Updating a classic

The famous Revolutionary War slogan was "no taxation without representation." Perhaps today it needs to be "no taxation unless our representatives pay in." There've been a parade of Obama nominees found to have various problems with the tax man (among other issues)... including the guy who now oversees the IRS! But wait! It doesn't stop at the Federal level:

Nearly 10 percent of Georgia state legislators are late filing or paying their state taxes, and state Sen. Robert Brown is apparently among them.

Brown, D-Macon, said Wednesday he’s not sure whether he actually owes the state or federal government any money because he hasn’t filed tax returns. He said he’s gotten extensions, but he declined to give more information or say for what years he received filing extensions...

Graham said the 22 legislators were, in most cases, “repeat offenders” who “without a doubt” are purposefully behind. There are Republicans and Democrats among the 22, and members of both the House and Senate, he said.

Meanwhile, California and North Carolina have announced they may not be able to issue tax refunds due to cash flow problems. (As other bloggers pointed out, just try using that excuse the other way around.)

It's no wonder people are beginning to voice a LOT of frustration. We need to do more than let off steam, however. We need to force our governments to hold themselves at least as accountable to the law as they love holding us. If that means they lower taxes so as to be compliant, so much the better for everyone. I no longer trust them to use a dime of my money effectively anyway.

Let's hope public outcry is enough to turn the tide. Having watched John Adams recently, I can say that's one period we shouldn't be eager to relive in any form.