More speculation in a series of speculative diaries.
Because until we know, we are free to guess. The political cost is of keeping his taxes secret is high; what is in them that makes paying that price necessary?
So, anyway, props to namelessgenxer, who has hosted the McCain opposition research file on Willard M. Romney.
Today's speculation comes from these tidbits from that file.
- After calling for economic divestment from Iran, Romney was embarrassed by revelation that the Italian branch of Bain & Company – firm where Romney started as young consultant and served as CEO in early ‘90s – received $2.3 million contract from National Iranian Oil Company in 2004.
- Bain Capital, the private equity firm that made Romney his fortune, currently owns a chemicals and paint company called SigmaKalon that operates an office in Tehran.
- French Oil Company Total SA Has Deep Ties To Iran – In 2002 Bain Capital Purchased Total’s Chemicals Business, Including Its Office In Tehran
- Romney Made “Extraordinary Plea” To International Olympic Committee To Consider China For Olympic Games Despite Human Rights Abuses
So, my guess is that Willard is a pretty greedy guy, who puts making money ahead of morality and skirts the law when the returns for doing so are high enough. I think we know enough to justify that opinion.
Therefore, I will guess that an examination of his tax returns will show several cases where Willard set up shell corporations or otherwise evaded the law to do business with nations often considered antagonistic to the US. We've got evidence for China and Iran. Other nations equally disreputable may appear in his taxes.
Saddam - era Iraq?
Pakistan?
North Korea?
Cuba?
We don't know, and there's only one way we can know. Romney must release several more years of taxes - oh, and provide some way to independently validate that those are the real forms.
The larger question, of course, is whether or not we want a President about whom these questions must be asked. I think not.