Geithner apologizes to Congress

[DancingBear]

I seemed to remember jus a few short days ago everyone in former President Bush's cabinet was required to be flawless.

Perspective is an amazing thing.

You won't find any posts from me saying Bush's appointments could not be forgiven for any past mistakes in their personal lives--who would pass that test? Linda Chavez paid money to an immigrant, no big deal (Bernie Kerik corrupt, was a big deal, not his paying immigrant issues). Generally I think the Prez should get who they want for administration positions with only minimal review by the Senate. I just wish they had made fewer mistakes while in office!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

And if this had been someone nominated by Bush, he would have been hounded, forced to withdraw and run out of town by this very same press corps and the same smarmy politicians defending Geithner. The hypocrisy is glaring!

Just a thought: If your are truly concerned about Geithner's nomination, I believe there are quite a few Republicans who are on board as well. Why not contact your party's Senators, a la Newt's public request, and express your condemnation?

 

[DancingBear]

Things are just dandy, hope they are with you as well.

I've read a a couple of columns in the last few days, musing on the fact that the Geithner situation (irrespective of the issues it raises for his nomination) hasn't sparked any meaningful discussion about the absurd complexity of our tax system.

A couple of interesting (and frankly, depressing) statistics, from the Treasury Department:

Americans spend 7 BILLION HOURS a year on tax compliance, including 3.55 BILLION HOURS by individual taxpayers.

Those individual taxpayers spend $27 BILLION on tax software or outside prep services.

Since 1990, the instruction booklet for Form 1040 has grown from 40 pages to 155.

A study done for the World Bank ranked the United States 122nd out of 175 nations in terms of tax complexity.

If the head of the NY Federal Reserve Bank, a trained economist, can't manage to file his taxes properly, what does that say about our system?

On this, we can agree. I pity whoever the 175th-ranked country was.

 

[moburg]

Just a thought: If your are truly concerned about Geithner's nomination, I believe there are quite a few Republicans who are on board as well. Why not contact your party's Senators, a la Newt's public request, and express your condemnation?

Because it won't make a difference. One is supporting Geihtner and won't change, and the other is already opposing him.

And even if that one could be changed, the Democrats have the votes to confirm him without any Republican votes, which they will.

Corruption only matters to Democrats when its a Republican doing it.

 

[DISUNC]

Well, you have my vote to be confirmed.

Thank you Senator DVC Sadie

This is supposed to be a diverse cabinet, yet our President has seen fit to exclude those with green hair. It's outrageous, egregious, preposterous! In the name of all that is right and just, nominate the guy with the green hair!

HMMMM! Maybe I should give a speech about this?

Nooo, this is to usher in the new Obama Era of "Responsibility".

This will be a pox on the Admin. Being that the economy is in such sad shape, when the guy you want in charge is "shady" at best. This does put a stain on the Admin.

Instead of acting like a flippen baby "I'm soooooooooooo sorry", Geithner should grow a pair & withdraw.

This wasn't a mathematical error by his accountant, it was a failure by him and his accountant to realize that an additional category of taxes was due.

He didnt pay for 4 years, however he did pay up for only 2 when notified...and COMPLETELY ignored the other 2 years. What i bad is that The senate wasnt aware of this until right before the holidays. And this info was held from us until 2 weeks ago. So much for a "Open" admin.

 

[bsnyder]

Slightly off topic, but still on the subject of confirmations - the LameStream Media is at it again.

In 2001, during the confirmation of John Ashcroft to be attorney general, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee forced a one-week delay in the committee's vote on Ashcroft, saying there had not been enough time to answer all the questions about the nomination. On January 24, 2001, the Washington Post reported the story under the following headline:

Vote On Ashcroft Is Delayed A Week; Democrats Cite Need for More Review

Yesterday, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee did precisely the same thing for the nomination of Eric Holder to be attorney general. Today, the Washington Post is reporting the story under the following headline:

Republicans Obstruct Holder's Path to Justice Department

Political bias? Naaaaaaaa....

 

[moburg]

Slightly off topic, but still on the subject of confirmations - the LameStream Media is at it again.

In 2001, during the confirmation of John Ashcroft to be attorney general, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee forced a one-week delay in the committee's vote on Ashcroft, saying there had not been enough time to answer all the questions about the nomination. On January 24, 2001, the Washington Post reported the story under the following headline:

Vote On Ashcroft Is Delayed A Week; Democrats Cite Need for More Review

Yesterday, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee did precisely the same thing for the nomination of Eric Holder to be attorney general. Today, the Washington Post is reporting the story under the following headline:

Republicans Obstruct Holder's Path to Justice Department

Political bias? Naaaaaaaa....

Not surprised, are you?

 

[Mr Man]

Slightly off topic, but still on the subject of confirmations - the LameStream Media is at it again.

In 2001, during the confirmation of John Ashcroft to be attorney general, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee forced a one-week delay in the committee's vote on Ashcroft, saying there had not been enough time to answer all the questions about the nomination. On January 24, 2001, the Washington Post reported the story under the following headline:

Vote On Ashcroft Is Delayed A Week; Democrats Cite Need for More Review

Yesterday, Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee did precisely the same thing for the nomination of Eric Holder to be attorney general. Today, the Washington Post is reporting the story under the following headline:

Republicans Obstruct Holder's Path to Justice Department

Political bias? Naaaaaaaa....

*snort giggle*

I hope Mr. Holder uses the extra time to get his memories in order. His selective memory of the whole Marc Rich pardon is very entertaining to me.

It will not affect his nomination though. He will be confirmed.

It has been pre-ordained.

 

[bsnyder]

Not surprised, are you?

Nope. I'm just always amused when they make it so obvious.

It has been pre-ordained.