Column: Three Cheers For Tax Reform!

My Stephens Media column this past weekend focused on the new-found popularity of tax reform proposals. It is actually common in election years, but this time around Herman Cain and Rick Perry are betting their campaigns on them.  Both are bold proposals to simplify a very complicated tax code; however, neither are as simple as they appear.  I explain in great detail in my column and conclude….

This is not a strike against either plan. Both proposals are bold in their scope and are moving the ball forward on bringing much-needed tax reforms. Both are better than the broken framework in which we now operate.

But for these plans to become law, the president would have to get them through Congress, where bold ideas often get picked apart by 535 representatives and senators, all with their own set of ideas and agendas.

However, it is nice to hear bold ideas.

The problem right now for both men is that nobody is talking about their tax reform ideas anymore as both have been thrown off message. Cain is having to explain a story from Politico that uncovers a sexual harassment charge from the 1990’s. Perry is drawing unwanted attention to a speech he gave in New Hampshire where he certainly appears to be intoxicated (but organizers deny that he was.)

Meanwhile, Mitt Romney — who let’s face it is most Republicans back up date for the prom — is looking better everyday.  Well, maybe not better, but perhaps someone we can settle for. Saturday Night Live pretty much had it right.

While speaking of columns, I invite you to check out the column from the newest Stephens Media columnist Roy Ockert editor of the Jonesboro Sun.  Ockert first column looks at a subject I have written quite a bit about – legislator’s salaries.