I agree- when will the press see that President Obama will make excuses for all of his Cabinet Nominees ---they just forget to pay taxes, it's a common mistake- that is what he said on National TV- If you or I forgot to pay taxes.. we would be in Jail... and not appointed to the White House Cabinet- So much for Change-and Ethics- it's politics as usual- the only thing that has changed is the Press is now in love with what ever President Obama says, appoints and does...the press is also also making excuses for these crooks and endorsing them..  What about making exceptions to Lobbyist in his Cabinet- why don't the press talk about that! His rules don't apply to him just past administrations.

Oh! I forgot- His administration looks a lot like the Clinton Administration-- Where is the change!!!

Already disappointed and scared!

And let's put Dracula in charge of the Blood Bank, and Tony Rezko in charge of HUD! What a joke! You don't "forget" to pay your taxes, you weasel out of them and hope not to get caught.

Just look at all the write offs these politicians do. They find ways to tax you so they can get payed and take care of their pet projects. I bet I pay more taxes then most politicians. Because I don't know all the loopholes. They should get rid of all write offs and then you would see how politicians spend our money. What this country needs is a flat tax. Come up with a percent and everybody pays it. You make $1000000 you pay 10% that's $100000. You make $20000 you pay $2000. The rich still pay more, and everybody pays their fair share of what they make.

Send him packing with the rest of our so called politicians that neglect to pay their taxes. It makes me laugh that the only time this is found out with politicians is when they are appointed to a higher position. How long would it have gone if he had not been appointed. It is probably not a bad idea to look at the rest of the politicians that are currently holding office to see who else happened to forget to pay their taxes. As was said earlier if it was you or I that did not pay our taxes do you really think that the IRS would believe the excuse "We forgot". We would be arrested and put in jail. Why are they exempt? He should loose his job and be brought up on charges.

As of Monday, February 2, 2009, President Obama still stands behind Daschle. Obama ran on the issue of "change" and yet he is appointing lobbyists (which he pledged against), tax cheats, and others with not just questionable background/character, but with criminal behavior!! Is that the change in direction he meant? The Republicans were right!

I agree with the poster who asked why haven't these Dem tax cheats been required to pay PENALTIES as well as interest? The remains that these taxes weren't paid until they were forced to pay them!!

All politicians should be automatically audited yearly!!

President Obama is a Hypocrite and a LIAR. It didn't take him long to get corrupt by Washington. Mr. President, What are you doing? Withdraw his nomination immediately and find someone that can do their taxes. A $124,000 dollar glitch. What is your problem Mr. President. NO LOBBYIST IN MY ADMINISTRATION. What a load of CRAP. You're just a LIAR.

Anybody in a government job should be punished twice as bad as a regular citizen. They are the ones recieving our money, or making our laws. So, if you are making or enforcing them you shouldn't be breaking them.

Let an average American owe that much in taxes and see what happens. How in the hell can you forget about $124,000 dollars? He apologized on national tv, big deal. He's a crook and now he's in the administration. You got to figure that Prez Obama came from Illinois, the same state where BLAGO the CLOWN got booted. See the connection. I thought President Obama waas going to change the way Washington does business. Yeah Right. He's just a little more corrupt. Why in the Hell did I vote for him? Call me a Dumbass.

William- I'm not sure if you voted for him or not. If you did and would've bother to look at his short political past, you would've noticed that he's just like the rest of them.

He got the Ill senate seat by disputing/litigating the legitimacy of all of his opponents signatures and hence he iliminated all of the competition.

You can look at who is Tony Rezko and how he benefited from supporting Obama's political career.

These people in DC, dem or rep. are all the same- they only want power, control & re-election to continue the cycle. Obama-sorry is a bit different, but I can assure you that it is not a good different, but a worse one.

You will see Acorn on Steroids for 2012 and his civilian troops---all 4 his re-election.

I agree the government would not be so forgiving to the ordinary citizen and since Daschel has been in the government he knows better than to not pay. If he forgot to pay his taxes -- then he is not qualified to hold this office. Pay Attention to the people you appoint or nominate and what they have in their closets

Come on folks. You all cheat on your income taxes - it is the American Way! Try to not pay anyway that you can - like health deductions, charitable deductions, child care deductions. Pay if you want and see how much money you shoveled out.

Well Obama supporters, it looks like your candidate lived up to my expectations and not yours. He has turned out to be a liar and a hypocrite, no surprise for those of us that voted against him.

Daschle is a criminal and should be prosecuted not given another shot at stealing from the american taxpayer, but that wont happen. The media will continue to spin this story to save Obama's butt.

Begin again in 2010.

Actually, he paid his taxes. The oversight was on one facet of his income. Don't forget that he paid taxes on all of his other regular earnings. So stowe it about Democrats and taxes. And how is "Hey, I made a mistake on my taxes and I'm willing to acknowledge it openly and make full amends beofre moving forward." NOT being transparent? That's the definition of transparency. So Obama's nomination resulted in the tax issue being addressed and resolved.

How would YOU define 'transparency?'

George Bush. You could easily see he was a pile of poop.

While I am concerned about Daschle not paying his taxes at least they didn't try to cover it up. That is called transparency. How do we know how many of the Bush folks were did not pay their taxes? It's hard to know since he kept everything secret. Two nominees out of a couple of hundred isn't that bad.

Didn't take long before some moron brought Bush into the equation. What a shocker!!

Scotty,

Tom sure knew what to do about his taxes as soon as he was nominated for an appointment. If he didn't know he cheated why did he go there so quickly? It was a tax dodge, you know it, I know it, Obama knows it, but apparently I'm the only one of the 3 that cares about it.

Begin again in 2010.

The facts if anyone cares are:

1. The company that he worked for incorrectly missed a month of salary, $83,000, on his 1099. He gave all the paperwork and his accountant prepared the taxes. The mistake wasn't discovered until much later by the company that created the 1099.

2. He gave $15,000 in charitable contributions to a couple on an Indian reservations. It would have be correct except that the couple didn't have ALL the paperwork in place to be considered charitable cause. He believed that they had. (He did give the money away.)

3. An old friend offered him a car and driver. He didn't know it was taxable. He tax accountant determined it was after all.

4. He has paid with interest the items in question.

5. How many people ever come out of a audit and don't owe taxes?!? Maybe every senator / representatives should be audited and former ones as well. I'd be curious what we'd find. Let's throw in presidents, vice presidents and Cabinet members as well.

6. How can they be hypocrites and confirm the Treasure Secretary who is over the IRS and not confirm the HHS Secretary that has nothing to do with the IRS when both have IRS issues?

Aldridkg..You got it right. I didn't pay that much attentiion to Ill. in the past. President Obama should take Daschle off of the nominated. The president highly recommends him. What a DAMN JOKE. Obama lied to all of us. Should have voted for McCain. Atleast he has some balls. A weak president to say the least. THe CLOWN IS IN TOWN (Washington, D.C.) Four years of this joker. Let's see how many excuses he can come up with during that time period for his shoddy perfomance. WEAR A JACKET AND LOOK LIKE A PRESIDENT.

last look it was at 83.3% vote to sent the crook packing....we the people are voteing here.....bet a billion he gets in anyway. Even tho this isnt the whole US voteing, im sure there is credability, in this vote.

Daschle didn't forget to pay his taxes He amended returns to show unclaimed income. It was a tax mistake. I suppose he has tax people that do that for him. Did he order them to not report these things? That's possible. It's also possible it was just a mistake and through the vetting process it came to light and it's now being corrected within the time frame allowed by the tax laws.

If you or I made mistakes that were caught later we would also be allowed to fiel amended returns to correct these mistakes.

Way to go Van. The Obama commitment to honesty and transparency is a bunch of hokem. Seems the Democrats are allowed to serve regardless of their ethics. Lying-OK (Clinton), thievery OK (W. Jefferson) and tax cheating-OK (Geihtner and Daschle) seems to be the latest pass. You watch, despite the overwhelming opposition to this crook, he will be confirmed by his cronies. Time for Revolution. Throw the rascals out.

I agree wholeheartedly that this second appointment of a cabinet secretary who EVADED taxes puts Obama's reputation in jeopardy. But maybe now that he is President, he feels he can afford to take the chance that the American people will agree with his defense of these two. I, an ordinary citizen, who will struggle to pay the extra taxes I will owe because I took some money from my retirement account to help my kids keep their homes, would not be "forgiven" if I didn't pay the tax. On the other hand, maybe I won't and then I will apologize and say I'm a senior citizen and just "forgot" to pay the tax.

I agree, if he wouldn't have been nominated, I wonder if he would have went back and done an audit on his taxes anyway. I don't think so.

NEWSWIRE - President Bush yet again displayed his incompentency with his nomination of Tom Daschle for HHS Secretary. Apparently, there is no limit to the secrecy and insider bullying in trying to get his nomination pushed through for this confessed criminal. Republicans have yet again shown that they have mastered the ability to utilize poor judgement in running the US government at the expense of the common taxpayer. Nancy Pelosi is quoted as saying "This is 100% the Republicans fault."

What? This was the Democratic nominee from President Obama?

CORRECTED NEWSWIRE - President Obama reconfirms his nomination of Tom Daschle to HHS Secretary following the nominee's voluntary willingness to do his part to assist with the current economic situation. Tom Daschle has insisted that even though he has already paid his taxes, that he would go back and find a way to decrease his previous deductions in order to provide an additional $120,000 to the IRS. President Obama is quoted as saying "This is the type of change that I have promised with this new administration. My promise has now turned to action."

No he probably wouldn't have ever audited his own taxes. I belive (not 100% sure the source) that Obama's staff found the mistakes and then they were corrected.

Now if Mr. Daschle ever were to have been audited by the IRS Then of course He would have to pay with interest just like he's doing now.

Tina,

How often do you go back and check your old filed tax returns for mistakes?

Oboma is no different than the people he has tapped to serve with him. Why coddle him and act as though everything is going to be different. What is different are his views of what is important to him. He was excused over and over and over. He smiles ever so politely and people continue to think of him as a nice guy with experience to make a difference in this country. What is the measure of this particular man? Being nice or having character, believing that the person will do what is best for the whole rather than the part. Can this person be trusted when faced with difficult decisions or doing what is expedient for his own political interest. Certainly the American people deserve much more than what he is putting out.

If this was one of Bush's nominees what would the liberal crats do?

There is your answer. Ba-Bye!!!

LOL,

I (my accountants) made mistakes in 5 of the 23 years I have filed, I don't go back unless told by the IRS who appears to do your taxes over for you anyway to find mistakes. Is this some uncommon thing? I actually do better on my tax than 2 of the accountants Ive used too...Who cares?

tenzo,

Speaking of morons how many people on Bush's staff have been told to break the law by not honoring a Congressional subpoena. If Bush's people had failed to pay their taxes we would have never found out about it. Some people have very short memories.

Isn't there anyone who posts to this site with a GOD given BRAIN that Uses It To FULL Capacity????GEEEZZZZ........The man overpaid REVENUE on a Vehicle "As if I used for work on a DAILY Basis" That's It you fools! Where were you when the Republican led Congess were all sleeping, taking joy rides with Lobbyists on YOUR Tax Dollars eating in expesive restraunts and flying wherever they wanted to go while Bush utilized the power of the pen with over 27 signing statements????? There wasn't one Bill debated until the Democrats took over Congress and the Senate!

What is wrong with you people? Daschle drove to work in a 1968 Pontiac while a Congressman in th 1980's and still used it for the first year as a Senator.

The way you people blog why don't ya all just git on yer horses, git sum rope ride yur selfs on up to DC and hang um all cuz they ain't to yur likin in thu furst three weeks in office!!!! If ya'll dun that with that there Bush Cheney & Rumzfeld fellers we wudnt lost all tose trilliuns a dollars in thu mid-east no one can claim to!!!!!

HUH? Where were all of you geniouses then? At least these men apologized and REPAID out in the open. Paul Wofowitz? He claimed "Executive Privalege" can't be prosecuted. Paul Bremer? LOST over 2.5 Trillion American Dollars in Iraq! Can't be accounted for. But a lot of Urban Development Masters Students got their Resumes' punched under him...how many roads bridges and buildings were built over there by Haliburton susidiaries? How many are already deteriorated because of cheap material usage and ignorance of climate? How many civilian lives lost?

BO campaigned on 'change'. He also implied and attacked all prior administrations as being dishonest in their activities. His 'change' is actually from 'alleged misconduct' to 'admitted misconduct'. That's his 'transparency'! He has crooks in his administration and everyone knows it, so it's 'transparent'. He's shown more disregard for the law, morals and the Constitution in his first two weeks than any president I've ever known, including Nixon, Clinton and Johnson. He has the naivety of Carter without Carter's meager experience. The Bush administration is looking better and better, day after day. Those who thought Bush was the worst president now have someone who makes Bush look like Lincoln!

Maybe our tax laws are so confusing that even the people writing them can't figure them out. Seems to me we had a canidate running for office that wanted to change the tax system.

raising taxes? Whos taxes? F U if you are making over 250k.

By the way I am against Daschle

and a registered Ind,

JB,

You have a flair for dramatics. In fact you and many of your counterparts sound just like the libs or dems did when bush was elected and re-elected. OMG it's the end of the world get ready for the riots and revolutions America is going down. It was ridiculous then and it's ridiculous now, it doesn't mater which side it's coming from.

Obama got to where he is today the old fashioned "Chicago way". When running for the senate he went to his alderman and said I want that seat. He then mastered the art of challenging petitions, knocked every opponent off the ballot, then ran unopposed in his first election. This tactic was invented by Mayor Richard M. Daley who sent hundreds of workers and thousands of fundraising dollars to get Rahm Emanuel his congressional seat in 2002, the same Rahm Emanuel who is now Obama's chief of staff. Another of Obama's closests advisors is David Axelrod, who has been the top political strategist in Chicago also Mayor Daley's chief consultant and a "briliant" tactician. Axelrod also handled multiple campaigns for the Democratic National Committee and its most influential member, Emanuel. Also from Chicago is Valerie Jarrett, one of Obama's senior policy advisers, who just happens to be a former cabinet member of Mayor Daley and has worked for Bill Daley, the mayors brother who also served on Obama's transition team. When Obama first ran for the state Senate Chicago businessman Anthony (Tony) Rezko, who is currently awaiting sentencing for public corruption funded a portion of that frist campaign.

Now you wonder why he is nominating people with questionable backgrounds for prominent positions in his cabinet? Look to his past associations!

and Obama is seeing nothing wrong with that.

Begin again in 2010!

It's not just Mr Obama, it's the Senate. They confirm these tax cheaters!

It just goes to show you it really isn't about what the american people really want!  I didn't believe Obamas promises before and I surely don't trust his judgdement so far.

People that make that kind of money do't' do their own taxes. They have people for that.

In this case it was people who obviously made some mistakes along with an employer forgetting to report some income.

He has to sign his tax return doesn't he? Even if the preparer made the mistake it is his responsibility as a tax payer to make sure his return is calculated properly and the information provided to the preparer is correct. Why should he get off, I think the amount of the mistake in $$$$ convinces me it wasn't a "wooops"!!!!!!!

He's not getting off Tina. He filed amended returns and he's payed the back taxes with interest. Filing amended returns is something any one of us could do if there was a need.

Now I suppose he did sign his tax forms but when taxes get that complicated generally people trust their preparers.

If I remember correctly one of the errors was actually in a 1099 and was a mistake of the employer. The bit about the car service, I guess I wouldn't t know that I had to claim that as income if someone let me use car service either. Would you?

The amount of money he's making 128k is pocket change. To you it may seem like a large amount but perspective is everything.

I'm not saying that he did or did not have prior knowledge of the "mistakes" in his returns but the fact is that he paid what he owed and did it with in the tax laws.

Your correct, I don't make that kind of money. I am very careful about my taxes and pay my fair share because I cannot afford to pay the penalties and interest if I don't.

And your telling me that he just happened to forget about some income. Pull your head out! It's BS! I realize he is paying his taxes now that he has been caught. I didn't mean he was getting out of paying his taxes, rather that he may be still appointed.

The only reason he has filed ammended returns is the fact he was caught.
If I caught you stealing something in my house and you put it back. I would still throw you out of my house and may even shoot you and bury you back here in the swamp or feed you to the gators, turtles and snakes.

Just kiddin'.

We had to file an amended return once and they busted our chops with penalties. What makes the politicians any better then the average american? Nothing! He should have had to pay penalties out the wazoo!

No one caught him. Some of Obama's team vetting him found the issue. If he had been caught by the irs the same thing that happens to us would have happend. He would have had to pay.

Lynn,

He did pay some 11k in interest. Not sure about any penalties but I suppose that's the difference between catching it before the IRS catches it.

Tina

It Was For The Use Of A Car you DOPE!

Soarl,

You shouldn't talk about the tax laws without knowledge of them. I'm a practicing CPA and have clients in Daschle's position. Difference is, my clients have to pay penalties on the "amended" amounts that can run as high as 25%. Penalties can be abated for "reasonable cause". Ignorance of the tax laws is specifically listed as not being a reasonable cause. The penalties have nothing to do with who caught the error either.

And his buddy should be audited. They should have sent him a 1099 for the amount for the car and driver. All my clients who own airplanes and use them for personal use receive a 1099 from the company and pay taxes on them.

And don't blame his tax preparer. How would they know he was getting the benefit of a car and driver if he didn't tell them? There's this nice little sentence that all of us acknowledge by our signature on our return, "Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return and accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, they are true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge."

Daschle's return is his responsibilty, not his preparers.

76

sb96

Your right I obviously have limited knowledge of the tax laws. I'm not a practicing CPA. What is a "reasonable cause?"

As far as his preparer is concerned, for all you know he said don't worry about claiming those things. It's all a bunch of what if's.

Ultimately anyone's return is their responsibility which is why Daschle paid his tax and not his preparer i suppose.

He committed a Felony. Put him in prison. Put some pink panties and a pink pink jumpsuit and let the general population have fun with him. Do you have any idea what would happen to us if we did that? Garnishments for the rest of our lives. Obama is a Joke.

I guess we know which way you would vote on Prop 8...

He didn't break any law. Are we in the business of throwing peopel in jail for nothing.

He didn't break any law???? Sir you would be in Federal prison if you owed 120 grand to the IRS. Yes Capone was pout in prison for tax evation. and last I checked tax evation is a felony. He only corrected cause the chance at the appointment.

His taxes were amended which is legal within our tax code.

As far as evasion is concerned the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the following

1. the "attendant circumstance" of the existence of a tax deficiency — an unpaid tax liability; and
2. the "actus reus" (i.e., guilty conduct) — an affirmative act (and not merely an omission or failure to act) in any manner constituting evasion or an attempt to evade either:
   1. the assessment of a tax, or
   2. the payment of a tax.
3. the "mens rea" or "mental" element of willfulness — the specific intent to violate an actually known legal duty

Did he mean it didn't he mean it, That is something I doubt we'll ever know.

Fact is that as the matter currently stand he broke no laws and if we were in a similar situation I doubt any of us would end up in jail. We would owe some tax and be expected to pay it just as he has.

It is not illegal to make errors on a tax return, no matter if it is going to get a bigger bill or bigger refund. If you amend the return, which I have done in the past, and If the IRS owes you you get a check, if you owe, you pay. It is illegal to hide income willinglly, and purposefully. If you amend a return and pay whatever you owe, then it is fine. Also because I have had accountants make the same mistake 3 years in a row, I paid 3 years in a row significant amounts over what I payed with my returns, My Accountant did this. I simply called the IRS and paid the amount...check laws before placing people in pink suits..

Rather than just tossing about the "actus reus" and "mens rea" criteria and trying to impress anyone, look at the fact that Daschle is responsible for his income taxes whether they were prepared for him or if he handled it himself.

Vicarious liability. It was entirely on him to make sure his documents were filed properly and in a timely manner, and the blame falls on him for not doing so whether you like it or not.

It is his responsibility to pay his taxes and he did. My response was to everyone calling him a criminal and calling for his incarceration.

Soarl, would you be bending over backwards to justify an appointment like this if Bush had made it? There are two who didn't pay their taxes until they were to be nominated for this administration. One has admitted that he only paid the taxes because he was 'outed'. Daschle claims to not have known, it's only a mistake, oops, I'm sorry. Everyone has a couple of excuses, just like two armpits, and they all stink. The simple fact is that he thought he could get by without paying taxes since he wasn't in the government anymore after the "people of Dakota" realized what he was. I don't know of any company that would hire him for an administration position with that kind of thinking and history. Why should he be part of the leadership of this country?

soarl

Basically, it sounds like what you are saying is that he is perfect for the job. He is incompetent and a liar, but manages to do so within the confines of the law! Super! Now that is change we can believe in!

Also, don't forget that the amount for the driver and the car is just part of what he owed. There is also money from being paid as a consultant that he was told by his accountant that he needed to pay a long time ago and never did. That simply cannot be looked at as an error.

No, he did not get caught by the right people....so I guess he does not get to go to jail....but that does not make it right and it is not the kind of deception that we need to have continue to permeate government!

soarl must be Jenny Backus, Daschle's spokesperson who idolizes him and believes he is the second coming.

Maybe we could convince Nancy Killefer to not withdraw her nomination over a $900 tax liability she ended up paying when the IRS called it to her attention. Let's combine Treasury and HHS under her leadership. If we have to, I would much rather deal with a small time crook than someone like Daschle or Geitner.

To JB and MrGary,

I'm not really saying he's perfect. I don't know what special qualifications he has. I'm saying that everyone is speculating that what he did was done on purpose. His competence is a matter of opinion and in the case of these appointments your opinions don't matter.

Garry where did you get the info that the accountant told him he had to pay on this stuff, I hadn't heard that yet. I guess if that's true then I would have to change my opinion of the matter.

Being a career politician usually means you think you know about a lot of things, but it does not mean you do.  Obama should nominate a retired military surgeon general for the job!  Those generals know how to stretch a dollar and live by a much higher code of ethics than the typical Washington crowd.  We need more people with military experience in Washington! 

Military? Have you watch the news? We need good people in there with money smarts. How to get the most bang for your buck. Some stuff you need to pay more some some stuff can be done for less. We put to much in black and white. There's always a happy medium. But you need good people to see this, Generic drugs work just as good. Why should a government agency buy anything else. If they would they could help more people with the money they have. Wouldn't that be better? Military. Watched them on a show blowing up a terrorist's vacant house with a guided bomb with troops on the ground right there. Don't you think a couple of grenades would have worked? Little cheaper too? Good people?

bad bob - You certainly have right to object to a military surgeon being Sec of the HSS, but you scenario that the military should have used a grenade to blow up a terrorist house shows you don't know too much about the different effects of both.

A grenade is intended for personnel and has a kill radius of about 25 feet if the target is unobstructed. Blowing up a building with a grenade is like firing small rounds of ammunition into a ship; it won't have much effect on its intended target.

I sense you don't think the members of our military are good people from your statement? Then why don't you strap on a uniform and go save the world; that way I'm sure we'll have some good folks in the military.

Dear Bad Bob--The military medical system is run on a tight budget yet it provides outstanding healthcare to its beneficiaries. Every dollar is stretched and the system is built on a code of honor among soldiers/sailors/airmen that many civilians will find difficult to understand. Military medics go the extra mile for their patients and care for their patients like they are family. Wasting money would harm patients and is not allowed. Also, the average cost per patient visit in military hospitals is amazingly low compared to civilian facilities--look it up! Military medical facilities also have access to all the latest and greatest technology--often rented from area civilian facilities at significant savings. Would it be correct to assume you have never served in the military? Have you ever been treated in a military treatment facility?

PS--Military docs do not blow up terrorists' houses. It's against the Geneva Convention, Sweetie. Stick with topics you know. Obviously military medicine is not one of them.

What did everyone expect - this is the payoff. He supported Obama for President and now it is time to pay up! No CHANGE - this is business as usual. It will continue to get worse as the years pass - the American public will be left to pay the tab as they all collect pensions and free health care. You sure don't hear the nightly News taking on these topics - no they helped get him elected - they will find no wrong with him!

I don't believbe he should be head of the HSS for the simple reason he has recieved $5.8M as a consultant from Hospitals for insurance reform and it will be a conflict of interest, let alone he is a liar and a cheating politician that needs to be punished and prosecuted. No one individual is above the law.

To the few the proud and laura Wright. O.k. maybe a grenade or two wouldn't work. I used that for an example. How about some C4 or dynamite. I guaratee the United States government has something cheaper than a smart bomb to blow up a house. Sorry I wasn't clear. Here is a easy one for you to understand Something cheaper than a $1,000,000. Is that clear enough for you. Laura you throw out military surgeon. I've watched alot of bad things about military people on the news in Iraq. I'm not saying they're all bad but you are putting all of military surgeons on a pedestal. Maybe whoever you dealt with was great . Give a name not a group. I said good people I didn't say nobody in the military. Key words "good people" read what I said.

they should get a Dept of corrections physican and RN to straighten out health care. These people know the meaning og necessary health care. You don't always get what what you want. But , more than likely, you get what you need.

Badbob, your problem is total ignorance... brought on by watching the 'news' about the military. Talk to people who've been there who are outraged when they come home and see what the 'news' is feeding the people! If there is a house blown up with 30 active terrorists in it and other terrorists tell the 'reporters' that there were no terrorists in the house the headline states that 30 civilians were killed... because the terrorists told the reporter that. The correct information is available for the 'news' but it doesn't fit their agenda so they ignore it.

I would certainly rather have any private who has served in Iraq be the head of HHS than a retread, dishonest politician.

Eona,

According to records that were recently made public, Mr. Daschle's expertise for the position are as follows......1) He took health class in Intermediate School, 2) He paid his taxes when it was convenient (thereby allowing him to purchase more services and so far we are pretty sure he is human), 3) He adamantly supported the Obama express and now it is time for payback. Isn't that enough expertise?

JB the house was being shown with our troops inside. Telling how it was a terrorist torture chamber. They cleared it of all people. Moved them to a safe distance, And then sent in a air strike. The video shows the sgt. that was in the house watching as the airstrike hit and saying chalk one up for us. It wasn't just a bunch of B.S. I am not knocking our military. I know there are good people in it. And never said any of them couldn't do a great job. I said you can't just say use a military person because they were in the military. You can actually sit there and say because someone was in the military they have greatness. I know of people who went to the military to stay out of prison. Just because they were in the military doesn't make them better people. If it did great. But you can't say "they were in so they are great". That's all I'm saying. If your private is a good person great. Maybe someday we will find a good politician. Key thing is good people." Didn't you ever have someone tell you how good a priest was. There are a couple I would love to see you let your young boys alone with . Get the point. Organizations don't bring greatness. People do.

JWS, surely your joking? I can guarantee you that Daschale was told by his CPA and or accounting FIRM that handles his taxes wasn't confused for penalties and interest to have accumulated he would have known for some time. And even if you want to believe that the tax system is at fault - it is his responsibility just as it is ours (yours and mine) to either hire someone who dooes understand it and take care of it. And a second question if he is confused by the tax code - do we really want him in charge of anything on a national scale? - I don't.

Although I have to be honest and tell you, I think his failure is more to do with ethics than intelligence.

The idea that he had to be put under the microscope before he decided to pay worries me. It's one thing if he did this on his own before he knew of the new position. How is it that everyone seems to be ok that a politician breaks the law as long as they think they would be good in the position. Its the same excuse that was used for Geithner. Obama said from the begining that he was for change. I hoped that he would bring change to Washington and all he has done is bring most of Clinton's people or bring the ones with questionable backgrounds. Where is the change in that?

most people needing tax assistance had a business failure or significant cash flow issue related to the business,not out right ignoring the law and hoping that their buddies in politics will get the IRS to look the other way.

Dashcle is a criminal.

Begin again in 2010.

I wish we could begin again in 2010. Try 2012.

jws, what has Daschle done that would indicate that he'd be an honest leader? If it's just that he's a democrat, you're blind. If it's that he was the senate leader, he got kicked out of that position when his constitutents recognized the sleazebag he is. If it's that he's been collecting money from those he would oversee, it's just more payoff and bribes. He's a dirtbag. He may have paid all his taxes or there may have been much more that's hidden way back. Did he pay any penalties? None have been listed. All taxes have to be paid on time even if a person gets an filing extention... unless you're a left-wing democrat!

Hey Justanother....don't be so glum...after all 2010 could allow for a change at the other end of Pennsylvania avenue. If you remember the Clinton presidency, things got a lot better when there was more balance....which happened after the election 2 years into it.

The only evident difference between Democrat crooks and Republican crooks is that the Democrats steal much less.

The difference between a Republican crook and a Democrate crook is the news media gives a pass to the Democrate! Dashell when he was in the Senate was a asholl.

Henry,

I don't think so, Have you taken a look at The OBAMA Political Payback Full OF PORK STIMULUS PLAN?

MUCH LESS?! look at Madam Pelosi's 5 million per year personal jet expense!

Henry III, are you kidding me? Do a google search on Franklin Raines for starters; and then due some diligence on who's run FNMA over the last 30 years. The Democrat Party is nothing but a bunch of corrupt crooks.

Crystal,

Yeah Madam Pelosi can not be bothered with the little people she may come in contact with if she were to have to fly commercial.

They don't call the Republican party the "Fat Cat" party for nothing.

Demo Crooks!!!!! we are in this mess now because of Bush and Chaney and the rest of the Repubs Crooks... Wall Street Banker, Billions of Dollars in Tax payer money in the Bail out..money stolen for Bonuses for the fatcats.. to the Tune of 18.4 billions....

Daschle may be the best man for the job.... but his tax problems put him in question because of it./.

hahaha how absolutely comical -- "typical"? -- how about your self serving "typical" right wing neocon rubbish that's been spewed for decades, inevitably landing us in this mess to begin with. Republicans feel they DESERVE everything they've stolen (including the '04 election- pathetic thieves), while attempting to make democrats feel guilty for what they have.

Neighborhood! Explain yourself concerning the Republican Party and "Fat Cats"!

It is my opinion that a "career politician" should become extinct in both parties. They can have as many terms as they want, just not 2 in a row and no seniority EVER! Understand folks, until we quit re-electing incumbents TOGETHER ACROSS THE NATION, this is what we will always get for our vote. It is our fault! People are led and will follow anything as long as the politician says what people want to hear. The voter must change their rules! The only way is to get rid of the incumbents. Use your heads! Think about it!

House Banking scandal anyone? It wasn't run by a Republican.

Begin again in 2010.

Republican fatcats? Something like 7 of the richest in congress are democrats. Kennedy has ridden the 'for the people' horse to death... he has no idea nor any understanding of people who work for a living. DC is a money machine for corrupt people who can get elected. Look at Clinton, slick willie, someone who was celebrated for his ability to get by with lies. He went to DC with almost nothing and is now a multimillionaire. There are stories after stories of people going to DC with a promise to be 'true'. They take an oath to support and defend the Constitution, but the only thing they support and defend is each other in the democrat party. It's very easy to tell what the democrats are up to... just listen to what they're accusing the republicans of doing and multiply that by at least 2 and you'll know exactly what the democrats are doing. Look at those who attacked the Bush administration of unknown corruption. Now the REAL corruption is exposed to the world by the Obama admistration.

Henry & Tigger, do you honestly believe that if these were republican nominations with the same set of circumstances (including a Democratic congress) that there would be so much effort to overlook things? I am pretty sure that these nominees would be getting blasted by congressional leaders AND the media.

Yes, another tax cheat. We already have the fox guarding the henhouse with geithner. Now we have another, and the worst part is that all of congress again thinks this is no big deal. Makes you wonder if any government official pays their taxes. I think if they did a full tax audit of all of congress and their underlings in washington, and made them pay the taxes they owe, they would probably find enough money to fund most of the stimulus package

I couldn't agree more!!! Why should we be the ones footing this "stimulus"??? Let THEM foot this thing!

Do you think Obama hears any of this, or even cares?

Begin again in 2010.

He wouldn't even care--lnor does the media. After all he is the Media President

Oh yeah!!!! The liberal left screams blasphemies at the religious right and loves gays and abortion and all that is unholy until....until...until they are caught and then you get to here how he and his wife and kids spend every Sunday at the First Self-Righteous Church and have been for the last 130 years and have donated $2.2M Dollars for the expansion of Christian teachings in the Ruwandin villages of the Congo.

Give Me A Break......and take that hat off so we can get a good look at those horns.

you ignorant vile scum....the man paid his taxes! It was the use of a car that was in question use ignoramuses! What may I ask do you things use for brains? Did you HeadBang in your teens too long? God can only help the Educational System now!

Hey Whitefeather... You need to chill out dude. Don't you think you are taking this a little too personal? As for Daschle and his taxes I do have a question. If a person in his position has no idea when he looks that gift horse in the mouth (case in point.. the use of a driver and personal transportation) then maybe this guy isn't smart enough to be in a cabinet position. He had to know that someone had to pay the salary of the driver and the upkeep on the car. Maybe he should have just asked his accountant at the time (or any other person with common sense) and he would have never been in this predicament.

Me on the other hand.. My personal and business tax returns were postmarked late last year and mind you that I did not owe any taxes but the IRS is already harassing me for the $250.00 late filing fee that I will pay this month. I will probably even have to pay a penalty and interest. Hmm, I wonder is I can use the Daschle case as a reference for not having to pay interest and penalties. No, that won't work since I voted for McCain and am registered Republican.

It looks like it is time for the regular common American's to start another "boston tea party" except this time it will be against our government and paying taxes.

If the elected officials do not have to pay their taxes and can get away with this for years without penalities, then why do we, the regular citizens have to continue to pay taxes!

My Husband and I are already practicing our embarrased and apologetic looks because if the IRS ever comes looking for back taxes and penalties, we all have an excuse. Geithner, Daschle, and Rangel just to name a few off the top of my head.

Oh, I forgot...it was okay when GW was filling his posts with his daddy's old staff and cronies.

neighborhood,

Were they proven tax cheats before confirmation?

Remember it was OBAMA that put himself there as the Candidate for CHANGE and Transparency. HIS WORDS NOT MINE.

I so agree. Where is the change? I didn't vote for Obama, but was willing to stand behind him and hope he could do a good job. Now, I'm wondering how everyone who was so enamored with him still feel the same way.

Excusing not only one but now two of his nominees for tax evasion should open some eyes. I guess we can all not pay and say oops, I forgot about that!! Think that would work for the working class??

Let's get some honest politicians in this administration if they can find any!!

We have the 3rd with tax issues but at least she has is withdrew her nomination. Isn't there anybody who is honest in Washington D.C.?? We know Obama isn't!!

John,

With his experience and qualifications he would be a shoo-in as the new Drug Czar.

and hillary shouldn't have been appointed sec of state either.Her husband is making millions for his global bullsh.. initiative. Talk about your conflict of interest. But people will give obama everthing he wants because if they make a fuss, well....you know what they will be called. When will people open their eyes?

Obama will have to find a Republican then, Ray.

So you are suggesting that we replace everyone in Congress? ;)

Truthfinder3,

WELL SAID!!

I want to know how to get one of thier jobs They just keep selling the same old bull.

I believe I can do that.

If you are from Illinois, you buy one on these job.

Bottom line: Daschle should be like everyone else...Break the law--Pay the price. He should NOT be allowed to serve OUR country with this tax fraud hanging over his head. Yes, he amended the paper work and paid the tax and interest but only because he got caught. Does Obama not realize that everyone nominated to hold an office in the government is checked and rechecked. Daschle's background should have been investigated BEFORE nomination, and so should anyone else who is being thought about for a Cabinet nomination.

While I totally agree with you on most of your points, Daschle and Rangle and the new IRS person didn't ADMIT to anything. They were caught, while all have apologized, the only thing they are sorry for, is that they got CAUGHT.

Had they not been suddenly cast in the spotlight, they never would have paid their back taxes.

Welcome to Chicago, DC politics and double standards unbounded. A little suprised Blago didn't an get invite to the Hill.

Use the bailout money to clean up government leaders obligations is that what it is for.

Ron

Disappointed?

Not in himself, so it must be that idiot accountant he used, whose career must be over. What a great supporter and personal reference source Daschle would be.

Deana Bond -- I totally agree with you. Integrity is in question and we do NOT need someone lacking integrity running the healthcare industry, particularly when that person has 'conflicts of interest' in the industry. Honesty and an intense understanding (clinical, financial, operational and regulatory) of the healthcare industry is what is needed in the PERSON to resolve the issues that have been skewed by Federal regulation and health insurance lobbyists. I, also, have been in the healthcare industry for over 35 years and have seen the disintregation of healthcare services to the general populace through senseless regulation and GOVERNMENT interference. The medical lobby is also NO friend to the general population as there are means and entities that are UNDER utilized to provide QUALITY basic and preventive healthcare at minimal cost. The structure of healthcare today provides is one of FAVORITISM and that is what DASCHLE's nomination is. America wake up! Is this the change you want?