Based on my reading, the issue of tax evasion does not seem to follow any partisan lines.
I didn't meant to imply that they were, although since my examples were from the current admin, I can see how they could be viewed that way. I was just keeping it current and relevant.
I wouldn't expect a big difference along party lines, but it would make an interesting study, no? OTOH, there is that added hypocrisy element when high ranking members of a party that promotes taxing the "rich" are caught not meeting their own minimum legal obligations. And I say that as an independent voter.
ERD: Nobody like the fact that Geithner was a tax cheat. But if in fact he is the best person to get us out of the fix we are in, sometimes you have to evaluate the pros and cons and make a tough call. If it turns out the Geithner cannot solve the problem, then this will have turned out to be a bad choice. But it is far too soon to tell.
OK, that is at least a defensible position, IMO. Whether he can help solve the problems remains to be seen, but his actions to date have not instilled confidence in the markets. And I think this is a case where "perception" is important. There is just something very wrong about a tax cheat heading that office. Sends a very bad message to hard working, law abiding citizens. That is a big "con" (pun intended) to overcome, let's see if he can dish up the "pros" to do it. He may be the best for the job, but he's got a ball and chain on his leg dragging him down, as I see it.
Regarding your point about the market going down due to Administration actions....I think that is not clear at all. There are many reasons why the market is dropping.
I think we are going in circles here. Yes, there are other factors. But, if you overlay the time/date of announcements from the admin with *moves* in the market, I think it paints a clear picture of whether the market has confidence that those announcements will be good for the economy or not.
Quick illustration on "the market" versus "the economy" and long term results:
Let's say the XYZ company announces that it has developed a proprietary , tightly patented process that will allow them to double the performance of their products at half the manufacturing cost and at a reduced environmental impact. They also say that it will take six months before they will be able to ship products based on this new process.
Now, does "the market" say
"well, I'm not going to bid up the price of that company until they actually start booking that profit.", or do they buy up the stock price to some higher level in response to a positive plan for the future growth of the company?
-ERD50