Branlin Called 'Socialist' And 'Anti-Grassadellian' After Tax-Increase Comments

WIK Nationalist blasted for saying rich should 'give back to our country'

CHRISTON, WIK.--Senator Terry Branlin (NAT) has landed herself in the middle of the stimulus package debate, and recent comments have brought on accusations the Wilkonshire senator is a socialist.

Speaking last week on capitol hill, Sen. Branlin led a rebuttal against Conservatives, who complained President Menuhaeo's proposed stimulus package lacked tax cuts and instated tax hikes on the wealthiest 10% of tax-payers.

To that, Branlin said, "it's high time that the wealthiest of the wealthy, the highest on the socio-economic ladder, who received unlimited benefits during the Byelle administration...it's high time those people give back to our country."

That particular comment drew ire from free-market and anti-tax groups, who claimed the comment insinuates the senator is a "socialist" and "anti-Grassadellian."

"We can only conclude one thing from Senator Branlin's comments," Doug Fickey, President of the Newman Institute For Free Trade said in a written statement. "The senator clearly feels that Grassadellians have an obligation to pay more taxes to the government, and that wealth is something to be ashamed of and should be penalized."

John Rice, a conservative newspaper columnist who writes for the Canton Register in Canton, POG, wrote in his column Wednesday that Senator Branlin "confirmed her identity as a socialist" and "established herself as the torchbearer of the socialist movement."

Citizens Against Government Infringement (CAGI), a conservative organization that opposes taxes, also called Senator Branlin's comments "disturbing" and "anti-Grassadellian."

"Since when did Senator Branlin decide paying taxes is an act of restitution from those who earn success in the financial world to those who don't? Since when do people have to give back to the country?" Roger Brass, CAGI President, said on GBC's Weekend Glance television program. "Paying more taxes to subsidize the government is anti-Grassadellian."

Senator Branlin's office attempted to clarify her comments Tuesday, saying the senator was "speaking out of frustration" at the "greed and selfishness of a handful of the wealthiest Grassadellians."

"Like most people, Senator Branlin is appalled at the actions of the people who took advantage of the system and gambled away people's life fortunes," Mary Esting, a spokeswoman for the senator told STAR news. "She certainly wasn't trying to insinuate that all wealthy people are obligated to pay taxes, and she certainly does not advocate socialist policies. She just wants fairness and equality in the tax system."

Conservatives question the senator's comments. Former CNS senator Marie Antonnage (POG), who ran against Branlin in 2008 and is rumored to be considering a rematch, told host Connor Gevanna on GNN's Sunday Tea that Branlin's comments present a "dangerous threat" to the Grassadellian free trade system.

"We can't have senators and other leaders walking around talking about socialism and expect the Grassadellian people to be okay with that," Antonnage said. "Senator Branlin's words and philosophy are a dangerous threat to our free trade system, and Grassadellians all across this country need to wake up and realize this is the liberal agenda for our country. This is what they want to do. Their goal is socialism."

Branlin's office says the senator is not concerned about the 'socialist' name-calling, saying she is so focused on recovering the economy she does not pay attention to political attacks.

"Well she certainly resents the fact that she's being called a socialist, but to be honest, Senator Branlin is so focused on the economy recovery process, she doesn't pay attention to these sort of attacks," Esting said.

The Newman Institute for Free Trade and CAGI have launched a massive media campaign, and are expected to run TV advertisements in Branlin's home state of Wilkonshire. Branlin's office had no comment on the reported ads.