Kathleen Sebelius Does NOT Have 'Tax Problems'

Ah, the media creates reality again.

With this headline, courtesy of the Miami Herald: Add Sebelius to list of Obama Cabinet picks with tax troubles.

No, she doesn't. Once you actually read the article, you see she doesn't. But, I still rolled my eyes again when I saw the headline (abbreviated, "More tax problems: Now Sebelius," over at RCP,) and thought to myself, Really? Can't they get one thing right, please? I felt simultaneously mad and defensive toward Sebelius and disgusted at the Obama vetting operation. So, in other words, just the kind of emotional reaction media companies love.

Then I read the article. Which clearly points out that 1) as soon as Sebelius was nominated for HHS Secretary she hired an accountant to scrub her back taxes, 2) the filed amended returns for the years with errors (which were minor) and 3) she included those amended returns in her disclosure packet to the Senate Finance Committee. in other words: Kathleen Sebelius does not have any tax problems, she was cognizant of the fact that she better make sure before the started the nomination process, and she voluntarily resolved what issues were found, and openly presented them.

The buzz around the Senate is very positive for Sebelius. Hopefully very soon she will be in the post as HHS Secretary and we can get a move on Health Care overhaul.