I think where we disagree, Clanci, is that you see some sort of "special treatment" in these matters. I don't think there was any. If had been you or I that hadn't claimed some income, the same thing would have happened - we would have had to pay it (and depending on the amount of under-payment, maybe a penalty, too). There would never be criminal charges in a case like this.
Both Grietner and Daschel payed taxes... probably a lot of taxes. Everyone tries to pay as little as is legally permissable - that is completely acceptable. If you take dedcuction you shouldn't, or you don't declare some income that you should, they let you know and you have either fight it in Tax Court or pay them. So long as you do one or the other, you aren't going to be charged criminally.
It is embarrassing that these guys didn't pay all of their taxes, but I don't think it bears on their fitness for those appointments. The argument could be made that in Geitner's case, due to his position, that it does bear some relevelance, but I don't think it is serious enough to disqualify him if he is otherwise capable.
Best,
Robert A. Franco
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