Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D., N.J.) is not pleased with the proposed tax deal. “I don’t think it’s a fair deal,” he tells reporters outside the Senate chamber. “I think a ransom was paid, and it was a very high price.”
“I point out once again without meaning to brag,” Lautenberg says. “I had a very good business career and I don’t give a damn about a tax cut.”
Asked if he would filibuster the proposal, he just says, “I don’t like what I see.”
Well I don't give a d@*^ what Senator Lautenberg gives a d@*^ about. He may have a lot of money, but I bet you he makes quote certain that he pays not a cent more in taxes then he absolutely has to. I'm sure he is invested in tax-free investments - that he has accountants and lawyers that insure that he gets every deduction and credit to which he is entitled and that he gets any refund due to him. If he cares so little why doesn't he pay taxes as if they were a top rate of 39.6%?
For all that Democrats want to cry hypocrisy on Republican congressmen who accept their government health insurance, Republicans should cry hypocrisy on those who support higher taxes but continue to scrupulously take advantage of every possible break to reduce what they pay to Uncle Sam.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHe then retired to his chambers to watch Matlock re-runs.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseMeh. Excuse me while I completely discount his opinion. Lautenberg made his money running a business (payroll processor ADP) that thrives on the tax code's complexities and draconian penalties. The more money tied up in payroll tax withholdings means more money in ADP's hands. It's more of a protection racket than a business.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseIsn't this the same guy who benefited from a blatant breaking of New Jersey election law so that he could run for the Torch's Senate seat?
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHas anyone called to David Frum's attention the use of the label "ransom" to describe compromise in recognition of political reality?
Or, perhaps he's a little busy admonishing Bertha Lewis for her use of the label "necrophiliac" to describe exercise of free speech in telling the truth about ACORN?
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseIt's not a tax cut, it's prevention of the Obama Tax Increase © that has simply been postponed to 2012.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI propose a new line for the tax form:
If you think your taxes are too low, fill in an additional amount that you deem just. Add this amount to line item (Tax Owed). If don't think your taxes are too low, proceed to line item (Next).
This way generous people like Frank Lautenberg can lead by example.
Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse“I had a very good business career and I don’t give a (comment software won't let me use his word) about a tax cut.”
Maybe not, Frank, but the unemployed American that you could have hired with that money sure does.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseLautenberg may not like what sees, but i don't like seeing him in the Senate knowing the only reason he got there was that his name was swapped out for Torricelli's on the ballot long after the legally set deadline. If I have to endure his illegal existence as a Senator, he can just keep quiet about how little he likes this deal.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseOofy Prosser: I've always believed that the 1040 form should have a line like that. Massachusetts actually did that on their state tax forms. See this link:
External Link
and this one:
External Link
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseOofy Prosser
I too have contended this as well for as long as I can remember.
We need to write it so that the information is public knowledge. It will also need to be written in such a fashion that the excuses sure to come up (I don't want to fund "the war machine") can be countered artfully and truthfully so those who profess a need for higher taxes can't back out of them themselves without looking like the crackpots they are.
I personally won't pay an extra dime but I also don't care who knows that. In fact, I'd consider it a badge of honor and intelligence to not overpay my taxes.
Finally, being fron the PRNJ I apologize to all Americans for Lautenberg (and his partner in crime Melendez). I know the "I didn't vote for him" is a convenient excuse, but for someone like him its just not enough and I am sorry.
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