In 2001, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) opposed the first round of President Bush's tax cuts, saying they were "generous tax relief to the wealthiest individuals of our country at the expense of lower- and middle-income American taxpayers." But now, as he runs for president, McCain openly mocks rhetoric that talks about "who the, quote, 'wealthy' are in America."  

In fact, McCain has offered massive tax cuts, mostly for corporations, that are as costly as Bush's tax cuts and even more regressive. In an analysis released last week, Center for American Progress Action Fund Senior Fellow Robert Gordon and Domestic Policy Adviser James Kvaal conclude that McCain's proposals are "enormously expensive," as they essentially double the Bush tax cuts. Additionally, "the McCain plan would predominantly benefit the most fortunate taxpayers" while shifting "the tax burden from investment income onto earned income."  

Not only would McCain ease the tax burden predominantly for the most wealthy, according to Gordon and Kvaal, but his plan "will lead to increased sheltering." Additionally, "McCain cannot pay for his tax cuts without massive reductions in Social Security, Medicare, or other key programs that benefit the vast majority of Americans."  

In essence, McCain has adopted the agenda of anti-tax ideologue Grover Norquist, who wants to make radical changes to the U.S. tax code "at the expense of lower- and middle-income Americans."

Allen L Roland   http://blogs.salon.com/0002255/2008/03/25.html

Freelance Online columnist and recognized therapist Allen L Roland is available for comments, interviews, speaking engagements and private consultations ( allen@allenroland.com )