS. I don't see a single mention of the 'B' word that gets you so excited in the article.

Please try to stay with current events. His nominee can't keep his own books straight and for that person, if he is nominated will be in entrusted with Billions of taxpayer dollars, that just ain't right. Were going to nominate a Health and Human Services Secretary who has already admitted to financial 'mal-practice'.

Gee, I feel so good based on that, and now he's going to have billions more of Taxpayer dollars now to play with.

Could you be so kind if you respond to this post to leave Bush out of your response and respond to the concerns that I have as to how this Obama nominee is going to handle the public purse?

wuzzademcrat at 10:49 AM JST - 3rd February Typical. Dems want to socialize 1/6th of the economy but believe themselves to be above paying the taxes that would fund health care. Daschle, Geitner, Rangel, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, "Cold cash" Jefferson, Pelosi, "Countrywide" Chris Dodd, Barney Frank - these people are beyond belief."

Not so beyond belief. The majority of Democrat politicians are either criminals themselves and/or protect and harbor them (Ref: Bill Clinton list of pardons before leaving office - woo hooooo!).

This is why Democrats constantly support leniency and lenient laws for criminals, while shooting down laws that would help enforce higher standards of society citing that such laws take away the rights of the very criminals they are trying to protect.

They refer to Republicans as morally self-righteous - yet are in a total lack of morals themselves. Quite Frankly, most of them make me sick to even look at.

Whether Daschle is a crook or not remains to be seen. But I would rather error on the side common sense and say "yes", than to give a Democrat politician the benefit of the doubt.

In this case, the crop will be politicians hiding their mistakes and never making good."

I guess you believe that had it not been for this nomination, he would have still come out in the open? I don't and paying 12,000 dollars is nothing and 9.4%, come on: Read: "There are separate penalties created by the IRS for both of these situations. Some people think that if they can't pay their tax bill, they simply won't file. It's a big mistake not to pay and an even bigger one not to file, regardless of the actual cost of your bill. Here's why:

The amount you owe is penalized at 5% per month of non-payment. The amount you owe is penalized at a whopping 47.5% when you fail to file - 22.5% for late filing, 25% of the total for late payment. And don't forget interest, which is compounded daily until the tax is paid off.

No, he got off easy and in fact he was rewarded.

Its moot, like the Bush admin had carte blanche, so does the Obama admin.

I really wish people would not be so partisan when it is as plain as the nose on your face that there are criminals, liars, cheaters etc and plenty of them on both sides. Neither side has a monopoly on morality either, nor even a monopoly on immorality.

Give it up, you partisan hacks.

you guys on the left have more confidence in your set of liars and cheats. if you all wish hard enough and keep repeating the party line maybe it will all come true just as you want it but i seriously doubt it. in fact, from my perspective, it looks like if the republicans don't keep the kids in the candy store from cleaning it out, we are heading toward a nationwide version of Detroit.

Sail, Smith was just commenting on VOR's obvious bitterness. He did not need to go into so much detail, I know. But how do you feel about that "Obama's Amerika" stuff? I hardly knew how to respond and I can't blame Smith for laying into him.

The man just got into office like two weeks ago. Accusing Obama of having that kind of power, authority and control, or blaming him for failings in the country might be more appropriate some months from now, say sometime around SEPTEMBER?

smithinjapan:

"You had far less freedoms under your previous president than under Obama, or at least once he reverses some bush decisions,"

Can you provide even one example of what you are talking about? Can you cite one documented case of an American citizen whose freedom was illegally denied him/her as a direct result of one of former president Bush's "decisions"?

sailwind: "This article is about the Obama administration and their nominee for HHS. I don't see a single mention of the 'B' word that gets you so excited in the article. Please try to stay with current events."

What is this, some petty attempt at getting back at everyone just because most of your comments were off the ball yesterday?

You have wuzzademcrat bringing up Joe the Plumber, and you have others talking about bush in comparison (directly or not) to 'how bad Obama is', etc. Now do tell me again how referring to others is off topic again, when in answer to others' posts?

wuzzademcrat: "Can you provide even one example of what you are talking about?"

The provisions under set up under the Patriot Act, set up GWB, many of which are now under review by Obama and some of which will be eliminated. Gitmo prison, and the fact that you can be put there and tortured if you are deemed a threat. That is being closed, and torture being put back on the no-no list. Spying on you and your friends' emails. Not sure if that's going to be eliminate under Obama, but it was put into place under your old buddy GW.

There's a start. Need more?

This was in answer to a query, which was in answer to a comment of mine, also in answer to a query.

Can you read, smith? Cite one instance - a verifiable case - from 2002 until the ascent of the media's Chosen One, in which a US citizen lost his/her freedom in a way that would justify the rantings of self-appointed but clueless civil libertarians like yourself.

You can't.

VOR: "we are heading toward a nationwide version of Detroit."

You mean of course the Detroit that became the way it is under ....? oh, well, I won't say his name for sailwind's sake.

ou mean of course the Detroit that became the way it is under ....? oh, well, I won't say his name for sailwind's sake."

smitty, I think you're letting your faith getting the best of you.. that place has been on a spiral downward long before Bush took office

LOL. Great exchange. Skip points out what folks have known for decades - how Democrats have made Detroit into a disaster - and smith, never one for bothering to get the facts, blames Bush.

Without defending Daschle, who I can't believe would be so stupid, I'm still in stitches at the partisan shrieking from our far-out partisan Republican buddies on JT, still showing more bitterness than a triple serving of extra-sour lemon juice at their thumping in November.

To see you guys hammering Daschle over this and simaltaniously denying any of the last eight years of Republican scandals, who's greatest hits lest we forget included an under-age gay sex scandal, the similar meth-fuelled exploits of the damned spiritual advisor to the Bush WH, the outing of CIA agents as personal vendetta, torturing suspsects....let alone the lies and mis-information that ended up spunking what was left of taxpayers money in Iraq - heh, guys, it's absolutely hilarious.

wuzzademcrat: Evidently it's you who can't read. I said you guys have lost freedoms under bush. You asked for 'even one':

"Can you provide even one example of what you are talking about?"

I gave you plenty. YOu never asked for an example of a specific person, and I was talking about freedoms in general that you have given up in relation to VOR's post about the US under Obama becoming socialist. Sorry that you have a rough time understanding that 'you have lost your freedoms' does not mean specifically Walter Murphy (university prof), the man stopped at the airport and not allowed his right to fly because his name was on the 'no-fly list' because he gave speeches criticising the Bush administration. (read it some time ago, can't remember exactly where, sorry).

"and smith, never one for bothering to get the facts, blames Bush."

Hahaha... this from a guy who thinks Obama somehow relates to the persecution via the death penalty of homosexuals in 'all of Islam'. I'll take what you said as a compliment. And since you guys are only angry at democrats, it's quite relevant to compare it to bush and why you are so upset.

wuzza: Even in my last post, Helter, I gave you a specific example, despite you misreading what I said originally. Good thing I'm so generous :)

I'm pretty sure that if I do a search for 'Muslim family that was kicked off a plane because of paranoid people around them' who were then checked out by the FBI to assure the company they were okay would come up pretty easily. Wasn't that only a few weeks ago?

As to the article in question, it's you guys that brought this WAY off topic by calling Obama's programs socialist, and saying Daschle is part of some 'Amerika', and what not. Try to stay sane, my friend... and don't shake them little fists so much.

Impressive. Only two weeks in office and Obama, by appointing Daschle and Geithner, has already helped the IRS collect 200,000 dollars off of deadbeat tax cheats.

Anyway, the guy is being persecuted by most on here (who are persecuting him, anyway) simply because he was chosen by Obama, who beat the pants of their beloved party. If he is in fact proven beyond a doubt to have been corrupt, and not simply forgotten about a car service or that he was paid to make speeches (who in their right mind would do it for free as a job?), then show him the door or take him to court. Until then, a lot of the people on here ought to keep in mind that there have been far worse than Obama's choices in office, and only until recently at that.

If the Obama transition team worked for the IRS we wouldn't even have a deficit.

Pay your taxes = don't be a tax cheat.

-I don't understand the overestimate of a charitable contribution = that sounds like a cheat.

I wonder how many Americans make so much money that they could forget about $83,000 of it come time to pay taxes.

How someone this incompetent - or deceitful, take your pick - could be entrusted with anything more than what Daschle's local Rotary Club allots for its budget is beyond me.

It's all the more insulting when you look at how this guy, not even a lawyer, has been lobbying for decades, as has his wife.

"Lobbyists won't find a job in my White House."

smithinjapan:"Anyway, the guy is being persecuted by most on here (who are persecuting him, anyway) simply because he was chosen by Obama..."

"Persecuted"? No wonder smith thinks Americans have "lost all of their freedoms".

Daschle broke the law. He is being criticized.

Until then, a lot of the people on here ought to keep in mind that there have been far worse than Obama's choices in office,"

well, if that isn't an admittance to guilt, I don't know what is.

If he is in fact proven beyond a doubt to have been corrupt" Well, that is easy for me. Rich guy who becomes a politician and has vested interests = corrupt.

Are all politicians genuine crooks? Or do they just all think that they are somehow above the law?

wuzzademcrat: ""Persecuted"? No wonder smith thinks Americans have "lost all of their freedoms"

Definitions of persecuted (since you don't know them):

"1: to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict ; specifically : to cause to suffer because of belief 2: to annoy with persistent or urgent approaches (as attacks, pleas, or importunities) : pester"

You fit more into the second definition, according to both Webster's and Oxford (since if I don't list a source you have a hissy-fit), though no one on earth would actually give you the credit of annoying them enough to call it pestering. And please do show me where I said, "lost ALL their freedoms", since you quote me as saying such.

"Daschle broke the law. He is being criticized."

Really? Let's take a look at your criticisms today, shall we? (not only on Daschle, of course):

"How someone this incompetent - or deceitful, take your pick.....how Democrats have made Detroit into a disaster.....from 2002 until the ascent of the media's Chosen One, in which a US citizen lost his/her freedom in a way that would justify the rantings of self-appointed but clueless civil libertarians like yourself.....What - you are suddenly an American now that Obama is president?.....They just can't help lying.....What a crook.....Dubious to the incurious,...."

Any just a sample of your 'criticisms' today, Helter. Of course, some of us can tell the difference between what criticism and 'judgement' is, and you of course have attempted (and in pretty much all cases been wrong) the latter, coupled with slurs and attempted insults (again, pretty much failed). In other words, you're hopeless.

I suggest you get a bit of a rest, stop saying 'foreigners' (despite us all being in Japan) have no say in American politics, and try not to post comments like 'some of us have lives outside of JT' or, 'for a guy who stays online all day' considering how much you've been posting, and how you've proven to us that the opinion of many Americans are much more out of tune with reality (on American issues) than that of the 'foreigners' you try to undermine by pointing out nationality.

Get some rest after shaking your fists out a bit more, and come back to play tomorrow.

I have no doubt Daschle will still be in the news tomorrow, as will your President Obama (or the Chosen One, as you call him) and the economy, and you can try again then. The rest of us will be here, too, to keep you in check and point out your errors.

As for Daschle himself, we'll see what becomes of him by day's end (that is to say, day's end over there, morning here). Hopefully he can straighten some of this crap out. If not, I'll be more than happy to join in the chorus of those who say the guy should be passed over, if not canned.

I'm also with Sailwind on this. Looks like I kept my promise of coming down as hard on Democrats as I did on Republicans.

I should add that it doesn't reflect well on Obama.

I'm just glad that Daschle didn't say he couldn't recall remembering if he paid his taxes.

Yah Taka, that's a Clinton trick to selectively forget.

I hoave only one question: If the leaders don't have to pay their taxes (Daschle isn't the only example of this) why do I?

Obama should pull the plug on Daschle. Even the NYT is saying so. If he doesn't I'm going to have to question the whole bit about "change you can believe in."

Who cares? Daschle withdrew his name now.

Not paying taxes intentionally or not is a disqualification for public office. As the new administration stumbles out of the gate, it would be wise to get rid of this stain as quickly as possible. The question boils down to "can you trust your government or not". Filling top level positions with tax cheats is a violation of the public trust.

Exactly, Daschle showed great class and integrity in withdrawing his name from consideration for HHS.

This "scandal" lasted all of about 15 minutes certain must disappoint the haters out there, who now have to look for a new outlet for their wish to have the new president fail.

This "scandal" lasted all of about 15 minutes certain must disappoint the haters out there, who now have to look for a new outlet for their wish to have the new president fail.

Should have read as follows:

This "scandal" lasted all of about 15 minutes and certainly must disappoint the haters out there, who now have to look for a new outlet for their wish to have the new president fail.

Good. Glad he withdrew. He had the right stuff for the job, but I am glad he withdrew to keep from embarrassing the President. Good show Daschle!

he done. he go. bye bye, whoops yabits, didn't have to wait too long, here comes another one. what is it with these democrats? i guess when they say the rich don't pay their fair share, they really know what they are talking about.

Now we have a few more democrats who have paid their taxes.

We need a few more republicans and democrats to pay their fair share now also. But that's another story. < :-)

Nancy Killefer withdrew her candidacy. whoops. another nominee goes down in flames. for an administration that claims to have raised the bar, it sure seems like Obama's screeners lowered the bar.

what is it with these democrats?

Coming from someone who supports a party that had, for its presidential nominee, a guy who was mired in the scandal of the failed Lincoln Savings and Loan.

Seems to me like the bar has been raised pretty high. The haters just want to nitpick and have things both ways.

c'mon yabits, you are avoiding the question, what is it with the democrats and their sleezy reluctance to meet their most basic obligations as American citizens? don't you find it remotely hypocritical that the party that calls for higher taxes is the party that reniggs on paying their own. Most of these people have spent their whole lives on the public dole, funded by ordinary taxpayers who follow the law or face serious consequences. Disgusting vile behaviour. This is yet another example of t he Democrats breaking the trust of the American people.

c'mon yabits, you are avoiding the question, what is it with the democrats and their sleezy reluctance to meet their most basic obligations as American citizens?

You are the one avoiding; avoiding that fact that your party has done similar and worse.

Also, is there any forgiveness in your heart? The man paid his taxes with interest, with no prompting from you. Get over it already, and stop asking stupidly weighted partisan questions.

what is it with the democrats and their sleezy reluctance to meet their most basic obligations as American citizens?

You mean to say that, out of hundreds of Administration appointees, a number of them, that you can count on the fingers of one hand, have been shown to unintentionally make errors on their tax returns, the entire party has broken your trust? Really?

Note that Daschle caught his error before the IRS did and paid what was owed with penalties.

You weren't phased by the crooked legacy of Nixon and Agnew? Kenny Boy Lay as one of Bush's good buddies? Abramoff and his Republican crew? Duke Cunningham? Ted Stevens? (The beat goes on, and it's one that Larry Craig can tap his foot to in double-time.)

the party that reniggs on paying their own

I normally do not point out spelling errors, but the word is "reneges."

spin away democratic supporters. your guys are dirty. none of these failed appointees would have come clean if they weren't seeking these positions. saying they were cleaning up their little messes up on their own is just more breaking the trust of the American people. The tax cheat Geitner is in charge of the IRS. Not very ethical is it. Ask yourself this question fellas. Would you feel the same way about Geitner if he was a Bush appointment. Lets be honest. I can tell you I would have been livid. Paying your taxes on time and completely is your civic responsibility. These tax cheats Obama set forth know the tax codes better than you or I yet they tried to get away with not paying what was due. No wonder we are in this mess. The rich and powerful do what they want and in this case it happens to be your beloved democrats whose sleazy behaviour is now front and center in the public eye.

VOR: Big yawn.

yabits:"The haters just want to nitpick and have things both ways."

You can tell when a "liberal" is really on the defensive because they try to end debate by branding the opposition as racists.

Obama is my president. I don't hate the man. Half my fellow Americans voted for him. There are aspects of his election that I take great pride in. I disagree with many of his policies, but I want him to successfully fulfil the duties he is sworn to. You won't see me resorting to the kinds of adolescent crap that taka or smith get up to - refusing to capitalize names of the opposition, etc.

Gonna be four long years...

Obama is my president. I don't hate the man.

Really? Why, then, do you engage in continuous misrepresentation -- as you did when you claimed that Obama threw Daschle "under the bus." The truth is that Daschle withdrew his name of his own volition.

The truth is that Daschle withdrew his name of his own volition.

That is the story. I don't know if its the truth. Obama may very well have asked him to withdraw. And who could blame him since so many citizens decided to get all stupid about this? Seems to me that either way, a great many people got what they wanted. But do they appreciate it? I guess not.

Some spoiled brats really need to go to bed without their dinner tonight.

And don't expect any more honesty from the Obama admin. With whining petulant cry babies like these in your party, I am starting to understand why Bush was such a selfish liar, and why he could make it all the way to president being so.

The truth is that Daschle withdrew his name of his own volition.

Calling the kettle pots black.

Please read the article once again. Does he actually withdraw his name from the nomination when the media reports his failure to file tax returns correctly? If so, for what reason? I don't see any word that discourages his nomination as far as I read this article.

none of these failed appointees would have come clean if they weren't seeking these positions.

And you accuse others of spinning? As if you had not contributed enough hypocrisy already!

There is truth in the statement though, as there is in any decent spin. I doubt Daschle would have reviewed his taxes if not for the nomination. But that is a matter of course. Of course every little problem has to be corrected after a nomination. Because anal retentive exaggerators are going to have a hissy fit otherwise. But once its corrected, its better to accept it than go on like a spoiled brat and keep bitching.

The tax cheat Geitner is in charge of the IRS. Not very ethical is it. Ask yourself this question fellas. Would you feel the same way about Geitner if he was a Bush appointment.

Geitner qualifies as a real scandal, barely. His situation is MOST unlike Daschle. He was caught by the IRS and STILL refused to pay. If you cannot find any forgiveness for Geitner, I can understand. But Daschle is completely different. He found his own mistake, paid up with interest and APOLOGIZED for it. If you want more than that, you are clearly demanding absolute perfection. In that case, you are clearly a fool.

Would I feel different if Geitner were a Bush appointee? Yes and no. Not about Geitner himself. Tax evasion is pretty minor in my book. In fact, I have stated before that the U.S. government takes in far too much in taxes, so no, no one is ever going to find a post about me getting upset about it. So I would feel the same about Geitner. However, I would have used Geitner against Bush, but that is only because Bush has quite the clear history of cronyism. I don't see that with Obama....yet.

"However, I would have used Geitner against Bush, but that is only because Bush has quite the clear history of cronyism. I don't see that with Obama....yet."

And what - you are waiting for the mainstream media to furnish proof?

And what - you are waiting for the mainstream media to furnish proof?

Anyone will do. We all have our strengths, and mine is not flushing out cronyism from zero. Once the connection is made, I will chase it up and call it from there.

Like republicans are any better. It's just politicians, period. They're seen as about as trustable as a used car salesman. But, seriously - that's a lot of money. I need to rethink my career choice. And get better at stashing cash.

Funny: Daschle said, ten years ago as Senate Minority Leader, that tax cheats needed to "be dealt with". Well the voters of South Dakota "dealt with" Daschle a couple of Senate Election Cycles ago, and now, here he goes down in flames.

SiouxGirl - Name one Republican that didn't pay his or her income taxes.....

Name one Republican that didn't pay his or her income taxes.....

Here's two for starters: Duke Cunningham and Ted Stevens.

Yabits - Can you name any more?

How many more will it take to prove that Republicans aren't any better?

Funny: Daschle said, ten years ago as Senate Minority Leader, that tax cheats needed to "be dealt with".

And he dealt with himself all by himself. Not funny at all. He delivered.

Can you name any more?

How's come yabits has to name them? Why don't YOU name them. Why didn't YOU or any of the partisan hacks here name the two he did EVER?

I will tell you why: because this "moral party" thing is a thin smokescreen, that's why. You attack Daschle because he has the integrity to correct his own mistakes. And if that is allowed to stand, then the Republicans will have to start doing it too. And they might come out smelling worse than the Dems.

But here, I will give some names of some politicians who disclosed their tax returns, but were so very late that one has to be suspicious of whether they were severely doctored or not: George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Sarah Palin. Those three are among the precious, precious few prez and vice prez nominees who did not disclose immediately. Sure, they had "good" reasons. Sure.