Everyone says that Mitt Romney wants to talk about the economy. (It certainly has to be better than talking about his relationship to his former classmates or his former pets - or about his one real but incredibl awkward achievement - Romney care.)
But every time Romney brings up the economy, a reporter or a citizen needs to ask him: Where are your tax returns, Mitt?
More on this below the orange swirls.
I've been posting this suggestion as a comment in many other diaries, but I'm writing it here to give it more focus. It deserves more focus. It was in focus around April 15 (17), but since the reminder of tax filing day - and the pestering by some Republican candidates no longer in the race - it is no longer being emphasized. Here are some of the reasons I think anyone and everyone should bring it up.
Mitt claims that he is going to be a great leader in terms of the economy. Well, Mitt, don't the people deserve to see how you did with your own money? If you can't manage yours, than why should we trust you with the economy of the USA? This is a matter of competence.
Your charities (if you have any) show where your principles are (if you have any). This is what voters need to see. This is a matter of character.
Your tax returns will give us a clue as to whether or not your proposals regarding tax breaks and reduced regulation are for the good of the American public or if you are guided by self-interest. OK, I have a strong belief that it is self-interest but who knows, maybe I'm wrong? And if I'm right, I want my fellow citizens to be able to make an informed decision about you.
And I think we deserve more than just 2011. We deserve at least 10 years. They should certainly go back to before the time that you started cleaning up your act when you ran for office. You are running for an office where your actions will have long-term effects. We deserve a long-term history.
I hear you showed many years of tax returns to the McCain campaign - not always the most thorough with respect to vetting! - when they were considering you as VP. Don't you think that the country should receive the same courtesy for a presidential nominee? Would you hire someone without a thorough background check?
What are you hiding, Mitt?
If you want to talk about the economy, then you should be prepared to talk about your economy.
We need to insist on it until it happens.
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