Mitt and Ann Romney have released their 2010 tax return and an estimate of their 2011 return, thus offering extensive information about their personal finances. In approaching Romney’s taxes, a number of key points should be kept in mind. First, as a successful businessman, Governor Romney has not only added value to our economy through his investment and business activity, but he has paid millions in taxes every year to the U.S. government.

Mitt Romney thinks you should be grateful that he pays less than 15 percent in taxes:So, he's paid millions of dollars in taxes. Woohoo! Sure, it's been on tens of millions in income, and sure it's been less than 15 percent of his income, but what a great guy. We should all run out and buy him a Carvel ice cream cake to say thanks.

Actually, a cake might not be enough. I almost think we should pay him to be an American. After all, as his website says, he's "added value to our economy through his investment and business activity" and at times like this, we can't afford losing him to someplace like Switzerland. In fact, I hear he's already got a bank account there. The risk is real.