For Republicans, signing pledges is apparently the newest form of tattoos.

The pledges, like tattoos, are expected to be permanent, regardless of any changes in circumstance. And, like tattoos, the pledges are a binding symbol of some special meaning, whether it is to swear off taxes forever, or promise moral conduct for eternity.

Virtually all Republicans have signed the Grover Norquist pledge of no new taxes — ever — regardless of what happens to the nation.

And, it appears, after months of debate, that the pledge is more important than the nation.

For signers seem fully prepared to plunge the nation into fiscal default because they got a new tattoo “No Taxes Ever!”

I can only imagine that all of these tattoos are placed strategically over the right bicep, to indicate this position of strength.

Republicans have, to their credit, advanced an argument to correct America’s serious fiscal problems. That is the good news.

The bad news is that, due entirely to their pledge tattoo, they were apparently forced to bill only the middle class and the poor for the economic pain the nation must suffer as a result of too much spending.

Their pledge tattoo will not only forbid them from asking the most successful Americans to participate in the recovery, it will not allow for the closing of tax loopholes that serve no purpose and cost the nation needed revenue.

As a result of the timeless tattoo Hedge Fund managers making $100 million dollars this year must only be taxed at the rate for capital gains, 15 percent, while you and I are taxed between 25 percent and 35 percent. And because the tattoo is both permanent and unchanging regardless of circumstances, Americans must continue to pay big oil $4 to $5 billion per year while cutting back their Medicare and Social Security.

Now if this seems unreasonable to you, because after all it is only a pledge and a tattoo, then you are not a Republican. For Republicans argue that they cannot raise taxes because Americans do not want taxes raised.

The truth is somewhat different than this view, however.

In a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, 52 percent of Americans wanted a combination of tax increases and spending cuts. Apparently these Americans do not have the tattoo.

Now there is a new pledge, doubtlessly accompanied by a new Tattoo that might read “I Have Moral Outrage.”

This pledge, signed by Republicans Bachmann and Santorum, has been advanced by a conservative Christian group in Iowa.

In its early stage the pledge included an assertion that black people were better off in slavery than under the administration of America’s first black president.

While that argument did not make the final cut, what did make the final pledge is a promise that any military leader who rapes or enslaves American women will be killed.

You can’t make this stuff up, and both candidates signed this silly document.

But here is the truth: Even tattoos can be removed.

Sometimes, like now, it is painful, but necessary.

Jim Crawford is retired educator and political enthusiast living here in the Tri-State.