Do you think Timothy Geithner is the right man for U.S. Treasury secretary? Why?
By Taskr36
@Taskr36 (13963)
United States
January 25, 2009 8:51pm CST
Geithner, who as Treasury secretary would oversee the IRS failed to pay some $34,023 in self-employment taxes between 2001 and 2004. When the IRS alerted him of this he paid "PART" of the taxes in 2006. By the time Obama decided to nominate him he still owed over $20,000 which he only paid AFTER finding out he would be nominated.
At best he is incompetent and does not know how our tax system works. At worst he's a crook who knowingly evaded taxes until caught, and even then did his best to avoid paying taxes until he had the opportunity to land a cushy job next to the president.
Can anyone who agrees with this choice explain to me why they think he's the right man for the job? If you are going to give me the excuse of "It happens to a lot of people" don't waste your time because I don't want those people to be Secretary of the Treasury either.
3 people like this
8 responses
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
26 Jan 09
Is this any different than President Obama not paying parking tickets for many years until he decides to run for president and then pays the tickets. To me it says that they feel they are above the law and only have follow the rules when they want something out of it. It talks to the character of the many and can we trust him. I don't trust either one.
1 person likes this
@ClassyCat (1214)
• United States
26 Jan 09
I'm in agreement about someone else being
over our tax system.
And - I don't remember what it was that I
heard about theguy who is up for the
attorney general's position, but it was not
favorable for him either.
Does anyone know anything about him? I've
never even heard of him before.
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
26 Jan 09
I'd honestly be willing to ignore parking tickets, but this just shows either complete incompetence, or a complete disrespect for our tax system.
I just heard there was a poll conducted that said 98% of Americans think he should be disqualified because of his tax evasion. Despite that people are saying he's almost guaranteed to get in. I'm doing everything I can to make sure my senators understand that I am against this and they'd damn better oppose him.
1 person likes this
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
26 Jan 09
I think his apointment and inevitable confirmation is an insult to the people of this country. If this were you ro I, we would have had IRS agents storimg our doors, siezing our property, accounts and assets and we would be in deep legal trouble.
Obama ran on the promise of cleaning up corruption and an open and transparent administration. Well, he got the transparent and open thing right, he is nominating this guy openly and blatentlty.
I cannot beleive that this guy is still in the running and it looks like the senate will of course confirm him, because "the country needs him" and "he is essential to economic recovery"....BAH! Al Capone was a brilliant economist and shrewed business man too, why not just appoint him if we are going on the "we need his expertiise" basis.
Again, I find this nothing short of insulting. I have alrady placed a call to Shaheen's office this morning, my senator, of course her secretary will "pass along my objections".
1 person likes this
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
26 Jan 09
The only way a third party candidate would have a serious shot is if he were already disgustingly rich like Ross Perot. Even then, they'd need at least one major party candidate to respect them enough to insist on their presence at the debates. George H.W. Bush did that for Ross Perot and Ronald Reagan tried to do it for John Anderson, but Carter refused to appear at a debate with Anderson present. As a result Anderson only debated Reagan once and Carter was not there.
1 person likes this
@AngryKittyMSV (4317)
• United States
26 Jan 09
If there is anything left of our country in four years, I predict a one term Presidency for Obama. Perhaps a third party will actually have a shot next time around since the politicians in both parties have done such a bang up job at offending and alienating the voters. I also predict a big change in 2010.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
26 Jan 09
If it was just once, then I would accept the lame excuse Prs. Obama and Geithner offered. However, this crook has failed to pay his self employment taxes many years, with many "chances" to make good.
He's nothing short of a thief and a liar, and Prs. Obama knowingly helped him get away with it.
1 person likes this
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
27 Jan 09
I worry about whether he'll be good at it. True, many people make mistakes on their taxes, but as you should said, I really don't want them in charge of the treasury.
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
26 Jan 09
This man would never have paid those taxes if he hadn't been caught by IRS for 2 years, and knew he owed 2 more years, but never paid them until he was asked by Obama to fill this spot. He tried saying it was Turbo Tax's fault. But, that is not so! He is a crook who was evading paying taxes! AND, it might be awhile, but just watch. The Democrats will clear him for the job! We don't need someone in that position that isn't even honest in paying his own taxes!
1 person likes this
@kimberly99 (54)
• United States
26 Jan 09
Maybe obama nominate him because of some reasons, maybe he's doing he's job r we dont know..thats a good question but we don't know, all we have is idea, critics from other people but i believe they know thier job so we'll just have to see what's gonna happen soon...
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
26 Jan 09
The "wait and see" attitude isn't going to fix this country. As citizens it's our job and our obligation to be involved in keeping our country strong. If we object to what's going on, it's our responsibility to tell that to our senators and representatives. I've already emailed and called my senator because I won't let myself be blamed for the confirmation of this idiot and if they vote to confirm him I'll make it very clear that they have lost my vote and my support.
1 person likes this
@Benjaminna (300)
• United States
26 Jan 09
You could say he's already tried to 'embezzle' money by not paying taxes so why would anyone want him Secretary of Treasure? So he can embezzle more money?
@AngryKittyMSV (4317)
• United States
26 Jan 09
I really don't think a man who neglected to pay his taxes and for such a large amount should be in charge of the IRS at all! Pretending he was ignorant of the tax laws does not make his case for him either, it just PROVES even more why he should NOT be in charge of the Treasury and the IRS! Is this really the best man Obama could come up with to do the job?
