“ROMNEY: Release your tax returns!”
“ROMNEY: Release your tax returns!”
I agree with the tsunami-like wave of calls for MITT ROMNEY to release additional tax returns with the same transparency as his father, GEORGE ROMNEY did in the 1968 Presidential Campaign when he was the GOP candidate. Why not?!
For details, you can use this link to the report in OnPolitics yesterday, “Romney's father released 12 years of tax returns.”
One of the axioms in political science is, “Perception is reality.” I suggest that “C. S. Lewis,” one of the most widely known and respected Christian lay theologian and apologist (be sure YOU do understand the REAL meaning of this word!), novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist from Belfast, Ireland, hit the nail on the head in the 6th book in his “The Chronicles of Narnia” series with his assertion reflecting the assertion, "Perception is reality."
Read the 2nd quote, “What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.” What do YOU think?
The truth is observed by John Weaver, a Republican consultant and former senior adviser to Sen. John McCain in both the 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns, quoted by Chris Cillizza in his The Fix OpEd column, “Perception is becoming Romney’s reality and these issues have now risen above mere distractions. The President has had the worst three months of any incumbent, due to the economy, since George H.W. Bush in 1992, and yet Romney has lost traction among key demographic groups in the vital swing states. He has got to get this behind him or he’s going to face summer definition ala [Bob] Dole and [John] Kerry. ” Forewarned is forearmed!
The bottom-line is, “MITT ROMNEY SHOULD JUST RELEASE HIS TAX RETURNS.” Why NOT?
Consider the OpEd column, “The Fix” by Chris Cillizza published by the Washington Post yesterday, “Why Mitt Romney should just release his tax returns.”
I agree with Cillizza’s assertion, “Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney continues to be steadfast in his refusal to release any more than his last two years of tax returns, a position that has already become a distraction to his presidential campaign and could cause considerably more trouble if he doesn’t figure out a better answer — and soon.” Do YOU agree?
I agree with the statement, “Those risks and arguments notwithstanding, however, Romney would be making a mistake if he continued to refuse to release any more tax returns.” What do YOU think?
Remember, as Cillizza underlines that during the PRIMARY ELECTION CYCLE, “…when Romney was beating back attacks on his tax returns during the primary he was doing so from flawed candidates running, largely, seat-of-the-pants campaigns. Neither Gingrich or Santorum had the message discipline or the money to prosecute the tax return case against Romney in an effective way.”
Consider Cillizza’s conviction, “Obama wins this election by turning it from a referendum on the economy into a choice between himself and Romney. By not releasing more of his tax returns — and, therefore, allowing the issue to remain in the political conversation — Romney is allowing the race to be focused far too much on him (and his money).” What do YOU think?
It is very significant that NOW GOP voices are calling on Romney to release his tax returns. For more details, use this link to read the article in yesterday’s Washington Post, “With or without tax return release, pressure on Romney ramps up from both sides.”
Consider the observation, “The political pressure on Mitt Romney to release more of his personal income tax returns is causing some divisions inside the GOP presidential candidate’s camp, according to a Republican strategist close to the campaign.”
Realize that after a telephone interview with Romney yesterday, National Review editors wrote an editorial arguing that the only question for Romney is “whether he releases more returns now, or later — after playing more defense on the issue and sustaining more hits.”
Consider, “The editorial adds to a growing chorus of Romney allies urging him to make the additional information public. In response to a reporter’s question at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) also urged his former White House rival to be ‘as transparent as you can be,’ although he appeared to stop short of calling on Romney to disclose more information.”
I agree with the report asserting, “Many Republicans say Romney’s refusal to release the tax returns is beginning to cost him politically. ‘Perception is becoming Romney’s reality, and these issues have now risen above mere distractions,’ said GOP consultant John Weaver, a senior adviser for McCain’s 2000 and 2008 bids. ‘The president has had the worst three months of any incumbent, due to the economy, since George H.W. Bush in 1992, and yet Romney has lost traction among key demographic groups in the vital swing states. He has got to get this behind him or he’s going to face summer definition a la [Bob] Dole and [John] Kerry.’”
Add Rep. Ron Paul, “Among the Republicans jumping into the tax fray this week have been Rep. Ron Paul (Tex.), who told Politico on Tuesday that he thinks Romney should release more of his returns.”
Add, “Fox News Channel’s Brit Hume weighed in on the matter Monday night, telling host Bill O’Reilly, ‘I don’t see any evidence that this is making a difference, but you know, anytime it’s disclosure versus non-disclosure, you always wonder whether it isn’t better to just put it out there.’”
Add, “The two join Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R), former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour (R), and conservative commentators George F. Will and William Kristol in suggesting that the best move for Romney is to release the information.”
I find it fascinating to review the information and perspectives offered by “The Plumb Line” OpEd column published by The Washington Post yesterday, “Experts: Mitt Romney’s returns could show he paid very low tax rates."
The Fix starts with the key question, “Why won’t Mitt Romney release his tax returns? Some commentators have begun floating the suggestion that he paid very, very low tax rates while amassing enormous wealth. The Obama campaign released an ad today taking this further, claiming Romney’s use of offshore accounts and his low rate on investments should make you ‘wonder if some years he paid any taxes at all.’”
The column proceeds to describe several scenarios.
Consider the scenario, “In 2010, the year for which they has released a return, the Romneys paid a 13.9 percent tax rate on $21.6 million in income, much of which was from lower-tax capital gains.
“Asked what the likelihood was that Romney paid substantially lower tax rates than that in previous years, Daniel Shaviro, a professor of taxation at New York University, said: ‘His extreme reluctance to release the returns makes you wonder — it becomes the natural explanation.’”
Another analysis comes from Charles M. Blow in his OpEd column published by the New York Times last Friday (7/13), "What a Tangled Web," which brings into the discussion the Bain Capital dimension of the issues related to releasing the tax reports by Mitt Romney. Check it out.
The haunting question out there is, "Did Mitt Romney retire from Bain Capital 'retroactively'?" What is the TRUTH? Will tax returns prove the case either way?
WHY NOT release the tax returns and explain REALITY so that our PERCEPTION is NOT the ONLY source of the POLITICAL REALITY?! What do YOU think?
I anticipate that MITT ROMNEY will release additional tax returns sooner than later… the sooner the better… I am NOT holding my breath for that release, but I am convinced it will happen. What do YOU expect?
Here we go…
Mr. E.
John Eyster lives in the Edgerton area. He is an adjunct professor of political science at UW-Waukesha and an advocate for democracy/civics education in Wisconsin high schools. John is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff. His opinion is not necessarily that of the The Gazette staff or management.
Jul 22, 2012 at 9:38 a.m.
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I am just curious as to how many people here have had to release their tax returns when applying for a new job? Normally you have to release your college transcripts, show your SS card, Birth certificate, high school transcripts, take a drug test etc..., but your concerned about tax returns?
Jul 21, 2012 at 7:11 a.m.
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And the right wing nuts are not using the birth certificate(and many others) as a distraction? Obama is the ONLY president that has showed both his short and long version of his birth certificate. Are you asking for EVERY scrap of info on him because he is black? Just asking...Because all the white presidents before him didn't have to.
Jul 19, 2012 at 8:32 a.m.
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Does it matter??
All it will show is that he makes more money in a year than most of us see in a life time. As does Obama.
When Obomny takes office, nothing will change. The status quo will continue. The federal government will continue to grow and expand, and the American public will continue to lose good paying jobs.
Republican or Demarcate will not change anything. They are one in the same now.
Jul 19, 2012 at 8:12 a.m.
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“ROMNEY: Release your tax returns!”
"WHY!" What does it MATTER? What will they SHOW? He uses EVERY legal means of lowering his taxes that his accountants can figure out? WHO doesn't? Show that he is quite WEALTHY? Everyone already KNOWS this. As a matter of PRINCIPLE? WHAT principle, the one where everyone else is jumping off the bridge so I should also?
Change the blog name to "We the far left liberal people". It is DELUSIONAL to think that this blog speaks for "the PEOPLE".
Jul 19, 2012 at 2:40 a.m.
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Why won't he come up with his "worth certificate"? Does he have something to hide?
Jul 19, 2012 at 12:15 a.m.
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LOL, this is hillarious. Since they have nothing to run on the dem party has gone all in on distraction and tax returns...watch all the lemmings follow along.
Jul 18, 2012 at 10:35 p.m.
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BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA: Please release your official & legal birth certificate!
Jul 18, 2012 at 6:24 p.m.
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These returns have nothing to do with anything and are only a deflection from the real problems Mr. Eyster. Romney is probably much more up front by far than is Obama. Why don't we ask Obama about his associations with Bill Ayers, who assisted in atrocities against America. What about the huge money of the Unions as special interests and the Soros connection with socialism views, not intended for America's future. Why not, you have the back drop of the Constitution on your blog site.....? Romney is a square-guy and I hope these irrelevant questions fail the Obama campaign.
Jul 18, 2012 at 6:13 p.m.
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Pathetic.
Jul 18, 2012 at 5:05 p.m.
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garyprimer
Romney is not the only candidate in the race, it is only right that Obama be scrutinized also.
Jul 18, 2012 at 2:03 p.m.
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Perception.
The polls in July are curiosities for the most part.
By September and October this tax issue will have faded into obscurity. Many other issues will have surfaced.
What will not change is that in the perception of a majority of the public, those that do not pay attention to politics until after the conventions or later, the issue will be the economy. If the economy remains stagnant through the next few months a big blow will come in the fall when food prices increase due to the widespread drought this summer.
All the rest will be just political white noise.
Jul 18, 2012 at 1:28 p.m.
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Thanks for the very informative blog entry, John. I think you're spot on with your assessment that Romney will eventually release additional tax returns, but he is apparently still in denial about the impact that withholding them is having on his electability.
If you look at aggregated polling data, and give toss-up states to the candidate those few states are leaning toward, Obama now has over 330 electoral votes (270 needed to win). The tax return issue, along with the Bain Capital issues which only exacerbate the tax return issue, is taking a toll on Romney.
Romney could immediately release additional tax returns, like his father and Obama did, or he can attempt to distract attention from the tax return issue with attacks on Obama's biography. It appears he has chosen the latter approach, but it's a huge gamble because Obama has a higher percentage of Americans that view him as "honest and trustworthy" than Romney has. See "Romney’s New Plan To Go After Obama’s Biography Is A Gamble" for more information. [ http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/0... ]
Given the failure of previous attacks on Obama's biography, I agree with your assessment John. Eventually, and then only in a move viewed as a desperate last resort, Romney will release additional tax returns. Chances are, it will be too little, too late.
Jul 18, 2012 at 1:19 p.m.
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"No deductions, the same for everyone and everyone has a responsiblity to support the Federal Govt."
That will never happen if the repubs (or dems) have anything to say about it.
Jul 18, 2012 at 12:43 p.m.
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What a great opportunity Romney has to turn this around for a simplilfied Income Tax. (i.e. 4 Tax Brackets) 5% up to $25K, 10% up to $75K, 15% up to $125K and 20% above that no matter if it is income or capital gains. No deductions, the same for everyone and everyone has a responsiblity to support the Federal Govt.
Jul 18, 2012 at 11:42 a.m.
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so team obama makes up charges that even the washington post says are false -- and now romney needs to release his tax returns from forever in order to prove what exactly, the president is a liar?
mr. romney, when did you stop beating your wife?
Jul 18, 2012 at 11:06 a.m.
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Northman I agree. Most of the records sealed have more impact on being president than tax returns. Not all but most, don't need grade school records, medical records. Files from when he was Senator absolutely, same with client list and bar records.
Jul 18, 2012 at 10:47 a.m.
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"apologist (be sure YOU do understand the REAL meaning of this word!)"
LOL, I sure do!
Evolution of Apologetics
By DarkMatter2525
http://youtu.be/IFOTnBz-PCk
Jul 18, 2012 at 10:35 a.m.
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Unless I am wrong, and someone please correct me if I am, he has released all records according to the LAW. Isn’t that what we require, do what is according to law not what some individual or group thinks?
Jul 18, 2012 at 10:08 a.m.
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I hate to see you guys always having to shoehorn in jabs at Obama.
It just seems so desperate.
Jul 18, 2012 at 9:26 a.m.
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Where are the records?
Energy Dept. 'Unable to Locate' $500,000 in Equipment Bought With Stimulus Money
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/energy-d...
Jul 18, 2012 at 9:16 a.m.
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This is a no win situation for Romney in that if he does release the tax returns they will be disected line by line by the democrat favoring media.
I agree many other posters, it's a diversion. The economy will be front and center in the voters minds come election day.
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Let's see, because Romney's dad, in another political reality, released his tax forms thus so should Mitt. There is no logic in this line of reasoning.
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C.S. Lewis?
"Perception is reality" is the basis of most marketing campaigns. For example the difference between Tide and Cheer is perception. They will both clean your clothes equally.
Jul 18, 2012 at 8:53 a.m.
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Mitt should not release his tax records if he does not want to.
He has the right to privacy
and there is no legal obligation for him to do so.
Stand your ground, Mitt.
Stay the course.
Jul 18, 2012 at 8:45 a.m.
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Romneys income taxes are a non-issue. This is called hope and change the subject on how bad the economy is under Obama.
Jul 18, 2012 at 8:44 a.m.
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Curl...and you add SO much to the discussion!
Jul 18, 2012 at 8:44 a.m.
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Tax hikes, food stamps, and unemployment checks (according to Pelosi), will stimulate the economy.
. “Romney types, of course, are the ones who sign the front of the paycheck, and the Obama types are the one who have spent their entire lives signing the back of them”
Michelle Malkin
Jul 18, 2012 at 8:33 a.m.
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Prof. Eyster;
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Republicans dislike Romney... Democrats dislike Romney....
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Romney was sadly the best piece of fruit floating in the punch bowl. (and when I say "best" it is for lack of a better word)
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If Romney Discloses, what could possibly change?
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If President Obama looses it won't be because people like Mitt Romney... Nobody likes him.
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Meditate on that for a while.
Jul 18, 2012 at 8:25 a.m.
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You write so much and say so little.
Jul 18, 2012 at 7:46 a.m.
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Its called a diversionary tactic. Dems don't want voters focused on Obama's record of failures and the media's non-vetting of him. And now he wants billion dollar programs for teachers. Where does he get this stuff?
Jul 18, 2012 at 7:33 a.m.
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Add....
All the records that have been requested (and refused) from Fast and Furious.
Jul 18, 2012 at 7:10 a.m.
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Northman...
I agree.
Also, where DID all the Obama stimulus money go?
Jul 18, 2012 at 7:06 a.m.
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While ALL Politicians should release their tax records so should All public employees. Which means when are you going to release your tax records eyester?!?!?!?!?!???
Jul 18, 2012 at 6:58 a.m.
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I agree, Romney should release the returns. Transparency is always a good thing.
But transparency goes both ways. Obama should immediately release his records:
Marriage license between Obama’s father (Barak Sr.) and mother (Stanley Ann Dunham)— not found, not released
Obama’s baptism records — sealed
Obama’s adoption records — sealed
Records of Obama’s and his mother’s reptriation as US citizens on return from Indonesia — not found, not released
Name change (Barry Sotero to Barack Hussein Obama) records — not found, not released
Noelani Elementary School (Hawaii)— not released
Punahou School financial aid or school records — not released
Occidental College financial aid records — not released.(These records were, however, subpoenaed but Obama lawyers succeeded in quashing the subpoena in court. No other Occi records have been released.)
Columbia College records — not released
Columbia senior thesis — not released
Harvard Law School records (not mentioned below, but not released)
Obama’s law client list — sealed
Obama’s files from career as an Illinois State Senator — sealed
Obama’s record with Illinois State Bar Association — sealed
Obama’s medical records — not released
Obama’s passport records — not released
What do YOU think? (As if I didn't know.)
Jul 18, 2012 at 6:27 a.m.
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I agree...release the returns.
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