Hastings believes that those in the upper classes, like himself, can afford to pay more in taxes – and that to celebrate their contributions rather than shame their compensation – would be inspirational and helpful to all Americans. I’d say it’s a novel idea but it seems to be one attracting more and more popularity these days. Daschle aside, most wealthy Americans, it seems really want to pay their fair share.
Hasting suggests:
Perhaps a starting place for “tax, not shame” would be creating a top federal marginal tax rate of 50 percent on all income above $1 million per year. Some will tell you that would reduce the incentive to earn but I don’t see that as likely. Besides, half of a giant compensation package is still pretty huge, and most of our motivation is the sheer challenge of the job anyway.
I was asked to comment about how everyday taxpayers were reacting to the scandals swirling around Obama nominees Geithner, Daschle and Killefer, each of whom I’ve tackled on the blog. And well, I pretty much told the Inky what you guys said (thanks!).
A couple of my quotes got garbled – “being forthright…” became “deep and forthright” but you can’t blame the reporter. Amy S. Rosenberg, who penned the article interviewed me by phone. Unfortunately for her, she picked a snow day (meaning all of the small children were home, clamoring for my attention) when I had a cold that makes me sound like Kathleen Turner as a chain smoker. And I’m not kidding.
Enjoy the article. I’d love to know what you think…
President Barack Obama has admitted that he made a mistake in handling the nomination of Tom Daschle. Daschle had been tapped by President Obama as his choice for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services until revelations that Daschle had made a number of errors on his taxes were made public. Daschle called the omissions honest mistakes and recently paid back the taxes and interest.
Many taxpayers (including this one) felt it was a little too little, too late.
Obama seems to agree. He told CNN’s Anderson Cooper, “I think I screwed up. And, I take responsibility for it and we’re going to make sure we fix it so it doesn’t happen again.” He later said, “…I don’t want to send a message to the American people that there are two sets of standards — one for powerful people and one for ordinary folks who are working every day and paying their taxes.”
Of course, that’s exactly what you guys were saying on the blog. And that’s exactly what it looked like.
Former Senator Tom Daschle has made a written request to President Obama to withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. I will update you as I have more information.
And well he should be.
Tom Daschle, President Barack Obama’s nod for Secretary of the Health and Human Services Department, has offered an apology for not paying more than $120,000 in federal taxes.
Instead, Daschle tried to offer an explanation for the tax errors. Yes, plural.
Daschle claims that the information provided to him from his friend [...]
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First it was Geithner and his self-employment tax issues.
Now, a new Obama pick for the Cabinet has tongues in the Senate Finance Committee wagging over tax matters: Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD).
The Senate Finance committee plans to review a number of items when they meet on Monday. The issues that [...]
