Hands down, no question about it, HARRY REID, who this week came out with the incredible pronouncement that an "extremely credible source" told him that Romney had not paid taxes for ten years. He later stated that he had "had a number of people" tell him that. But when asked who, he said, ". . . that's the best you're going to get from me."
Let me first of all say that accusing someone of something and then saying that that person has to prove his innocence is wrong, wrong, wrong. It's up to Reid to substantiate his allegation. But Reid is banking on the fact that the MSM, the lapdog of the democrat party, will not make him do any such thing.
Secondly, Romney's 2010 tax return show he owed $3,009,766 in taxes for 2010. An amount owed is not indicative of an amount paid. If Romney had not paid his taxes, however, I'm sure the IRS would have made a big show of going after him for non-payment. Therefore, I think it is safe to assume that Romney paid $3 million in taxes for 2010. So, Mr. Reid must be referring to the decade preceding 2010.
Democrats demand deference and capitulation from Republicans. Reid probably thought that all he would need to do is make the accusation and Romney would fall all over himself to release his tax returns. Reid was very, very wrong. Romney is not the wimp Reid thought he was. Romney told him to put up or shut up. To date, Reid has not done so.
This is not a minor issue. Tax returns are privileged and confidential. Releasing them without the explicit consent of the taxpayer is a crime. If someone has given Reid confidential information about Romney's tax returns, then that person has committed a crime and Reid is aiding and abetting him.
Romney needs to file a civil lawsuit against "John Doe" and subpoena Reid for his deposition. Since Reid is not a journalist, he cannot refuse to divulge his source. It would be vastly amusing to watch the mealy-mouthed democrat sputter and bluster before finally coming up with a name, if there even is one.
Reid said some other things, too, that are just as bad if not worse. He said that Romney's failure to release his tax returns would disqualify him from a cabinet appointment. Reid also refuses to release his tax returns. Nancy Pelosi refuses to release her tax returns. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz refuses to release her tax returns. Obama has famously refused to release anything about himself and, in fact, has spent tons of money making sure that certain documents were kept hidden. What exactly was Reid's point here?
Reid also said that George Romney, Mitt's father, would be ashamed of his son. That's a slur too far. Romney could lay claim to the Midas touch. He has prospered in the private sector. He served as governor of a state. He brought the 2002 Olympic games in Utah back from the brink of disaster to a $100 million profit. His marriage of 43 years is thriving, despite serious setbacks.
As for family members being ashamed, we need look no further than the Reid family itself. Reid was up for re-election in 2010. At the same time, his son Rory was running for governor. During his campaign, Rory dropped his last name and ran only as "Rory". Does that sound like someone who's proud of his papa.
Romney should press this issue, make Reid prove his allegation, and above all, don't let the issue drop.