Stock Option Accounting Is on the Line

hmm...where to go with my comments

Should I comment that there is a ton of misinformation in the article?

Should I comment that there was no evidence provided to support the cause and effect stock options being the cause of the increase in restatements?

Should I point out that the use of ISOs, as described, is not how I have typically sen them used?

Should I mention that although companies get a tax deduction equal to the spread at exercise, optionees (and the company) also pay income tax on this same amount.

Should I state that in many ways Levin has an excellent point, but there is not perfect solution?

Levin really hates stock options and how they are used. I doubt this will go anywhere, but in today's political environment...you never know.

Levin has been beating this drum for many years and, fortunately for the employer community, he has not won over many supporters for his cause.  But he is a powerful senator who should not be taken lightly.  In the current legislative environment where Republicans and Democrats alike agree on the need to expand the tax base (which they don't view as a tax increase), nothing is sacred.  Don't forget about the new bipartisan committee that was established by last week's debt bill.  At a point where the US credit rating downgrade is being blamed on Congress, legislators may be willing to grab anything which helps lower the deficit.  And while the focus may not be on raising taxes for businesses, taking away a noncash deduction that few if any other countries permit may be an easy thing to do.