Since joining the Obama Administration in January 2009, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has been a miserable failure.

Geither has been revealed as a tax cheat; presided over trillions of dollars in additional debt; become a laughing stock even amongst liberals; and watched the unemployment rate go from 7.2% to 10.2% and then settle at 9.2%. He fails to inspire confidence in the American economy; has little-to-no legitimacy when it comes to tax issues; and decided to respond to a deserved debt downgrade by shooting the messenger rather than addressing the clear issues.

The man admits to having trouble with TurboTax software, yet he’s in charge of the Treasury of the United States. He holds the distinction of being the first Treasury Secretary to oversee the downgrade of the credit rating for the United States government. His solution to the recession? Spend more money we don’t have and raise taxes on small business and investors.

I should revise that title: It was time for Geithner to go a long while back. But now? It’s absolutely imperative that he return to the private sector. Confidence must be restored not only in the federal government but in the U.S. economy as a whole. That can never happen so long as Tax Cheat Tim is Treasury Secretary. Secretary Geithner, do what’s best for your country and retire from public service.