"These politicians were using patriotism as a means to political gain without taking into consideration the long term effects this bill will have on their own fragile economy."
It seems that the Bermuda media understands our politicians better than our media and most of our voters. Note that I did not include politicians. That's because the politicians (on both sides of the aisle and in the Whitehouse) know exactly what they are doing. They're voting themselves more political power, at the expense of the US economy and US taxpayers.
"The losers in this political game are ultimately going to be Stanley Works when it finds it is no longer competitive with global companies who are not taxed on non-US income, the workers who will be out of jobs because Stanley Works will have to cut staff to remain competitive, the economy in Connecticut because unemployed people can't spend money they don't have and the US government who will lose income tax from the employees that lose their jobs and they will have to pay unemployment benefits to the people who could have remained in jobs."
It seems that they understand the consequences better, as well. In fact, their final statement says it all:
"Instead of pushing patriotism for political gain, politicians should be helping their companies to be as competitive as they can so that they can pull through this very tough time in the global economy."
I recall reading that the Helmsley's paid over $500 million in taxes during the year in question, and that the dispute was over a couple of hundred thousand in deductions.
So, while the article reinforces the tarnishing of Mrs. Helmsley's image, she apparently pulled not only her own weight, but the weight of countless beneficiaries of Government Wealth Redistribution.
What I read otherwise seemed refreshing.