If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we are absolutely verklempt over liberal blogger Jon Ralston’s adoption of our Taxpayer Protection Pledge tactics!
Over the years, Ralston has derided our efforts to get candidates to sign the Tax Pledge as everything from brain-dead to stupid. And yet he’s currently on his own crusade in support of the teachers union’s gross receipts tax that is nearly identical in action and effect.
The overall objective is the same: We want to get every candidate running for the state Legislature on record promising to oppose any and all efforts to increase taxes. Imitating our efforts, Ralston wants to get every candidate running for the state Legislature on record as either opposing or supporting the upcoming ballot initiative to impose this new corporate income tax on Nevada’s businesses.
Yes, we’re asking politicians to go on record as opposing any and all tax hikes…and Jon’s asking politicians to go on record as supporting one specific tax hike. But tactically speaking, that’s a distinction without a difference.
The only real difference between the two efforts is that we require candidates to sign a written statement, whereas Jon is willing to take their word for it. But Jon’s a newbie at this sort of political action, so he’ll have to learn the hard way that verbal commitments from politicians aren’t worth doodley-squat.
Still, like Erin Neff before him, we welcome Jon as he completes his transition from liberal “journalist” to liberal political activist. His fellowship at PLAN or the ACLU is surely right around the corner.
