Comments on: UK Pols Feel Taxpayers’ Wrath, Too

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:25:18 +0000

Melody, it’s not surprising that they were both quiet – maybe hoping it would go away? When it didn’t, it became clear that they needed to do something. The Tories actually formed their own council to review these issues – that’s the “scrutiny panel” referenced in the post.

By: Melody

Melody — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:03:22 +0000

When this scandal first broke in the UK, both major parties were conspicuously silent on it — because both were doing it. I guess when it comes to U.S. politicians, we can say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:55:18 +0000

I will agree re the systemic corruption. It’s amazing the lifestyles that many of our politicians enjoy on their “salaries” – it’s clear that they are benefiting from the “perks” of the job. We see it in PA all of the time. In Philly, the Inquirer just did a massive expose into the political favor jobs at the BRT – it’s crazy what goes on at our expense.

That said, I wouldn’t say that this investigation is linked to partisan politics. The homestead exemption received a lot of attention in 2005 and then it faded. But in the midst of a recession, when taxpayers are chomping at the bit, this kind of thing is going to matter again. Sadly, we as taxpayers don’t seem to complain as loudly when things are going well. We tend to accept it. That’s exactly why it continues.

By: garagefather

garagefather — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:50:34 +0000

Kelly,
At this point, I don’t care if you name a hundred republicans. The GOP needs a major cleanup. One thing I will say in defense of the GOP is that at least the GOP opposes many of the tax laws they break (ha ha). They are much less hypocritical than the Dems. Since the Dems are in charge now, I can expect many inquiries of GOP’s dealings in the near future. The Dems have the GOP where they want them and are going to do everything in their power to keep the GOP in its place. That will be the only way they will be able to maintain power when their policies fail to resurrect the economy in the long term.
Everybody knows there is systemic corruption in both parties and smart people know that as long as they have $3 trillion plus to spend every year that the corruption will continue. It is the massive size and budget of the government that breeds massive corruption and thus, reducing the size of government is the only way to reduce corruption.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:23:53 +0000

I did mention that there were 22 Congressmen involved during the last scandal. The three that are currently being investigated in DC are the three that I mentioned. Not a conspiracy.

And if you actually search the site, you’ll see that I’ve blogged Rangel’s tax issues before: http://www.taxgirl.com/rangel-refuses-to-give-up-chair-despite-tax-probe/ – and I cut him no slack. Please don’t make assumptions without looking at the whole picture.

By: Jeff Day

Jeff Day — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:15:00 +0000

Wow, it sure isn’t difficult to tell what your politics are? You mention three seperate Congressman that “TRIED” to pull the crap but didn’t get away with it, and all three that you just happen to use as an example are Republicans.

But you just happen to overlook that one of the most powerful Democrats there are that did get away with it for several years, Congressman Charlie Rangel, of New York. Congressman Rangel, unlike the three you mentioned, Congressional District is aproximately one hour by train everyday. And you just happen to overlook that Congressman Rangel also owns property in the Caribbean that also received illegal tax benefits on.

And the Democrats leave the likes not only in office but in powerful positions.