by 
The citizens of the United States of America need to see Donald Trump’s tax returns and we need to see them now. The reasons are multiple and pressing.
With many verified connections between the Trump campaign, his administration and Russia, those returns may shed light on the ties between himself, his family and a hostile foreign power.
Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter David Cay Johnston wrote last May in an article about Trump’s history with the mafia, “No other candidate for the White House this year has anything close to Trump’s record of repeated social and business dealings with mobsters, swindlers, and other crooks.” President Trump’s tax returns may offer insight as to the reality of this claim.
Release of two pages of 2005 tax returns establish that the Department of Treasury/Internal Revenue Service tax code forced President Trump to sharply increase his tax liability by invoking the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) option. Will his coming tax reform initiative further advance his own and his families interests by eliminating the AMT and substituting other rules more favorable to himself and his family? Without his tax returns we won’t know and suspicions are sure to fester.
The Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution forbids the president from accepting money from foreign governments. His ownership of the Trump Organization, and all the loans, deals and promotions all over the world that come with it, may put him in active violation of that clause. His tax returns when made public may help confirm or deny this Constitutional offense.
On Saturday, April 15, Copper Corridor residents will rally with hundreds of thousands of like minded citizens in a clarion call for President Donald J. Trump to show us his tax returns. As controversy swirls and conflicts of interests loom, tax reform and budget decisions take center stage. The need for transparency and accountability grows ever more urgent.
Mr. President, show us your tax returns!
/s/ Frank Pierson
Oracle, AZ
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
by by