There's a lot of appeal to the FairTax, most particularly the promise it holds out for the abolition of the IRS and its anti-Constitutional privileges. But one must try to look at the bad as well as the good:
- If the shift from the Income Tax to the FairTax were immediate, there would be huge dislocations in our economy.
- If the shift were gradual, those who favor the Income Tax (and Big, anti-Constitutional government) would be able to find a way to keep them both.
- There would, of necessity, be a new bureaucracy at the federal level, whose mission is FairTax collection and enforcement. That bureaucracy would likely have the same powers as the IRS -- but over businesses this time.
- We would have to find something to do with a quarter million tax lawyers and a half million tax accountants -- and weighing then down with concrete blocks and dumping them into the ocean would upset the hell out of the greenies.
I think I'd support the FairTax, but I'd also accept a Constitutionally fixed Flat Tax a la Steve Forbes, provided we could guarantee that no ball-hidden-under-the-jersey loophole for increasing it or adding other taxes to it lurked behind it.
Don't let the best be the enemy of the good, guys and dolls.
Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Eternity Road
But one must try to look at the bad as well as the good:
If the shift from the Income Tax to the FairTax were immediate, there would be huge dislocations in our economy.
Based on what facts do you make this statement? This vague statement lacks any credibility without any detailed facts to backup your claim. Based on what facts do you make this statement?
If the shift were gradual, those who favor the Income Tax (and Big, anti-Constitutional government) would be able to find a way to keep them both.
Three reason why that won't happen: (1) it abolishes the IRS, (2) The Fair Tax repeals all statutory language having to do with taxing income and payroll (i.e., the Internal Revenue Code), and (3) it eliminates the filing of annual income tax returns to the federal government for over 140 million Americans.
Fair Tax FAQ #50. Also House Joint Resolution 16(HJR16) will repeal the 16th Amendment.
There would, of necessity, be a new bureaucracy at the federal level, whose mission is FairTax collection and enforcement. That bureaucracy would likely have the same powers as the IRS -- but over businesses this time.
This is flat out wrong. The already existing Treasury Department will be the taxing authority and will not have the same powers as the IRS. You forget the IRS goes after individuals because their income is taxed. Abolishing the income tax will end that practice since people will be paying a consumption tax at the point of sale. The government will only be assessing businesses, not individuals.
We would have to find something to do with a quarter million tax lawyers and a half million tax accountants -- and weighing then down with concrete blocks and dumping them into the ocean would upset the hell out of the greenies.
We would have to? People who are laid off are required to find their own jobs. I've been laid off and always had to take the initiative to find another job. There maybe assistance to help them find jobs but there is no requirement. Regardless of that fact, you're talking about well educated, highly trained individuals seeking employment in an expanding economy due to the implementation of The Fair Tax.
I think I'd support the FairTax, but I'd also accept a Constitutionally fixed Flat Tax a la Steve Forbes, provided we could guarantee that no ball-hidden-under-the-jersey loophole for increasing it or adding other taxes to it lurked behind it.
There are four Flat Tax related bills before Congress. The most number of Cosponsors anyone of them have is four. The Fair Tax has 65 and consistently growing. It is becoming more likely The Fair Tax has a much greater chance of passing. The Flat Tax will retain the IRS including at least some of the loopholes and exemptions you don't want. The Fair Tax will eliminate exemptions and loopholes.