The Committee: Taxation With Representation

O.k., don't drool. I know we're talking about a title with all the built-in sales appeal of a year-old calendar here, but The Committee is one good show. The subject is the House Ways and Means Committee, arguably the most powerful legislative body on Capitol Hill (holding, as it does, the strings to an awfully large purse: the Federal Budget). Understanding that the best way to convey pertinent information on an important subject is through a story, the producers give us precisely that: the history of the committee, with dramatic re-enactments from its inception in the early 1800's to recent footage of the group in actual operation, circa 1989. We meet several notable chairmen along the way: Thaddeus Stevens (circa 1857), who oversaw the beginning of paper money; Jim "Pig Iron" Kelly (circa 1869), who enacted high tariffs to keep foreign trade out; and, Cordell Hull (circa 1907) whom we can forever thank for the personal income tax. In the second half of the program, viewers will come to understand the reasons for our current whopping Federal deficit, and hear the views of current Chairman Dan Rostenkowski, called "the strongest political force in Washington." A surprisingly interesting study of what many would consider a rather dry subject (except on April 15th). Highly recommended. (Available from: PBS Video, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314-1698.)