Friday, October 23, 2009 Afternoon

This is The Huckabee Report for Friday. I'm Mike Huckabee.

Occasionally, we hear American millionaires, some of them big Hollywood stars, moaning that we have a deficit not because spending is out of control, but because Americans’ taxes just aren’t high enough. I always like to point out to them that there’s a little line on the tax form, where they can write in any amount as a voluntary contribution to reduce the national debt. If they really feel that strongly about paying more, they might instruct their teams of high-powered tax attorneys to fill in that line sometime.

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If you think you’d be happier in a peaceful, leftist utopia like Norway, think again. Then I hope you enjoy sharing all your financial secrets with your neighbors. Norwegian tax officials just posted every citizen’s full tax records on the Internet. Proponents say it shows how dedicated to equality and transparency Norway is. Critics say it’s a gross violation of privacy, a bonanza for gossips, and a handy roadmap for criminals looking for the most lucrative victims.

How about a warmer climate: Venezuela? Socialism and communism inevitably lead to shortages, but on the plus side, they spread the misery equally. The current shortage is water. And if you think Norway’s tax policy invades your privacy, how’d you like to have their President Hugo Chavez in the shower with you? He just told Venezuelans to stop singing in the shower – I don’t want to know how he plans to enforce that – so they can finish in under three minutes. Chavez insisted that he spends only three minutes in the shower, and he doesn’t stink. Some of his citizens might disagree.

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Finally, a reminder to get out and enjoy the weekend with your family. Shop for candy and pumpkins and Halloween costumes for next weekend, but try to make it back in time for my Fox News TV show Saturday and Sunday nights. You can also catch up on any radio or TV shows you’ve missed at my website, and see a beautiful Fender guitar, autographed by the Oak Ridge Ridge Boys. We’re auctioning it to help the Wanna Play Fund support music education in schools. It’s all at MikeHuckabee.com.