Byron York on John Kerry & Tax Returns on National Review Online
John Kerry’s charitable contributions from 1991-1995
Kerry’s returns from 1995 and earlier, before his marriage to Heinz, have sometimes attracted criticism over the issue of charitable giving. In 1995, according to published reports, Kerry reported a taxable income of $126,179, and charitable contributions of $0. In 1994, he reported income of $127,884, and charitable donations of $2,039. In 1993, he reported income of $130,345, and contributions of $175. In 1992, he reported income of $127,646, and contributions of $820. In 1991, he reported income of $113,857, and contributions of $0.
George W. Bush’s giving from 1991-1993.
As far as Bush is concerned, in 1991, the future president, then a private citizen, reportedly had income of $179,591, and charitable contributions of $28,236. In 1992, Bush reported income of $212.313, and contributions of $31,914. In 1993, Bush reported income of $610,772, and contributions of $31,292. In 1994, Bush reported income of $474,937 and in 1995, income of $419,481. Published reports at that time did not list Bush’s charitable contributions for those two years.
So the guy that wants to raise taxes doesn’t give of his own money near as much as the guy who wants to let you keep more of your own money. Granted, Kerry has been better at giving lately but the mindset of a liberal that doesn’t give much to charity is mind blowing. These are the folks that are supposed to care more than the evil conservatives that want to hoard their money and let children starve to death. Guys like Kerry, Gore and Bradley give liberals a real bad name from the compassion point of view.
7 responses so far ↓
1 Ken // Mar 25, 2004 at 9:39 am
It has always been my experience that the more someone tells you about their Great Concern and Compassion (TM), the more corrupt they are.
Concern & Compassion (TM) — the truest mark of the sociopath.
2 Miller's Time // Mar 26, 2004 at 4:01 pm
Miller’s Twelve Pack…
It’s Friday, so that means it must be time for the Twelve Pack. There were so many good posts to choose from it was tough to narrow it down to just 12 (plus the Shot) so with out further delay, here we go.
3 Derek // May 5, 2004 at 9:05 am
Using the information contained within the links YOU posted, here are the numbers and the final totals on said information.
http://www.nationalreview.com/york/york200403220840.asp
A quick review of the information in that article clearly shows that even though Kerry has a few years of no charitable giving, so does Bush.
Further review shows that from the information in that link that Kerry donates more of his overall taxable income than Bush.
Kerry 8.0% vs Bush’s 2.0%.
If we removed Bush’s 1998 income and charity, the numbers still favor Kerry.
Kerry 8.0% vs Bush’s 5.3%
Clearly, based on the available iformation in the link you posted Kerry donates a higher percentage of his taxable income than Bush.
I’d be more than happy to update this if anyone has numbers for Bush for the missing years.
________________________________________________
Per the information in that link:
Kerry – Salary – Charity
2002 – $144,091.00 – $18,600.00
2001 – $137,499.00 – $22,370.00
2000 – $137,012.00 – $19,221.00
1999 – $395,338.00 – $43,735.00
1997 – $217,338.00 – $21,795.00
1996 – $143,795.00 – $14,325.00
1995 – $126,719.00 – $0.00
1994 – $127,884.00 – $2,039.00
1993 – $127,700.00 – $175.00
1992 – $127,646.00 – $820.00
1991 – $113,857.00 – $0.00
Totals – $1,798,879.00 – Donations – $143,080.00 = 5.8% taxable income
Bush:
1998 – $18,400,000.00 – $334,425.00
1997 – $271,920.00 – $25,382.00 (assumed using 9.5% as average for years reported)
1995 – $419,481.00 – $0.00
1994 – $474,937.00 – $0.00
1993 – $610,772.00 – $31,292.00
1992 – $212,313.00 – $31,914.00
1991 – $179,591.00 – $28,326.00
Totals – $20,569,014.00 – Donations $451,339.00 = 2% of taxable income
4 Derek // May 5, 2004 at 9:08 am
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Note: The correct percentage for Kerry is not 5.8% but 8% overall. I didn’t update the Excel spreadsheet before posting.
5 Joe // Jul 21, 2004 at 12:01 pm
Interesting note, Have you considered how much Kerry would have given if his wife was not worth $680+ million? Lets look at the numbers before he married his fortune (dismally low for Mr. I want to help the poor..but with your money), shall we also look at his trusts and other holdings that don’t count towards taxable income?
6 jill // Jul 27, 2004 at 10:11 pm
To Derek:
do you know for sure that Bush gave nothing in 1994 and 1995?
“Published reports at that time did not list Bush’s charitable contributions for those two years.”
I don’t think you can come up with an accurate percentage without having all of the facts.
If you have found that information, I would like to know.
thank you.
7 saxe // Oct 28, 2004 at 6:51 pm
Hi,
Perhaps it would be worth noting that Kerry’s 8% giving rate does not includes his wife’s annual income. They are married, aren’t they. Why would Mr. Kerry need to keep any of his income? His giving 8% of his salary, but less than .01% of their total income.
Just a thought.
Thanks,
Saxe