04/20/2011

originally published on Human Events

When President Obama revealed his earnings and tax liability this week, and at the same time touted his “Tax the wealthy” mantra at a town hall forum, one wondered why he doesn’t just put his money where his mouth is. 

The President reported annual income of $1.7 million and a tax bill of $450,000, yet he didn’t offer to shoulder more of the burden.  “Nobody volunteers and says, 'Boy, I'm just wild to pay more taxes,’ ” he conveyed.  “But it’s a matter of values and what we prioritize.  And I certainly don’t think my taxes should be even lower.” 

How about valuing the freedom to make one’s own living?  To spend what one earns on a family’s priorities?  To allow those who trust private-sector charities over government programs to choose those institutions to solve problems instead?