| ...oh no, not me.
As a tax guy, I tend to gravitate towards analyses of tax issues, and there certainly hasn't been a shortage of them. And while the first 2 parts of this series focused on the Governor's race, this part will focus on the APP and it's recent attempt to act as teabaggers.
It is true that NJ property taxes are very high. It is also true that it is a result of a very complex and convoluted system that requires major overhaul - and while Chris Daggett's plan is interesting, it doesn't address some of the very large and fundamental issues.
That being said, the APP has gone "all in" when it comes to taxes - but on any level of analysis, it is less substance and more cheerleading for protests and feeding off of the bordering-on-violent hysteria that we all saw this past summer. I'll highlight three things in this post that at best, show irresponsible journalism and at worst, can be classified as an "in-kind donation" to the Republican party.
The "Tax Crush Series"
While I won't go into all of the issues noted in each of the 8 days, there are a couple that I want to highlight. On Day 1 of the 8 Day "Tax Crush Series", there was a link to "How to Fix New Jersey". Sounding noble, it lists a number of "solutions", however they range from far fetched to outrageous. Things like Convene a Constitutional Convention (not ever going to happen) to Cutting Expenses (which the APP admits won't do anything to cure any property tax costs) to Shuffle the Tax Structure (which Daggett's plan does but takes from the property tax and higher wage income tax and shifts to a higher sales tax base) to Leaving the State (way to support NJ) are the proposed "solutions" - none of which do much other than stir up more angst and frustration.
On Day 3, the top story puts blame on unions - a favorite target of FOX News and the Republican party, and also cites the much debunked "people are leaving the state" argument. Both of which are tried and true "blame game" actions and not much else - even more since a basic google search will debunk both of these claims.
The "Action Plan"
Short of actually sponsoring and organizing teabagging parties, the APP posted its "Action Plan for Citizens as an OpEd shortly after its 8 days of riling up its readers. Ironically, after the 8 day "Tax Crush Series" finger pointed and complained, the article started with the following: Are you ready to stop complaining about your taxes and start doing something about them? Here are some ways to fight back
And as Jason Springer wrote recently about this: Search the online comments section for other outraged people to make yourself more angry. That's responsible. It's quite clear they're pushing a partisan agenda, which while not surprising is still disappointing, because now more than ever we need real reporting to inform the readers of the complex issues facing our state.
Some of the "action items"?
- Make noise. Let your elected officials know you are out there, that you're angry and that you want them to lower your tax bills.
So the first action item after "ready to stop complaining" is to complain and complain loudly. Others noted include:
- On Tuesday's editorial page, we will publish a survey we will provide each of the candidates for state office in November. It will ask them to state their three most important ideas for reducing taxes and government spending, and which of the 20 points in the Asbury Park Press/Gannett New Jersey tax relief plan they would push for if elected. The candidates' responses to the surveys will be posted at APP.com. If you don't see their response, badger them until they have completed the survey.
- Organize. Join together with neighbors and friends who feel the same way you do about unaffordable taxes. Plan letter-writing campaigns, protests, rallies and other actions that will demonstrate to your elected officials that you will not go away until things change.
So....you should stop complaining and (1) complain loudly, (2) "badger" your local office candidates and (3) organize protests, which is complaining loudly together with others who are angry.
How responsible of the APP.
After the jump, I'll get into APP's call for "A Citizens' Army". |
