The VAT

[BfloGuy]

I don’t see the VAT as falling under any of the Constitutionally itemized categories of direct taxes, capitation taxes, duties, imposts, excises, or income taxes.

The VAT is an ugly, ugly beast. The founding fathers couldn't possibly have dreamed up such an economic monstrosity. You're right, though. Constitutionality disappeared generations ago as a justification for legislation.

[BfloGuy]

I estimate that (non-scientifically) to be half of the FReepers in that age group. These are people that are otherwise conservative. If we cannot get off the government gravy train, why the heck should we expect today’s welfare recipients to sacrifice?

Well, yes. I understand what you say.

Medicare and SS, however, are touchy subjects. The so-called conservatives have paid into them [under the force of law] and, so it's not unreasonable to expect that money back with the promised 1.9% [I think] of interest.

I am not defending those programs, but they do exist and promises were made and money was paid.

SS and Medicare spending must be addressed but there is also the larger problem of Welfare, Food Stamps, and Disability. Those could be cut. They are prime examples of people getting something for nothing.

It's a tough, tough situation. And, yes, you're right. We've come to the point where people do want a $4 trillion government. But to tax that much out of the economy will destroy us.

It'll take a very special and peculiar person to lead us out of this mess. I don't hold out much hope that person exists.

[BobL]

“It’ll take a very special and peculiar person to lead us out of this mess. I don’t hold out much hope that person exists.”

Agree. So we likely go broke. I was grasping at straws in the hope that we could avoid it (i.e. VAT and others)...so that my kids could live a life at least reasonable close to the life that I was fortunate enough to live.

But no...you are right, we MUST hit bottom, and then only hope there are still enough of us around to outvote the takers, so that we can pull out of it. But I’m not even sure that’s possible.

Good article on Honduras today...pretty much tells us where we are going. Very sad.