Ford, Jr.'s financial life is an open book . . . so what?

Jon W. Sparks, in the Commercial Appeal, is claiming that Bob Corker is acting undemocratically by not releasing every detail of his tax returns over the past four years. Well, this standard will certainly be news to Phil Bredesen. But, according to Sparks, Corker should do it because Ford, Jr. has done it . . . Sparks opines:

"but [Corker] must remember that he's being measured against someone who was willing to disclose more than he has so far."

Big honking whup; "the Ford, Jr. Standard" of disclosure . . . what might Ford, Jr.'s returns show us? That he has been a successful businessman, job creator, entrepreneur, etc.?

But the fact that a political opponent demands some type of information from you doesn't mean you're avoiding accountability or not being "open" by refusing to provide it to him. Surely Mr. Sparks and Ford, Jr. can appreciate the democratic principle of privacy. If Ford, Jr. wants to release his returns, good for him, but it is neither dishonest--much less hypocritical (as in desiring the spread of "democracy"), to release the summaries of one's tax returns. If Sparks (or Ford, Jr.) has any suspicions, let's hear 'em; enough insinuating.