Norquist’s actions are criminal

Donald Maw, Mesquite

Friday, Dec. 14, 2012 | 2 a.m.

It is sickening to read William Shughart’s accolades of Grover Norquist in Sunday’s Sun. Let’s look at the facts. Norquist is a lobbyist, pure and simple. He primarily represents unknown rich and powerful clients under the guise of his Americans for Tax Reform. They’re unknown because member lists are not public. It is Norquist’s job to protect and enhance the wealth of his clients. His job description does not include helping the American citizenry.

Norquist has reached his objective by coercing, if not extorting, members of Congress to sign his pledge to not raise taxes. He has accomplished his goal by threatening to spend thousands, if not millions, of dollars to defeat the non-signers at the next election. He is the original “my way or the highway” kind of guy.

Anyone with an ounce of sense knows that to balance the budget, there must be a balanced approach to spending reductions and increased revenue including, but not limited to, tax increases. Norquist is doing his best to eliminate half of the equation.

He is guilty of undue influence over many members of Congress through coercion. I believe he belongs on a pedestal, so long as the pedestal is in a federal prison.