From Chicago Sun-Times · · 3m
A tax protest tests City Hall messaging
Neil Steinberg questions Rachel Cohen's tax protest, Brandon Johnson's strategy, and the line between protest and lawbreaking.
In brief
Neil Steinberg questions Rachel Cohen's tax protest, Brandon Johnson's strategy, and the line between protest and lawbreaking. Tax protest may send a message, but public officials and their aides still face legal and political scrutiny for it. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Freelance money stings
Steinberg opens with his own writing income. When freelance checks arrive, his wife reminds him that a big slice still belongs to the IRS.
“Of course, you have to pay taxes on that.”
April brings the bill
He says he follows that rule every spring. Depending on the year, taxes take roughly a quarter to a third of his freelance income.
“we do indeed pay whatever portion”
Cohen refused to pay
The column turns to Rachel Cohen, Mayor Brandon Johnson's new communications director, who withheld federal income taxes on freelance work to protest ICE.
“deliberately withheld federal income taxes”
A tempting question
Steinberg asks whether everyone can do the same. He also opposes parts of the federal government, and tax resistance would save him money.
“Can we all do that?”
Protest still matters
He separates tax refusal from street protest. He praises anti-ICE demonstrations, especially Broadview, as patriotic resistance to deportation tactics.
“heroic, but essential”
Lawbreaking makes him uneasy
Even while supporting protest, Steinberg casts himself as a rule follower. He says casual lawbreaking bothers him, especially when people appear to avoid consequences.
“I’m also a chronic law abider.”
Washington’s old tax case
He recalls Mayor Harold Washington failing to file federal taxes for four years in the 1960s. Washington later blamed disorganization, not protest.
“not even as a protest”
The IRS pursued him
Washington owed only $508 after baseline payments were counted, but he pleaded no contest and served 36 days in Cook County Jail in 1972.
“only owed $508”
Voters still chose him
Washington discussed the episode during his 1983 campaign and still won. Steinberg contrasts Washington's regret with Cohen's public pride in her protest.
“I’m not proud of this”
Johnson could feel it
Steinberg asks whether Cohen's admission will follow Johnson as he seeks another term while facing weak funding and low popularity.
“come to dog Johnson”
Rivals have baggage too
The column notes Alexi Giannoulias, named as Johnson's chief rival, has a family banking history that drew allegations but no criminal charges.
“no criminal charges were filed”
Selective tolerance questioned
Steinberg links the episode to Johnson's reputation for leniency toward some illegal conduct, including youth unrest downtown.
“ignoring certain illegalities”
Tax money is fungible
He questions Cohen's assumption that her unpaid taxes would have funded ICE. The same pool of money could support other federal programs too.
“what makes her think”
Influence over interviews
Steinberg closes by arguing Cohen's hiring signals a shift from traditional journalism toward direct social media messaging for Johnson's administration.
“bypass traditional journalism”
The one thing
Tax protest may send a message, but public officials and their aides still face legal and political scrutiny for it.
