No. But, if they can, they should … in the public interest.
One of the constants of modern elections is that presidential candidates have released their recent tax returns…
But Donald Trump has told the Associated Press that he does not expect to release his tax returns before the election…
If he’s Honest Donald, he’ll release his tax returns to make sure that voters know that he’s neither dodgy nor [dishonest] … only [Dishonest] Donald — the worst possible Trump — has no incentive to disclose.
(New York Times, May 11, 2016)
I agree with Mitt. This is, or should be, disqualifying – to any voter with common sense, that is:
No stranger to questions about his taxes and wealth, former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney on Wednesday criticized Donald Trump’s decision to withhold his tax returns from the public, calling the move ‘disqualifying’ and speculating that Trump is hiding ‘a bombshell.’
‘Tax returns provide the public with its sole confirmation of the veracity of a candidate’s representations regarding charities, priorities, wealth, tax conformance, and conflicts of interest. Further, while not a likely circumstance, the potential for hidden inappropriate associations with foreign entities, criminal organizations, or other unsavory groups is simply too great a risk to ignore for someone who is seeking to become commander-in-chief.’
(Huffington Post, May 11, 2016)
Trump has fueled his campaign with nothing but blather, bluster, and bravado about how his acquisition of “huge” wealth makes him uniquely qualified to be president. To honor what little integrity remains in their profession, journalists should force Trump to prove it.
After all, by his own measure, his refusal to release his tax returns is rather like a doctor refusing to present his medical qualifications. Which, of course, is why doctors plaster their office walls with framed copies of all manner of licenses and degrees.
Trust me, if his tax returns showed that he is as wealthy and charitable as he claims, Trump would be distributing them like campaign flyers. But it speaks volumes that Dishonest Donald is failing the test for honesty, which Richard “I-am-not-a-crook” Nixon set by releasing his tax returns. And it’s noteworthy that Nixon did so even while the IRS was auditing him.
Meanwhile, this is the same Trump who never refuses to dispel rumors about the size of his penis being much smaller than he boasts; so much so that he used the platform of a recent presidential debate to prove it — at least to his satisfaction. Specifically, he invited the audience to look at the size of his hands, which he raised for inspection. Never mind that his stubby fingers actually indicate that Illma Gore’s rendering of a peanut for his penis, on display at Maddox Gallery in London, is anatomically correct….
I hasten to clarify, however, that Trump has built his self-esteem so much on being far wealthier than he is, he’d sooner show how small his penis is than reveal what little wealth he has.
But this is also the same Trump who made his name in politics by making racist and condescending demands for President Obama to release his birth certificate and college transcripts. Not to mention leading the calls four years ago that forced Romney to release his tax returns.
Frankly, Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns reeks of so much hypocrisy, it must fail the smell test even of gullible Republicans who already have their noses way up his bloviating ass.
But, notwithstanding what hackers like Anonymous might do, I suspect we’re in for an October surprise. Because I can’t believe the IRS would allow him to get away with this refusal by claiming it not only unfairly targets him for yearly audits, but also takes forever to complete each one.
Stay tuned.
Related commentaries:
Humping Trump…
Legacy Note: With over 5,600 posts spanning 20 years, I am easily the most prolific blogger on the most eclectic array of topics on the web. That makes The iPINIONS Journal an unparalleled archive of informed political and cultural commentary. Visit the ARCHIVES section in the sidebar or search by topic. You won’t find a more consistent, independent voice on world affairs.