Jim Lindgren said he was surprised when a local NBC affiliate ran a news story about Joe the Plumber's tax problems, complete with "incriminating" documents. Well, I don't know why he'd be surprised by that, but I digress. His point was to emphasize a complete lack of media interest in the problems that can be found in Barack Obama's tax records.
Just to remind you, Illinois prohibits state legislators from taking speaking fees, and Barack reported "speaking fees.":
Apparently, as an Illinois state legislator through 2004, Barack was prohibited from taking honoraria for speaking under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act.
But what about Barack Obama’s 2000 and 2002 tax returns?
2000: On his 2000 Schedule C-EZ, Barack reported that he received $16,500 as a “Foundation director/Educational speaker.”
2001: On his 2001 Schedule C-EZ, Barack reported $98,158 from a Chicago law firm, Miner, Barnhill, for “Legal services/attorney” (and nothing for speaking).
2002: On his 2002 Schedule C, Barack reported $34,491 for “LEGAL SERVCES / SPEAKING FEES.”
These “speaking fees” are in addition to the amounts that Barack was paid as an employee, a lecturer at the University of Chicago, reported on the first page of his 1040s.
The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (apparently last changed in 1995) provides:
(5 ILCS 420/2-110)
Sec. 2-110. Honoraria.
(a) No member of the General Assembly shall accept any honorarium.
(b) As used in this Section:
"Honorarium" means a payment of money to a member of the General Assembly for an appearance or speech . . . .
Says Lindgren,
"The problem is the press, which seems to be having more trouble than usual doing its job this season."
The press undoubtedly thinks it is doing its job -- saving the country and the world from Republicans. Obama's is a minor infraction, not at all worth talking about. It's a given. Obama is a champion of the little people. Think Robin Hood. Everything he does (and probably ever did) is for the greater good of all. You can't convict a man for that.
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