Should There Be A Tax Audit For All Politicians ???

[Anotherview]

[quote=run4it;The philosophy of our criminal system is that once you pay your debt to society, you're free and clear of that crime and can move on with your life. I actually believe in that.[/QUOTE]

Run4it: I don't believe this is the reality. It's nearly impossible for a man or woman with a criminal record to get a job and I mean almost any type of job. During my career, I have spoken to many ex-convicts and their stories are pretty much consistent in that once the employer sees the black mark, it's pretty much over in terms of employment.

[PaulJonson]

I totally agree that all politicians tax returns should be audited. I do not like what has happened so far to Obama's appointees. I'm sure Bush's appointees did the same (as well as Clinton's, etc.), but the media didn't cover those.

You really think the media wouldn't cover Bush's appointees? Or are you just so young you don't remember?

[FMD]

The US has 5% of the worlds population and 25% of the worlds convicts behind bars.

[run4it]

Run4it: So you don't believe that politicians should be held to a higher standard than the average citizen?

I think we should hold our elected representatives to whatever standard we feel appropriate when we're writing letters, talking to friends, and most importantly standing in the voting booth. (this is why I couldn't vote for Sam Hoyt, even though he's been convicted of nothing)

I think that, legally, it is absolutely antithetical to Constitutional principles to force higher standards on any person just because of their chosen occupation or ideals. So no, anything above and beyond the normal reporting being "mandatory" for anyone, I'm not in favor.

As for if tax evasion has always been this prevalent, but not reported: I really don't know, and really don't care. If the O administration couldn't figure out in this hyperpartisan atmosphere that its appointees would be under more scrutiny than anyone in the past, they deserve the bad press (which is apparently the case).

[Anotherview]

I think we should hold our elected representatives to whatever standard we feel appropriate when we're writing letters, talking to friends, and most importantly standing in the voting booth. (this is why I couldn't vote for Sam Hoyt, even though he's been convicted of nothing)

I think that, legally, it is absolutely antithetical to Constitutional principles to force higher standards on any person just because of their chosen occupation or ideals. So no, anything above and beyond the normal reporting being "mandatory" for anyone, I'm not in favor.

As for if tax evasion has always been this prevalent, but not reported: I really don't know, and really don't care. If the O administration couldn't figure out in this hyperpartisan atmosphere that its appointees would be under more scrutiny than anyone in the past, they deserve the bad press (which is apparently the case).

In my opinion, the recent tax evasions and under tax payments should raise a red flag. Maybe it is time for the IRS to revisit their criteria for triggering audits.

[run4it]

In my opinion, the recent tax evasions and under tax payments should raise a red flag. Maybe it is time for the IRS to revisit their criteria for triggering audits.

No problem with that. Just make sure the criteria applies evenly to everyone, public representative or not (it's that 'equal protection' clause and all that...)