[Principled]

Thanks for your thoughtful post Pack Knight.

I agree with your assertion that front runners are afraid to provide leadership. The situation is changing however.

THe difference[s] visible in the way reform is treated; from no options available [1990?] to several options [all consumption taxes including 2 flat income tax proposals] but still not a word from a pol to two leading proposals mentioned frequently but not debated publicly [nrst hr25 and forbes flat tax] to one leading proposal [hr 25] mentioned frequently in media and by pols and debated in public frequently [but not by front runners].

THe next step will be front runners debating in public frequently instead of sidestepping an issue that requires leadership as you say.

I stand behind my statement that it isn't a matter of if, but a matter of when the nrst becomes law.

We will be forced to expand the base due to entitlement growth. THe sooner we pass the nrst, the better - as it will apply serious brakes to growth of taxation.

[The Pack Knight]

I stand behind my statement that it isn't a matter of if, but a matter of when the nrst becomes law.

I certainly agree, and meant to add that myself. If it isn't this election, it'll be the next one, or even the 2010 midterms. When I see Republicans replaced with Democrats because of corruption and spending, and those same Democrats then sporting even lower approval ratings not a year later, it tells me that the electorate might finally be getting sick of how their country is being governed. I think reform in all areas of government will be a winner in coming years, and the tax reform is the most obvious need.

The main obstacle is the fact that it only benefits productive, working Americans, who are rapidly becoming a minority in their own country exactly because of the entitlement and tax growth you mentioned. As productive Americans, we need to realize that it really is our country and ours alone in the end.