A couple of days ago in my diary titled, "I'm confused. Is it GOOD or BAD for Americans to avoid paying taxes?", I was reminded by citizenx that back in July, Mitt Romney said this about paying taxes:



ROMNEY: From time to time I've been audited as happens I think to other citizens as well and the accounting firm which prepares my taxes has done a very thorough and complete job pay taxes as legally due. I don't pay more than are legally due and frankly if I had paid more than are legally due I don't think I'd be qualified to become president. I'd think people would want me to follow the law and pay only what the tax code requires.

"The Romneys’ generous charitable donations in 2011 would have significantly reduced their tax obligation for the year. The Romneys thus limited their deduction of charitable contributions to conform to the Governor's statement in August, based upon the January estimate of income, that he paid at least 13% in income taxes in each of the last 10 years."

Mitt's 2011 tax return, released today, includes the following statement from Romney's trustee, Brad Malt:In other words, Mitt made a conscious choice to pay "more than is legally due," thus, disqualifying himself for the presidency under his own standard.

I feel sad for him that he has come this far and now has to bow out of the race. But I have long admired Mitt as being a man of his word, as Ann Romney has attested to many, many times. His honor means everything to him.

I salute you, Mitt Romney! Goodbye and good luck!