The Power of the Times Compels You

Although the newspaper industry -- the New York Times included -- has been struggling financially, there is something about a well written editorial that can't be replicated online or on TV. A ranting blog post or a red-faced Keith Olbermann simply doesn't have the same effect.

The Times' editorial page called today for Tom Daschle to withdraw his name from nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Daschle, like two other Obama nominees (Nancy Killefer and new treasury secretary Tim Geithner), was found to have neglected to pay enough taxes over the last few years.

In both the Geithner and Daschle cases, the failure to pay taxes is attributed to unintentional oversights. But Mr. Daschle is one oversight case too many. The American tax system depends heavily on voluntary compliance. It would send a terrible message to the public if we ignore the failure of yet another high-level nominee to comply with the tax laws.

Although Geithner was confirmed, Daschle followed Killefer today in withdrawing his name. Why?

NBC's Andrea Mitchell spoke to Daschle who said it was this morning's New York Times editorial that convinced him he had to withdraw.

That's the right decision.