
Grover Norquist Is Unimpressed By Your Airline’s Pre-Flight Seat Belt Demonstration
GGN took to Twitter earlier this evening to air his grievances about being shown how to put on an airplane seat belt. On plane. Steward explaining how to attach and open seat belt.Everyone on this plane drove to the airport.In most of the 57 states it is legally required to wear a seatbelt.Thus since we […]
Grover Norquist Will Take Candy From Little Girls to Teach About Taxes
You're never too young to learn about taxes, I suppose. And if your dad is Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist, you can bet dad is going to be taking his 25% from your Halloween candy just to help you learn: Tonight as daughters accumulate candy I must provide life lesson on marginal […]
Grover Norquist Probably Didn’t Trip Balls at Burning Man But Plans to Return Anyway
"There's no mayor, no city council… If you leave people alone, they'll figure it out. You don't need the king to tell everybody what to do," said the man known for his no-tax pledge. But the question you might be asking yourself: What does Burning Man think of Norquist? There was certainly controversy surrounding the […]
Homer Simpson Shares Grover Norquist’s Anger Over George Bush’s Broken Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Our pal Tony Nitti has done us all a great service by compiling a Guide To Every Tax Reference In 'The Simpsons' Marathon. Should you take my advice and take some time off next week, you can catch a few hundred episodes. In any case, Tony's post is a great read for Simpsons fans who […]
Grover Norquist Just Ruined Your Burning Man Plans
Let's be honest, you weren't planning to go anyway. Its official. Samah and I are off to "Burning Man" this year. Scratch one from the Bucket List. — Grover Norquist (@GroverNorquist) July 28, 2014 The Internet has already reacted accordingly to this news. We have to wonder, why would Grover Norquist be drawn to […]
Grover Norquist Hopes Godzilla Can Teach Us About Living in Constant Fear
You will recall a recent Open Item that asked what if accountants could be replaced by software in the future? You might also recall one conspiracy-minded commenter who opined on the possibility of a mass electromagnetic pulse event that could wipe out every iPod and Excel tab in the world: Ready for a conspiracy theory? […]
Americans for Tax Reform’s Grover Norquist Finally Exposed as a Hipster
As if the beard and the "I hated taxes before it was cool" mantra wasn't proof enough, now we know for sure Grover is a big ole hipster: Do you even tax reform, bro?
The Key To Improving America’s Infrastructure is Kidnapping Grover Norquist
I mean really, that's going to be the only way to get anything done in Washington, obvs. From the Washington Examiner (yeah yeah, I know): Without more money to fix America’s roads, ports and airports, “our backs are against the wall,” said former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, the Democratic Party leader from 1999-2001. “What alternative […]
Grover Norquist May Have Had the Most Awkward Thanksgiving Ever
Some things should not be discussed at the Thanksgiving table. But I guess if you're related to Grover Norquist, what are you going to talk about? Thanksgiving dinner: Nana, mom, aunts telling chldbirth stories. 5 yr old says "so when the baby comes out Mommy's mouth…" Topic changed — Grover Norquist (@GroverNorquist) December 3, 2013
CREW Goes After Grover Norquist, Compares His ATR Works to Those of Al Capone
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington — or CREW, as they are lovingly and lazily known for those of us who love acronyms and hate organizations with long complicated names — has filed a complaint with the IRS and DoJ in the hopes they will investigate Americans for Tax Reform and, more specifically, its […]
Grover Norquist Hopes the Next Time Ted Cruz Wants to Troll the Entire Country, He’ll Run It Past Some People Who May or May Not Be Grover Norquist
Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, has ratcheted up his criticisms of Sen. Ted Cruz, calling the Texas tea party hero a poor political planner and demanding he apologize to fellow Republicans for his relentless push to defund Obamacare. Mr. Cruz’s filibuster and ongoing rhetoric about the need to topple Obamacare was a shaky […]
Grover Norquist Gives the All-clear on ‘Plan B’
Here's the official word from ATR: ATR has consistently maintained that individual Members of Congress make a pledge to their constituents to oppose and vote against tax increases. The House this week will vote on a tax bill. This legislation—popularly known as “Plan B”–permanently prevents a tax increase on families making less than $1 million […]
Chuck Schumer Has Been Waiting Out This Bad Marriage a While
As more and more Republican lawmakers say they are willing to break the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, Chuckles can't help but think that the time has come: “For three decades a right-wing lobbyist has exercised a stranglehold on Republican lawmakers,” Schumer said on the floor Tuesday. “Today one Republican after another have been rebuking this lobbyist. […]
Grover Norquist: No Matter What, Taxes Aren’t Going Up
GOP drum major Grover Norquist was interviewed by the Washington Post's Suzy Khimm and you'll be absolutely FLOORED to learn that they discussed taxes. Mostly, the discussion focused was on what would happen to various taxes after the election – what happens if Romney is elected, what happens if Obama is re-elected, what happens in […]
Oddly, Chuck Schumer Didn’t Appreciate the Nazi Comparison
Last week, tax slayer Grover Norquist chimed in on the Ex-PATRIOT Act, legislation that was introduced by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Bob Casey (D-PA). The Senators were concerned that ultra-rich dudes who no longer fancy American citizenship – namely Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin – were turning their backs on the USofA to avoid taxes. This […]
Grover Norquist Has a Cameo as a Wino in the Next Atlas Shrugged Movie
Considering the quality acting in the first Atlas Shrugged film, this scene with GGN will be a step up: Norquist, the president of Washington-based Americans for Tax Reform, first shot an office scene, handing a three-ring binder to heroine Dagny Taggart’s assistant. Easy enough, it sounds. Then producers suggested a second role. For a scene […]
Here’s a Video of Grover Norquist Getting Fastidious About His Beard, Juggling
We know a lot of things about Ronald Reagan soldier boy Grover Norquist. He doesn't care for colorful language. He's one of those bluetooth guys. He's willing to sacrifice all our grandmothers for the sake of keeping marginal tax rates low. But what about the real Grover you ask? You know, the guy who haunts […]
Illinois Congressman Timothy Johnson Forgot That He Signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, Then Remembered and Says It’s No Big Deal, Doesn’t Apply to Him
After Congressman Timothy Johnson (R-IL) called Grover Norquist's Taxpayer Protection Pledge “disingenuous and irresponsible,” and claimed he "never signed anything," when told he was, in fact, a signor, someone from ATR got on the case: Americans for Tax Reform provided Roll Call with a copy of Johnson’s signature on the tax pledge from 2002. On Feb. […]
Accounting News Roundup: The Frenzy at MF Global; Transocean’s Tax bill; NYC’s Sketchy Tax Preparers | 03.01.12
Fast, Furious at MF Global [WSJ]At 4:53 p.m. five days before MF Global Holdings Ltd. collapsed, an employee in its Chicago office asked a co-worker to move $165 million from one of the securities firm's bank accounts to another. "Approved," came the response one minute later, according to an email reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. […]
Any PR Firms Looking for a Challenge Should Contact the IRS
But just know what you're getting yourself into: “Advancing the interests of the North Korean leadership at the moment would be harder than the IRS,” suggested Matthew Harrington, chief executive officer of public relations powerhouse Edelman U.S. The U.S. prison in Guantanamo could prove a harder sell, said [Grover] Norquist. “It’s just a little less scary […]
Grover Norquist Has a Suggestion for Mitt Romney
Newt Gingrich nemesis Mitt Romney told Larry Kudlow last week that "phase two" of his tax plan was in the works but Godfather of Anti-Tax Policy Grover Norquist thinks he should save his energy. “The smart move is to say, ‘I’m with Paul Ryan,’” Norquist says. “Then it’s not ‘his plan,’ and [Romney] can simply […]
Report: Grover Norquist Admits to Being Hot for Taxes
America's Finest News Source has the photos that led to a press conference earlier today. In three particularly salacious shots taken one night during last summer's debt-ceiling standoff, the powerful conservative lobbyist can clearly be seen smiling while doing his taxes in a chair, on top of his desk, and in the hallway against a […]
The Year in Taxes: Sleepwalking Through 2011
In January, the tax world was still reeling from the extension of the Bush-era tax rate cuts signed into law in December. It also allowed rich people who died in 2010 to go to their rest without paying estate taxes, making George Steinbrenner a happy ghost. It also allowed living taxpayers to make tax-free […]
Grover Norquist Thinks This Donald Trump Debate Is a Dynamite Idea
Perhaps you’ve heard that oafish hair transplant recipient Donald Trump is going to moderate a GOP debate. Shockingly, a number people aren’t taking this idea too seriously and for good reason! The man is rich. And busy. And important. Plus, he has young kids at home. You know how kids are. How could he possibly squeeze such an important event into his schedule? Seems impossible. Oh, and then there’s the part where he’s an egomaniac that pretended he was thinking about running for President while maintaining that the President was born on Mars or some damn place. That too.
But you know who thinks this whole Donald Debate is fabulous idea? Yep:
I am assured that Donald Trump will be a fair-minded moderator and joined by serious journalists. This contrasts with several debates that have already occurred which have been moderated by hostile members of the left wing media. I strongly urge all GOP candidates to attend this debate.
At this time we’ll presume that being MIA from the debate will not equate a violation of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge but Mittens is skipping this circus, GGN’s choice may be easy.
[via ATR]
Gingrich, Romney Currently Leading the Race to Be Grover Norquist’s Whipping Boy
Did I say “Grover Norquist”? Sorry, sorry. By that, I meant, “the American People.”
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Hear that, Mittens? You need to do a re-write, or the the citizens of this great land will have you by the short and curlies. Get on it.
[via The Hill]
Steel Cage Death Tax Match: David Cay Johnston vs. Grover Norquist
Yesterday we called attention to the 60 Minutes interview of tax hatchetman Grover Norquist. Norquist haters nationwide were no doubt gritting their teeth while GGN yukked it up with Steve Kroft and spread the gospel of the Taxpayer Protection Pledge (aka “THE PLEDGE”). This may have inspired today’s column by the Godfather of Tax Journalists, David Cay Johnston. It explains first, how the utter failure of the Congressional Supercommittee actually will result in tax increases:
[B]arring a mad scramble to pass new laws in the next six weeks, workers will pay around $110 billion more in payroll taxes next year and they will not get a $55 billion tax cut proposed two months ago by President Barack Obama. Absent another last-minute fix, more than 22 million families will be required to pay higher income taxes due to the Alternative Minimum Tax, some only because a parent or child has cancer or some other costly medical need.
DCJ is of the opinion that these tax increases would violate THE PLEDGE and thus, should put every signer of THE PLEDGE directly in the tax assassin’s crosshairs. In short, THE PLEDGE is bullshit, says DCJ and its signers should really thinking about another pledge they took and act accordingly:
Pledge signers cannot serve two masters, Norquist and the Constitution. Politicians who do not renounce their pledge of allegiance to Norquist do not deserve to hold office as it prevents them from doing whatever is in the country’s best interests.
You have a choice to make, GOP lawmakers. This plea comes from another bearded man, so it should be taken just as serious.
GOP inaction means higher taxes [DCJ/Reuters]
Grover Norquist Denies Having Republican Congressional Members By Their Pubes
Republican Party HMFIC Grover Norquist was on 60 Minutes last night and Steve Kroft did his best to pull one over on him but as you might expect, GGN took all the questions like the K 12th Street gangsta that he is.
Lots of great moments to note. Some of my personal favorites:
1. Bob Dole’s face at ~1:30.
2. Newt Gingrich’s horrendous handwriting
3. Rat heads in the Coke bottle are quite a stunning image.
4. Two words: Grover, Babe
5. Let’s be real here: The President of Americans for Tax Reform doesn’t take the metro.
And Jesus, is Alan Simpson a grumpy old coot or what? Other observations are welcome at this time.
Grover Norquist Did His Best to Educate the Patriotic Millionaires on How to Pay Their Fair Share of Taxes
Not everyone agrees with tax hit man Grover Norquist’s ideas. While GGN would like nothing better than to see every federal and state levy banished to the darkness, there are a number of people who don’t share this view. A certain group of these people are from the more affluent corners of society and they’ve organized themselves as the “Patriotic Millionaires” in order to make the case that they are sick and tired of being able to afford competent CPAs to legally reduce their tax burden to an unfair amount. Grover, being the big softie that he is, realizes (not from personal experience, mind you) that the burden of not paying your fair of taxes is a heavy one. And because he’s upstanding patriot himself, he went to the Hill yesterday to meet with these troubled folks to help alleviate their pain:
“If you think the federal government can spend your money better than you can, then by all means” pay more in taxes than you owe, said Grover Norquist, of Americans for Tax Reform, a group that has gotten almost all congressional Republicans to pledge to vote against tax hikes. The IRS should have a little line on the form where people can donate money to the government, he suggested, “just like the tip line on a restaurant receipt.”
Tipping! Millionaires know how to do that, don’t they? I mean with all the servants and eating at fancy restaurants and whatnot, this should be an easy way for the wealthy to ease their low tax guilt. But despite all his suggestions and support, some did not receive the message all too well:
One of the millionaires suggested that if Norquist wanted low taxes and less government, “Renounce your American citizenship and move to Somalia where they don’t collect any tax.”
Well! If that’s the thanks Grover gets, don’t expect him to be so forthcoming with the advice next time.
With supercommittee silent, millionaires and others eagerly jump in with their own advice [WaPo]
Memo to Anyone Under the Impression That There Is Some Secret Backdoor Escape Hatch in the Taxpayer Protection Pledge That Says a Hike in the Capital Gains Tax Is Allowed: There Isn’t One
Because a whole slew of people out there seem to have severe memory loss and there are rumors that the not-so-Supercommittee is kicking around a hike in the capital gains tax, Americans for Tax Reform will go over this ONE. MORE. TIME.
The Congressional “Super Committee” is now in its final week of deliberations. Rumors are constantly swirling around Washington about what they are talking about. One rumor we have heard is that the Super Committee might consider hiking the capital gains tax rate paid by a wide range of investment partnerships, including partners and employees at private equity, venture capital and real estate firms. The Taxpayer Protection Pledge commits signers to “oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses.” This clearly precludes any hike in the capital gains tax rate.
Does Grover Norquist have to slap you people?
Please Watch Your Language Around Grover Norquist
For starters, “taxes” is an awful word, it pains him to have to utter it so often. Secondly, Rahm Emanuel could really use his mouth washed out with soap.
I’m sorry, have you met my libertarian friend Adrienne Gonzalez? She’d probably agree with you on several issues but you’d have to get comfortable with the colorful language.
Speaker of the House John Boehner Isn’t Sure Why You Would Bring Up ‘Random Person’ Grover Norquist
And this after GGN said such nice things about the Speaker.
Thursday, when NBC News’ Luke Russert asked Boehner if Norquist makes a positive impact on the party, Boehner thought it over for five seconds, The Washington Post’s Felicia Sonmez reports, before responding, “Our focus here is on jobs. We’re doing everything I can to get our economy going, to get people back to work. It’s not often I’m asked about some random person.”
I’m not sure how a person could bounce back from such an outright snub but it appears the Godfather of Tax Policy is taking it in stride and standing by his man.
[via AtlanticWire]
Happy (Belated) Birthday Grover Norquist!
The Godfather of Tax Policy turned 55 yesterday and since I was traveling, I wasn’t able to send out the well wishes on the day of. Sorry, GGN.
Thankfully, there were plenty of people that weren’t so careless:
You’ve got to think that Grove was expecting something from the ATR scamps. He counts their bagel and coffee consumption, after all. No way they’re missing a birthday. Got any birthday wishes for my fellow Swedish influencer? Leave them below.
Grover Norquist Needs His Hands Free When Enforcing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge
You know, in case he needs to shake the crap out of one of your tax-loving grandmothers.
Of course even political operatives aren’t immune to technological pitfalls:
[@DrTempitope via @GroverNorquist]
Grover Norquist Would Like to Take This Opportunity to Remember Steve Jobs
In the most offensive, self-serving way possible.
Jesus, Grover. You went after our grandmothers and we let it slide. But this. This is crossing the line.
[via @GroverNorquist]
Frank Wolf Has Grover Norquist’s Attention
Earlier we learned that Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf is completely creeped out by Tax Terminator Grover Norquist’s BSD status in the Republican Party.
It’s been bothering Mr. Wolf so much that his “conscience” compelled him to give a speech on the House floor today to remind everyone what kind of Grover company keeps (i.e. the “unsavory” kind).
And since Grover has Viking DNA coursing through his veins, you’d be a monkey’s uncle if you thought that he was going to let this shit slide:
Norquist branded Wolf’s speech a “hissy fit” and a “compilation of whack job criticisms.” He added that he thought the Virginia Republican, one of the relatively few GOP members of Congress to have not signed the tax pledge, was lashing out at him because he did not want to call out his Republican colleagues. “He is the only Republican arguing that tax increases are a good idea,” Norquist told The Hill. “What he has is a problem with the American people and the modern Reagan Republican Party.”
But hey, GN is old political cat; he knows how the game is played:
“[I]f he wants to chew on my ankles, I can take it.”
How’s that for a visual?
Norquist: GOP lawmaker’s criticism ‘beneath him’ [OTM/The Hill]
Grover Norquist Gives Congressman Frank Wolf the Heebie Jeebies
“My conscience has compelled me to come to the floor today to voice concerns I have with the influence Grover Norquist, the president of Americans for Tax Reform, has on the political process in Washington,” Wolf read from a statement on the floor of the House of Representatives today. Wolf listed a series of associations that he said undermines Norquist’s credibility as a policy advocate. Among them, he cited a relationship Norquist had with former lobbyist and convicted felon Jack Abramoff. “Mister Abramoff essentially laundered money through ATR and Mister Norquist knew it,” Wolf said. [Bloomberg]