We lost a really good meme this week that we worked on for a long time

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

to label Republicans with - "culture of corruption". A meme based in truth which gave it additional oomph and power. Well say goodbye to it.

You can't hit the public with 3 instances of in-your-face tax avoidance and think you are going to maintain a moral highground. This has been a very very crappy week. I'm happy that it's early days and that we can move ahead and also that the public has the long term memory of a gerbil. The sad thing is, we DO have the moral highground and then we go around shooting ourselves in the foot at every opportunity.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

1. This is Obama's Great Big Thing

He's learned something vital, and now he's really forced to go with the "change" thing. He owed Daschle big-time, and did the best he could, not knowing that Daschle was fatally flawed in terms of being confirmed.

I'm going to view this not as a debacle but as an opportunity for Our President to take the proper path that has now revealed itself to him.

Believe me, we still have the moral high ground. If you feel dejected, or sad about the latest happening, just go here - http://www.republicanoffenders.com/ - and you'll feel better in no time, reminded of how superior we really are.

Daschle's missteps were silly and petty, but, in the end, did him in. At least he wasn't shaking down any bribes, nor was he molesting any children. We'll leave that to Republicans.................

[Warpy]

2. I don't think you're right about that

because so many people nickel and dime their taxes, trying to avoid giving Uncle Sam all that they can. If there's a more universal petty white collar crime, I'd love to know what it is.

My guess is that Daschle would have been approved. I hope there is somebody better in the wings, though, because I always found him highly unimaginative.

[KittyWampus]

3. Why because a very few nominees had tax screw ups? BULLSHIT!

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

7. Cabinet positions are the cream of the cream. That's why they require hearings

and Congressional approval. Richardson had to withdraw, Geithner made it, and Daschle and Killifer had to withdraw. It's the completely wrong foot to start a "reform" administration on. Sorry if you don't like it, but it's true.

I love the poster above who said the path has now clearly been revealed to Obama. I think that person is right. Obama has to adhere to the ideals he championed as a candidate or we will be sunk in insurmountable cynism.

[book_worm]

4. On the otherhand two have now withdrawn. Obama can get back on the offensive

and has already done quite a lot to differentiate from Bush policies since becoming president.

[Ian David]

5. We should automatically audit every member of congress every 2 years. n/t

[TornadoTN]

11. Completely agree

I also believe that auditing should be expanded for people earning over a certain threshold. I know too many people that play fast and loose with Uncle Sam trying to hide loads of cash & assets from view.

We make sure our accountant goes over it thoroughly and then we get it and go over it with a fine tooth comb to make sure we aren't forgetting anything or leaving it out. Why Cabinet nominees or other wealthy people don't do this is beyond me.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. Thank you for your concern.

I'll stick it in the circular poutrage filing cabinet.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

9. You sound just like, oh wait, it IS you!

"circular poutrage filing cabinet". Extra points for a cliche within a cliche.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

10. And who, exactly, are you?

Have we met?

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

18. Oh, just someone who has noticed your posts before .

I have to tell you that I misread your new name as HiFructosePornSyrup when I see it. Icky.

[Ian David]

19. You've noticed "Ignored's" posts before? n/t

[O.M.B.inOhio]

8. You could look at this as just a sort of due diligence process &conclude that the system is working

eom

[Still Sensible]

12. I don't think we have 'lost' it yet

but no question the credibility has taken a hit. Hey, at least our folks aren't getting diapered or picking up new friends in bathroom stalls.

[TornadoTN]

13. We haven't lost it yet - but this certainly gives them something to latch onto

You can bet that they are going to be out in full force with the "DEMOCRATS ARE TAX CHEATS" and "OBAMA LOVES PEOPLE THAT DON'T PAY TAXES BUT WANTS TO TAX YOU MORE!" talking points.

The trick is going to be if we just roll over and take it or we fight back in kind. Then we'll see if we lost it.

[Fire1]

14. I can't agree for two reasons. First, at least our party gets it

out in the forefront from the beginning. Secondly, Bush had people confirmed, sworn in and working for him with indictments, tax problems, mob ties and who knows what else. Now, there is obviously a breakdown in the vetting process, but, I think we can still hold our heads up.:-)

[Terran]

15. Hardly

It will take a lot more than a few people who screwed up their taxes accidentally (and yes, I believe them) to make the Obama Admin look anything nearly as corrupt as Bush's. Thanks for playing today's Chicken Little.

[Gold Metal Flake]

16. A couple of withdrawn nominees = illegal war, torture, billions wasted...

...the politicization of the Justice, EPA, OSHA,Labor, Education, Interior, State and HHS departments and more, massive illegal domestic spying, fear mongering, massive repeated election fraud, etc...

Um, no. I don't agree with your assertion. Not in the least.

[Raskolnik]

17. Tax avoision. n/t