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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Crist's 'Broad Based' Nonsense

Gov. Charlie Crist is running for the U.S. Senate and needs to prove himself a fiscal conservative. Crist signed the Americans for Tax Reform pledge. The group is run by the scandal-plagued Grover Norquist. Conservatives attacked Norquist for his association with the Islamist Fifth Column. Norquist came under F.B.I scrutiny for his ties with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Republican politicians don't have the good sense to avoid Norquist.

Crist signed Norquist anti-tax pledge. The problem is Crist raised taxes on cigareetes. Fees are technically not new taxes. Florida citizens will still feel the impact.


"It's broad based, if it's a majority," Crist said. "Clearly."


Here's what's clear: The state has about 15.6 million driver licenses and about 18.8 million motor vehicles. All of them will have to pay more.

Is that "broad based" enough?


Norquist's tax pledge is silly. Politicians should not paint themselves in a corner about promising never to raise taxes. Tax policy should be based on careful study and the current economic climate. It was pointless for Crist to sign the pledge. The Governor is terrified Norquist will whip up the base against him. Hardly a profile in courage.
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2 comments:

  1. Jim JohnsonMay 27, 2009 9:01 PM

    For what it's worth, the pledge is not to raise income taxes. It is not a "read my lips, no new taxes" pledge.

    Also, one might say that cigarette taxes are really a form of "user fees" since only those who use cigarettes pay them.

    Not that you don't have a point... just sayin'.

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  2. Michael HusseyMay 27, 2009 9:22 PM

    I'm a smoker and I don't have a problem with the cigarette tax. Then again, I'm not part of the conservative base. The Rubio supporters will have a problem with Crist's fiscal policies.

    Bush's "read my lips" moment took hold of the GOP. There are many Republicans that think Bush lost to Clinton because of taxes. The truth is Perot took some of the base and Clinton was a superior candidate.

    Norquist has advocated tax cuts. Norquist has no problem with state and federal governments going broke. It is amazing the GOP is scared of this guy. His fiscal policies are insane.

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