Joe the Tax Cheat

Samuel J. ("Joe the Plumber") Wurzelbacher of Toledo, OH, who was the guest of honor (in absentia) at last night's debate, was on Good Morning America today complaining that he shouldn't be penalized for being successful by having his taxes increased. OK, I guess, but he's a little misguided. Taxes are NOT penalties. They're partly how we get to fight wars -- defensive or otherwise -- subsidize the oil industry, subsidize big agra, buy all that oil from the Middle East, and pay all that interest on our $10+ trillion national debt. Oh, wait... maybe that is a penalty. Oh, well, he has a point, since no one like to pay taxes.

But does Joe even pay his taxes? ABC News reports that Joe owes nearly $1,200 in state taxes according to a tax lien filed in public records. Oops.

LUCAS COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
J. BERNIE QUILTER, CLERK
700 ADAMS STREET TOLEDO, OHIO

MONETARY AMOUNT: $1,182.98

DEPT OF TAXATION STATE OF OHIO

Defendant 1:
WURZELBACHER SAMUEL J
30 DERBYSHIRE RD
TOLEDO, OH 43615

The county's deputy clerk states that he might not know about the lien. But he sure knows he didn't pay his taxes. So, if this is the same Samuel J. Wurzelbacher identified as Joe the Plumber, then gee, I don't think he'd make a good poster child for McCain's tax plan.

14:58, 14:59, 15:00 -- time's up, Joe!