"Non Filer Syndrome"

The coverage was intense as we all heard non-stop how Joe the Plumber had missed paying $1,200 in back taxes. So where's the same outrage and coverage about NY's Democratic Governor Patterson's Chief of Staff, O'Byrne who, owed nearly $300,000, in back taxes from failure to file from 2001 - 2005? Is this high-ranking, high-earning, state official's excuse better than a plumber's? His lawyer actually blames it on a condition called, "non filer syndrome", which is a more recent diagnosis from the original excuse of not filing because he was "clinically depressed."

"The "syndrome" claim came five days after The Post first reported that O'Byrne - who earns $178,500 a year - recently repaid some $200,000 in back taxes, penalties and fees to state and federal tax authorities."

O'Byrnes lawyer said, "Many times, that syndrome causes them not to be able to file their tax returns."

Well, according to this report, apparently his clinical depression wasn't so severe as he had no problem donating thousands to political campaigns during the very years that he was a tax deadbeat. Guess which party? Can we expect the treatment of non filer syndrome to be covered under Obama's health plan?

And what does Governor Patterson think of his "depressed" aide? "The governor considers Charles to be an outstanding public servant and has full confidence in him," Paterson spokeswoman Risa Heller said.

As Joey Adams used to say, "Only in New York kids, only in New York."