Over the past few days, I’ve listened to some of the hearings Congress is holding regarding the IRS scandals, in particular, the one where the IRS targeted conservative groups, including religious organizations, slowing or denying them tax exempt status. As I watched some of the video replayed, I was shocked at the IRS Commissioner’s behavior. Completely ignoring the decorum and air of respect for Congress that are normally part of these proceedings, he interrupted speakers, belittled their statements, and did everything except answer their questions. And all the while, wearing a smug arrogant smile that told us all how proud he was of himself. I would have not been surprised if he were a young and inexperienced man, but he should know better.
At first, I wanted to reach through the internet and slap that smirk off his face. But late last night as I considered all of the day’s events, I found myself feeling sorry for Mr. Koskinen.