Watch Live: Congressional Hearing on IRS Scandal

Live Now on TheBlaze Radio: ‘The Buck Sexton Show’

Education

Columbia University Prof. Says Pledge Not to Raise Taxes ‘Seditious’ and ‘Treasonous’ in Bizarre YouTube Vid

Dec. 3, 2012 5:53pm Erica Ritz

Columbia University Professor Robert Thurman Calls Republicans Opposed to Tax Hikes Seditious, Treasonous

(Photo: YouTube)

Columbia University professor Dr. Robert Thurman posted a video on YouTube recently in which he accuses Republicans who oppose tax increases of violating their oath of office.

“I am making this short video because I want to start a meme about those people in our government who refuse to cooperate with the president, and with the more practical and pragmatic senators and congresspersons,” he explains in the Nov. 20 video, which only recently was discovered by national media.

Of those elected to serve in the nation’s highest positions, Thurman continues, “there are some who are not fulfilling their vow of office, their oath of office.”

The crux of his argument appears to be that, in signing a pledge circulated by Grover Norquist not to vote for tax increases, they are violating their pledge to be loyal to the United States Constitution.

The professor, who specializes in Indo-Tibetan studies according to the Daily Caller, takes his time explaining the argument:

“…95% of the congressmen and Republican senators have sworn a written oath to someone called Grover Norquist and an organization called American For Tax Reform that they will under no circumstances, and for no reason, raise taxes of any kind on anyone. And therefore, they have taken an oath to an outside organization which was not supported by the U.S. Constitution – which gives Congress the right to levy taxes, to do the work of the people through the government– but this is a non-governmental organization. It is not elected by anybody; it is supported by big money people who are making money by not having to pay taxes.

“And these people have signed a sworn oath that contradicts their oath of office. And therefore, in fact, they do have mental reservations, and they do have purpose of evasion and they are not sincerely taking their oath of office. And if they persist in that, and if they are held to that by this outside person who is not a member of the government, then they are, in fact, breaking their oath of office and they are not serving what they swore to serve, the American people.

[...]

So I want the seriousness of this blackmailing of the government that they are doing to be out there in people’s minds, that’s the meme I want to start…Everybody wants to be polite, you and know I’m a liberal, I want to be polite, and I’m trying to be polite, but this is a really serious thing that is going on, which is paralyzing our government and causing tremendous loss to us… [Emphasis added]

Thurman continues to speak with horror about Norquist’s goals of reducing the size of government, saying it’s a kind of “anarchist proposition.”

“Therefore, it is actually a kind of seditious oath, [a] treasonous oath,” he asserts. “People who take that oath cannot actually serve in the government with good conscience, because their real role is to act as a mole, and to destroy the government…”

Dr. Thurman could not immediately be reached for comment, but you can watch the entire video– in which he proceeds to explain how low taxes appeal to “religious” people who take the book of Revelations seriously– below:

This post will be updated.

(H/T: WeaselZippers)

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (101)

RaydocX
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:56pm
OK, Prof, when we need to know about IndoTibetan Economics, we’ll be sure to look you up.

In the mean time, shut the hell up. Or wait to yammer like a fool until after you’ve audited an Econ101 class.

Taxes are essentially legalized theft of the money Americans worked to earn… and you and your ilk would happily have Americans work for the government for more than half the year, without recouping a fraction of the benefits being provided to those not working ($48,000 all told by some estimates).

Be thankful Columbia has provided you a place to hoard completely worthless esoteric knowledge and to offer your nickel’s worth inflated to a dime by the lofty title ‘professor.’ And remember what Mao and Pol and Vladmir did to the ‘enlightened academics’ in making an equal socialist state… You dopes on the Left have ZERO real world understanding of just what you are championing means to yourselves, much less the world around you.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Silvertruth
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:03pm
  Actually, a better case for sedition and treason could be made against any Senator adding more debt to the nation in this period of unheard of financial peril. They are actively undermining the very stability of the Nation.
  
  The signers of Nordquists Oath are trying to stop the bleeding dollar from becoming the next international joke, taking the planet with it.
  
  Report this comment
- encinom
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:14pm
  Silvertruth
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:03pm
  Actually, a better case for sedition and treason could be made against any Senator adding more debt to the nation in this period of unheard of financial peril. They are actively undermining the very stability of the Nation.
  
  The signers of Nordquists Oath are trying to stop the bleeding dollar from becoming the next international joke, taking the planet with it.
  ______________________
  By preventing the government from collecting additional revenue, the signers of the pledge, A) giving more weight to an oath to a lobbiest instead of thier oath of office and B) the refusal to increase taxes, increases the debt itself.
  
  Report this comment
- kaydeebeau
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:16pm
  Just in case anyone wants to remind the dear Doctor that he is capable of writing a check for his “fair share” – to put HIS money where his mouth is…. tbt7@columbia.edu
  
  Report this comment
- The_Pointy_End
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:25pm
  This prof needs to take a economic 101 class
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayad5mbSSrU&feature=youtu.be
  
  Report this comment
- AmericanFightingMan1
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:39pm
  Air drop the academician “putzzie” into Taliban territory covered in pig blood.
  
  The rift in this country is profound.
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:39pm
  Encinomom
  Why? Really. You use english poorly and don’t seem to get any sane converts. Other than the insanity of it all, why can’t you just stfu? Can’t do it can you? Come back later as your chick side in “monicene” and take up for your other side-it’s sickening.
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:43pm
  He said”"People who take [Norquist's oath] cannot actually serve in the government with good conscience, because their real role is to act as a mole, and to destroy the government…”
  Limiting the governments’ reach is not ‘destroying’ it. “We, the people” tell the government what to do, not the other way around,….. or am I being obtuse?
  
  Report this comment
- Dan_o
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:48pm
  Encinom, spending increase debt, jackhole. If you don’t spend what you don’t have, you don’t increase the debt. What world do you live in?! Go back, please!
  
  Report this comment
- encinom
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:23pm
  Dan_O giving gift of tax breaks to the 2%, to oil companies, reducing ones revenue also increases the debt. The spending cuts that the GOP are seekign are spending that helps injured vets, the elderly and poor. Its money that makes its way back into the economy. Instead the GOP is demanding that the country cut benefits for veterans so that Romney can write off more of his income. Their is class war going on. The 2% with their army of lobbiest have waged war against the nation, with their lackeys in the GOP and the will serfs of the Tea Party they have cut benefits to the poor and middle class to fund the lifestlyles of the Rich and Famous.
  
  Report this comment
- wzanesdad
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:46pm
  well…he is from columbia after all….a wannabe ivy league college…Dont worry bob, keep on spewing this nonsense and I’m sure harvard will eventually give you a shoutout.
  
  Report this comment
- Secret Squirrel
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:55pm
  .
  Columbia? Didn’t Obama say he went there?
  More commies.
  
  Report this comment
- December4
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:45am
  Just one more example of how thoroughly out of touch and self-centered universities have become. Read fresh political commentary at: http://smallcraftadvisorychronicles.blogspot.com/
  
  Report this comment
- Just_Us2
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 9:27am
  Just keep in mind encinom is in favor of legalizing pedophilia, so any argument coming from that point of view should be taken with a grain of salt.
  
  Report this comment
- IAMMADDOG
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:37am
  Encinom we already know you are completely clueless so why don’t you just be quiet. We do not need any more confirmation of your lack of intelligence.
  
  Thank You.
  
  Report this comment
- hypnos
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:02am
  Why don’t you just fade into bizarre Norman Rockwell background. Liberal Troll.
  
  Report this comment
- hypnos
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:10am
  Hey ecidiot, nobody gives a crap about a pledge real conservatives want tax reform that simplifies the tax structure reduce taxes for everyone and get rid of deductions except charitable ones. Reduce corporate income tax as an incentive to return jobs to the US.your buddy Obama wanted to get rid of the charitable deductions so everyone must turn to loving and suffocating arms of the government
  
  Report this comment
- edcoil
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 1:01pm
  I believe the King has taken more then his fair share.
  
  Report this comment
- Zekron
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:48pm
  Encinom,
  You are a Marxist, clueless, moron, but you love that about yourself. Thank you for proving that the leftist position is indefensible.
  
  Report this comment
Pauln
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:52pm
Well, neither Obama or Hilary Clinton are honoring their oath of office, since they are not protecting our country and actually giving our sovereignty and our money to The UN and Europe, that without counting giving arms to our enemies in the middle east and south of the border

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
regmgr
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:52pm
Betcha this guy is a dues paying member of the communist party. He certainly sounds delusional and Marxist at the same time.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
paperpushermj
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:43pm
Listening to this Professor reminds me of what happens when you live and work in an institution isolated from the real world. In an ideological bubble
I can’t take any more of this mans rantings so I just leave with a quote from Lincoln

“Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt”
.
Professor it’s to late for you, as you have said to much foolishness for the average bear to not have drawn a conclusion. But maybe you can learn from this and pass on those great words of Lincoln to others who are equally in love with what they think.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
jessieH
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:42pm
Ok, where’s the guys with the white coats, cause this guy’s nuts!

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- paperpushermj
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:57pm
  Make no mistake he is quite sane. He is doing us Conservatives a favor of giving us a look inside the Progressive mind. Know Your enemy, study him , know him like the back of your hand, Know his strong points study him.
  
  Report this comment
OldSurfRat
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:40pm
“Columbia University professor says”

No more need be said.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Eastinfection
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:51pm
  Hey SURF…
  
  so true…. you have to stoop to their level…
  
  “A douchebagsayswhat?”…
  
  Report this comment
- OldSurfRat
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:33pm
  LOL East
  Stop insulting douchebags
  
  Report this comment
Walkabout
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:39pm
Dr. Robert Thurman

Turn your argument on its’ head.

How can elected officials faithfully fulfill their vow to the constitution & the people if they will spend more $ then whatever amount they raise in revenue.

It is more apparent that those people are moles in the government. They are using a known leftist tactic, the Cloward & Piven Strategy.

P.S. If you do not concede such then you are dishonest or not all there.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- paperpushermj
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:50pm
  He totally misses the Point that Republicans as part of their credo don’t want to raise taxes on anyone at any time. The fool thinks that position simply comes from some pledge they signed and could easily be discarded. He is totally ignorant of what Republicanism is.
  
  Report this comment
chips1
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:39pm
From Columbia Records to Columbia University. This guy is going in the wrong direction. Must be a liberal.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
kaydeebeau
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:39pm
Just in case anyone wants to remind the dear Doctor that he is capable of writing a check for his “fair share” – to put HIS money where his mouth is…. tbt7@columbia.edu

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- kaydeebeau
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:14pm
  here is my msg to Herr Doctor –
  
  Dear “Doctor”;
  
  Just in case this thought hasn’t occurred to you concerning taxation – you are fully capable of NOT taking the myriad deductions I am sure you avail yourself of AND can write a check to the government for any extra you think the government deserves of YOUR income. To make it easier, you can even claim a single zero plus X amount for your payroll deduction on your W4 if you don’t want to write the big check at the end of the year.
  
  Put YOUR money where YOUR mouth is and keep the government out of MY income.
  
  Or are you one of the millions of liberals who expect the taxation to apply to everyone except yourself?
  
  For crying out loud – we do not have a revenue problem in this country –we have a spending problem and you and your bilge are not a solution.
  
  If you feel so strongly – write the check… But since just as any liberal, leftist, hypocrite I am sure you don’t feel strongly enough about it when it concerns YOU to take the first step…then SHUT UP!!
  
  Report this comment
- BODYBAG
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 1:49am
  I’ll volunteer to take care of this maggot personally
  
  Report this comment
spfoam1
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:29pm
This guy is used to manipulating the minds of kids fresh out of high school.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- drs1969
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:59pm
  Didn’t BHO go there?
  
  Report this comment
- DadRocked
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 7:54am
  “I am making this short video because I want to start a meme about…”
  Make a name for myself because NOBODY knows who the hell I am.
  
  “The professor, who specializes in Indo-Tibetan studies…”
  Knows little of U.S. nor global economics… Well maybe as much as Timmy Geitner does…
  
  Report this comment
Jackson843
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:19pm
When will he post a you-tube about Obamma, Holder, Pelosi and Reid and their irresponsibility in ignoring the Constitution. They also took that oath as well … unless they had their fingers crossed behind their back.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
rickroland
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:18pm
Really? But running up the national debt to over 16 trillion (over 100 percent of the yearly GDP), because our so-called representatives (both parties) have the financial IQ of a cloud of gnats, is somehow not “seditious” nor “treasonous”? Gimme a break.

The two major parties ran up this debt, not the U.S. citizenry, so have the parties make up any and all shortfalls out of their own pockets. Put Congress, the President and all appointed officials plus the entire Federal government (minus military) on a minimum wage only pay status until they balance the budget with out raising even a single dime in new or increased taxes. We have an out of control spending problem, and have had going on 20 plus years now, and until that is solved, Congress and the Federal government doesn’t deserve a single red cent in new or increased taxes.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Lord_Frostwind
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:18pm
Okay kids, lets play another round of “spot the hypocrisy.”

Bush administration, Hillary Clinton, “Tired of being considered unpatriotic for dissent.” Except this time, take it a step forward and declare you a traitor to the nation for not agreeing with “Tax the Rich.” Don’t even get me started on the fact they’ve made a pledge into a legally binding contract or that Grover Norquist is now the whipping boy of the media and intelligentsia.

And Liberals wonder why I think they’re full of crap?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Spidertroll
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:16pm
All this democrat nonsense is just more proof that it is they that are intent on destroying the country. Thou doth protest too much.
The tax raise on the 250k+ earners would harm the nation in many ways, and it would only fund the government for 8.5 days out of the year; what about the other 356.5 days of the year? The federal government is up to 9.6 billion dollars a day in spending. Raising taxes won’t do anything for anyone. It is almost a republican cliche at this point, but still completely true, it is a spending problem not an income problem.
The obvious goal of the global socialists (bolshavik academics) is to bankrupt the world, so they can swoop in and enforce their 125 year old ‘modern thought’.
To start a bumper sticker worthy spin on their ‘the moral majority is neither’ slogan:
Modern Thought Is Neither.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- loriann12
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:53pm
  You’re behind the times……they lowered that upper limit to $200,000. I say they won’t be happy until they label everyone who makes over $50,000 as rich. Listen to O every time he talks, he talks about AMERICA being the richest nation in the WORLD. He doesn’t want the rich of AMERICA to pay their fair share…he wants the rich of the WORLD to pay their fair share.
  
  Report this comment
- drs1969
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 8:04pm
  What these fools don’t realize is, when you go outside of their ‘bubble’ in DC or the NY-Boston corridor, there is little support for their Communism. They have way, way too much control. The sooner the nation breaks up the better most will be. Tenured professors can rot in a gutter somewhere.
  
  Report this comment
jimbo_from_suwanee
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:13pm
Very high in the creepy socialist factor.

Have you ever noticed that socialists (male and female) start looking like Governor Tarkin off of Star Wars: A New Hope as they age?

Very high in the creepy socialist factor.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- jimbo_from_suwanee
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:21pm
  Cut spending in our moment of triumph? I think you over estimate the danger of deficits to the economy!
  
  http://youtu.be/3w_96yOUzRg
  
  Report this comment
- paperpushermj
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:25pm
  It’s from all the bile buildup that makes up so much of their conversations. Have you tried having a conversation with them ? Once they use up the points they picked up on MSNBC or Progressive sites they revert to their default setting of attacking your character and telling you to commit a sex act on yourself.
  
  Report this comment
- Lord_Frostwind
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 8:43pm
  You know, if you put him in that olive uniform with a pair of shinny black boots, “holy crap, it really is governor Tarkin!” Oh that’s just perfect, next they’ll be looking to build a real Death Star.
  
  Fear will keep the local Republicans in line, fear of our media.
  
  Report this comment
rja444
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:09pm
What would you expect from a liberal college professor, just as any liberal they think they are so much better and smarter that the rest of us. There is nothing more seditious and traitorous in this country than academia. How patriotic is redistribution of wealth. It goes against everything that this country stands for. Perhaps this idiot ought to stay in his classroom.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- drs1969
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 8:10pm
  Yet another example of how the Federal Reserve has ruined the country. This guy, most likely, would not be employed if it were not for student loans and gov. support of his school. If these things weren’t made so cheaply by the FED’s funny money, he’d have to compete for his job in the ‘Free Market’. Perish the thought!
  
  Report this comment
MrButcher
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:09pm
Expect the repubs to be labeled “seditious” and “treasonous” a whole lot more in the coming months.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- MDECKER
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:21pm
  I wish I had a “Seditious” or “Treasonous” Representative. I’m stuck with a, “Gwen Moore”, whatever that is!
  
  Report this comment
BasketFullOfPuppies
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:08pm
Why is it that your average American is much more capable of reading and interpreting the Constitution, than is a college professor?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- drs1969
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 8:12pm
  Easy, he’s feeding at the trough of easy, government money.
  
  Report this comment
1776freedomofspeech
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:08pm
This guy doesn’t know the first thing about sedition and treason. He probably supports Weakileaks, Manning and the rest.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Eastinfection
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:06pm
The government doesn’t need to be “destroyed” but a good “neutering” probably wouldn’t hurt.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Fubared
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:42pm
  Could band them like they do pigs and some steers (no offense angry), but it stinks until they rot off. Would be fun to watch them squeal though.
  
  Report this comment
BasketFullOfPuppies
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:06pm
This man is a Professor? He wouldn’t hold a candle to the Professor on Gilligan’s Island.

These congressmen have signed an oath and pledge to the American people of their district, which is neither discouraged or made illegal by the Constitution.

What a moron.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- encinom
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:25pm
  That is his point, the GOP has placed their Oath the norquist above their Oath of office. Instead of voting for what is in the best interest of the Nation, they vote as Groover tells them.
  
  Report this comment
- IAMMADDOG
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:39am
  They also vote as their CONSTITUENTS want them to. Like I said before we need no more proof of your lack of intelligence Encinom.
  
  Report this comment
quiltgal
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:05pm
Paying more and more taxes = loyalty to big and bigger government. I guess we all know where this guy is coming from–support your federal and local Communist dictator or else.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
paperpushermj
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:03pm
Those who can DO those who can’t TEACH College.
.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- MrButcher
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:07pm
  …and those who can do neither join a union.
  
  Report this comment
- pavepaws
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:09pm
  Many of the stories posted today concern people whose opinion is not important. Here is another.
  
  Report this comment
- DZ-015
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:02pm
  And those who can’t teach are on the faculty of Education Schools.
  
  Report this comment
joeyps
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:02pm
It says a lot about Columbia University that he does not understand that the Oath is NOT to Grover but to the constituents of the district they are going to represent.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Gary_K
Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:01pm
The republicrats are letting the damnocrats win the arguement yet again.

We are toast as a country.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- paperpushermj
  Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:16pm
  No the Country will continue, just not as a Great Country, we are heading to obamas goal of us being just average.
  
  Report this comment

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.