Coburn Talks Taxes; Oklahoma Senator Willing to Consider Tax Increases if Spending Is Cut

We didn't expect to hear it from Sen. Tom Coburn, but the Oklahoma Republican says he is open to (gasp!) a tax increase. Really.

Such talk is heresy in the GOP, of course, since almost every Republican this side of Teddy Roosevelt argues that the solution to every national problem is a tax cut.

There's a catch, of course. Coburn's support for a tax hike is contingent on federal spending reductions, another favorite mantra of the Republican Party. Still, it's refreshing to hear a Republican with the courage to actually say that some tax increases could be part of the solution to the nation's fiscal problems.

The story, with video, is here.

P.S.—For the record, no, we aren't crazy about paying taxes either. But we do see the necessity for taxes and the vital government services they provide, including national defense and security, infrastructure support, and basic social services, among other things. In short, keep us safe and secure our way of life, which we like.