July 17, 2014
Jack Lew- Secretary
The Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20220

RE: “Economic Patriotism” – Some comments on your sophistry concerning a new scheme to get yet more blood from an exsanguinated stone

Mr. Secretary,

It would be unfair of me to comment on the efficacy of raising more money for the sinkholes of the IRS, the ATF, the VA, the NSA, the POO, Cash for Clunkers, Tofu and endive smoothies for school lunch, and the horizon-like, not quite here yet, much anticipated Summer of Recovery so I won’t.

I speak rather to the malevolently pernicious assumption that wherever the capital amassed by a free people it is better tended by an anointed elite in Washington, DC. They have one thing in common. They suffer from varying degrees of a common ailment: “non-malodorous fecal matter syndrome”. Like lepers of old they should be made to wear warning bells so the public can give them wide berth.

You testified yesterday, with a straight face, with no sense of sarcasm, irony, or wit, that whatever you earn and wherever it is you should bring it home and let some really smart, caring people figure out what is best for it.

That would be akin to having two lions and one lamb vote on tonight’s dinner menu. Here’s a prediction. While the vote will not be unanimous it will not be good for the lamb.

Quick question[s]

Do you have an accountant prepare your taxes? I am presuming that, unlike your predecessor, you file tax returns. Am I correct in that assumption?

The idea that a free people can dispose of what they have without interference by anyone else is revolutionary. It may lead to the unwanted reappearance of an American exceptionalism so profound that people will kill and die just to get here. We can’t have that, can we? It would be just so unfair. And “fairness” is what the tax code is all about, right?

Accordingly, for suggesting that people, particularly those who respond to the rise in “animal spirits”, who “create” jobs while amassing wealth, should take actions that would lead them to pay more taxes, I name you

HORSE’S ASS OF THE WEEK

Further, by your gravity defying assumption that no one would notice the heinous absurdity your evil plan I name you

SMARMY BASTARD OF THE YEAR

You can earn extra credit that may enable you to get off the carte d’merde if you can name the author of the following:

“Over and over again courts have said that there is
nothing sinister in so arranging one’s affairs as to keep
one’s taxes as low as possible. Everyone does so, rich or poor;
and all do right, for nobody owes any public duty to pay more than
the law demands; taxes are enforced exactions, not voluntary contributions.
TO DEMAND MORE IN THE NAME OF MORALS IS MERE CANT.”




Kevin Smith


PS – If you can’t figure out who wrote the above SASE