Romney Won't Release Tax Records. What Does He Have to Hide?

Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential candidate, claims to be the best choice for improving the economy. Yet, he only released one year of tax records. How can we trust that Romney will pursue a fair tax system for the middle-class and not just favor the wealthy if he won't release a full accounting of his own tax returns?

The irony is that his father, George Romney, started the trend of presidential candidates releasing tax returns. George released 12 years worth of records, enough to show that he didn't have anything to hide in his private financial dealings that would make him look less than ethical. As George Romney said, releasing one year of records, "could be a fluke, perhaps done for show." Mitt Romney, the son, should follow his father's lead and release a full accounting of his tax returns. President Obama has released extensive records, so what does Romney have to hide?

He has already admitted he only paid 15% in taxes by putting his money in over-seas tax havens such as in the Cayman Islands. It's legal, but it makes him look unwilling to share in the public responsibility of paying a fair share of U.S. taxes. It also makes him look like an elitist who doesn't have to play by the same rules everyone else does. If Mitt Romney loves America so much, why does he keep his money in offshore accounts? Why won't he want to invest in America by keeping his money in American banks?

During the Republican primary campaign, Romney said he'd release additional tax returns in April, and he were are now in mid-July!! Yet another misleading statement by a shifty candidate. This is what releasing a full accounting of his tax records can help show. If he has nothing to hide, then why just release a full decade of tax returns, and we'll move on. Even fellow Republican Haley Barber thinks Romney should release these tax returns. These are important issues in a time of economic uncertainty when tax dollars are especially important in helping seniors and the middle-class weather financial hardships.

When the rich don't pay their fair share in taxes, cities have no choice but to lay-off fire fighters, police officers and teachers. Today, those cuts are happening in American cities across the country. It's time for Mitt Romney to be honest and open with the American people. It's time he show us that he can be trusted. Demand he show a full decade to America and show he has nothing to hide.

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