Smith: Double trouble for taxpayers

Monday, April 21, 2014

photo Robin Smith

The distrust in the minds of voters grows justifiably on a regular basis fueled by double standards and double-talk.

Let's look at a few examples.

The immigration system is broken. Period. While politicians speak of compassion that should be shown to allow men and women into America without citizenship to provide for their families, current immigration laws are being broken as millions of taxpayer dollars are consumed by individuals in the U.S. illegally.

Yet, a rancher in Nevada feels the full weight of the federal government with his cattle confiscated, some killed, in a modern-day standoff because he's paid his grazing fees to the state government but not to the federal government, which owns 86 percent of land in the state.

Is the rancher providing for his family, as he has for decades? He has paid his fees to the state government but is disregarding the federal government. Yet, why are the federal authorities exercising their legal jurisdiction on one U.S. citizen while, according to a recent New York Times article, U.S. Justice Department records reveal a 43 percent decline in deportation of illegal immigrants since 2009?

Then, there was "tax day." Under penalty of law, most Americans filed their taxes and reported their income. Yet, Americans have to work until today, April 21, to pay their debt to government, which refuses to cut spending, mocks those who express concern about the debt and deficit, and does so as the labor force shrinks.

But government-loving politicians declare, "Pay your fair share!"

Ahem, I believe the working population is paying the full share. It's time to cut up the political credit card and get able-bodied Americans back to work.

Let's not forget the IRS, the agency that all fear because of the havoc that can be exacted through audits, ongoing "investigations" and questions about the finances of businesses, individuals or organizations.

Yet, that government agency, proven through email documentation between Lois Lerner, the Federal Election Commission, and the Department of Justice, has been targeting conservative political groups, Christian groups and pro-Israel groups through coordinated efforts of harassment and intimidation.

So what's happening for the same abuse included in the articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon? We're witnessing delays, deflection and blame of those pursuing answers in an attempt to conjure a straw argument as a distraction.

And don't forget the Voter ID drama.

It's now required to show identification when boarding an airplane; cashing a check; purchasing alcohol or cigarettes; qualifying for food stamps or signing up for welfare, Medicaid or Medicare; applying for a fishing license; visiting a casino; giving blood; and buying certain over-the-counter medicines.

But, it's racist to require an individual to provide a form of identification to vote, according to the left that thrives on victimhood.

Finally, it's the political season. Listening to all who pledge they "won't politicize" a judge position to uphold the judicial code or promise to "serve with integrity" in a position of public accountability while whispering insults, employing intimidation and playing nothing but mudslinging politics is par for the political day.

The demise of trust in our government, elected officials and too many leaders lies in the arbitrary use of the law to punish some while ignoring others and the manipulation of facts to fit one's definition of truth.

Double standards, double-talk and double trouble for honest citizens who are watching America's decay.

Robin Smith served as chairwoman of the Tennessee Republican Party, 2007 to 2009. She is a partner at the SmithWaterhouse Strategies business development and strategic planning firm and serves on Tennessee's Economic Council on Women.