Tax Day No Party

Today is April 15th, commonly referred to as Tax Day: the last day that individuals can submit their Federal taxes without incurring late penalties. Many are scrambling to find the last open branch of the Post Office to get their tax returns postmarked before midnight.

No fear. I filed mine weeks ago. (Unlike some, I pay my taxes.)

Unlike this workaday, many people, like my fellow blogger, Paul, took off from their jobs (without pay) to protest what they see as profligate spending and misuse of the American people's tax dollars by the Congress and White House. The Tea Parties were grass-roots nation-wide protests of the Government's tax policies and spending -- meant to recall the famous Boston Tea Party (no taxation without representation). Many people held up TEA signs (Taxed Enough Already) or similar slogans at the rallies despite inclement weather in several locations.

[Washington Post] The White House countered yesterday with President Obama saying the government has passed a sweeping reduction in taxes for 95 percent of U.S. workers. Obama said it was "the most progressive tax cut in American history" and would help create a half-million jobs.

The problem with this statement is that it is misleading (in more ways than one). The multi-trillion dollar deficits being racked up by the current Federal budget and various (so-called) stimulus plans is betting the farm for several generation to come.

Only this time, the 95% tax cut and putting "more money back into the pockets of hardworking Americans" means that the hucksters are giving away shiny new $20 bills to the plow-boy in the foreground while foreclosing on the farm in the background. "Jeepers, Mister! Thanks!"