Read My Lips...

Well, we finally have a tax policy from the Republican front-runner, John McCain.

McCain made the pledge of "no new taxes" on ABC's "This Week," after skirting the issue since the start of his campaign. Of course, it included no explanation of how he would do this and still make any real attempt to balance the budget.

This is code for supporting the extension of the "temporary" tax cuts put in place in 2001 and 2003. In both cases, McCain opposed the tax cuts as irresponsible because they didn't include cuts in spending. But back then he was able to say what he really thought: today he needs to support of the Republican party in his presidential bid.

In Washington, the word "temporary" means "too stupid to propose as permanent," or maybe "to be made permanent after they expire, at which time we'll make a real decision." So, whoever is elected President will have to deal with the issue when the tax changes expire in 2010. Just one of many issues that will be passed on to the next administration.

This whole discussion simply adds to the problem the Republican party faces in trying to make any claim that they are the more fiscally responsible party.

The budget deficit, national debt, weakening dollar, and inflation all create national security issues, economic problems, and are increasingly becoming important to mainsteam voters.

We don't need "no new taxes" rhetoric; we need real solutions, and most people realize it.