Clinton tax quote context
Yesterday, Media Matters criticized the media for “ignoring the context” of a statement Hillary Clinton gave a few years ago. For those that might not immediately remember the quote, here it is as reported on that site:
Clinton said:
We’re saying that for America to get back on track, we’re probably going to cut that short [ed. Bush’s tax cuts] and not give it to you. We’re going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good.
Media Matters reported that the Clinton’s statement was given to a crowd of people that she thought were “well enough off,” as if that fact makes it any better. The problem is not who Clinton made the statement to, it is the statement itself. The purpose of the government is not “to take things away from you on behalf of the common good,” it’s to protect individuals from people who would want to do so. I don’t think Clinton was blasted hard enough for this statement of hers back then, and I hope it comes out more as she goes further along the presidential race.
Tags: [clinton, politics]