According to the Tax Girl, Charlie Rangel has been found guilty of 11 charges. However, Rangel claimed he did not understand the tax law. As he is quoted as saying, "he didn’t understand the tax consequences because of language and cultural barriers."
Well isn't that fascinating. He didn't understand because of the language barrier. Have you ever read the tax code? I can barely understand the Tax Act and H & R block software that asks me yes and no questions. But it gets even better when the House tells us what the punishment will be as reported by the Tax Girl:
The matter now moves to the full ethics committee which will recommend a punishment for Rangel. The committee could recommend the harshest sentence, expulsion from the House, but likely won’t. Considering the language from the subcommittee, who was careful to phrase Rangel’s conduct as less than willful, a reprimand is expected.OOOOOhhhh, wouldn't that be a shame that he might get expulsion but probably won't? So far, the only defense I have heard from Rangel is that he shouldn't get punished due to his 40 years of service. But as anyone who knows anything about ethics, Rangel should be punished more severely than the average citizen. Why? Exactly because he has served and gained the trust of the American people for 40 years. He used a position of authority in a way that holds him even more culpable than the average American.
But it doesn't stop there. We have the most brilliant man ever, the only man who could save the American economy, the now Treasurer Secretary to admit he didn't understand how to fill out his taxes, Timothy Geithner. What was his punishment?
Republicans and Democrats have indicated that the information about back taxes (which were eventually paid) would not necessary block the nomination. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) has said he had “no problem” with Geithner while Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) called the information “serious, and whether or not it’s disqualifying is to be determined.” With all of the buzz, it looks like it will definitely not be smooth sailing for Geithner at his confirmation hearing.Apparently, nothing, unless becoming the Treasurer Secretary is punishment enough.
So my solution for Wesley Snipes is simple. Run for office as a Democrat. Apparently, not paying taxes while commanding everyone else to do so is a resume enhancement. Perhaps Snipes will have plenty of time to think up some new tax evasion tactics behind those bars while Rangel cries some more tears in his foreign home in the Dominican Republic.
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