Comments on: The FairTax Book

By: J. Kriner

J. Kriner — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:12:11 +0000

As one of his constituents, I resent Rep. Linder placing this tax scam ahead of national security. It’s amazing how much time he wastes on this plan that will never pass. And it’s OUR money being wasted…
Rating: 1 / 5

By: M. Patterson

M. Patterson — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:25:05 +0000

Unfortunately, that 23 percent tax is actually a 30 percent tax, that they are trying to slip under your nose. An item that currently costs $1 would cost $1.30 (0.3/1.3=0.23). In reality, in order to raise the revenude necessary to finance the current spending of our government, the tax rate would need to be more in the 46% range.

Add to that, the fact that this is effectively an increase on tax on the elderly, homeowners and all but the rich, and you have an economical and politically unfeasible plan. I’m not a fan of the current system’s complications, but the national sales tax is not a wise alternative. But like I said, it’s nice in theory.
Rating: 1 / 5

By: Mathematician

Mathematician — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:46:48 +0000

The book repeatedly cites a 23% national sales tax. But look what FairTax.org says…

FROM: http://www.fairtaxvolunteer.org/smart/sketch.html –

“So, instead of paycheck-earning Americans paying 7.65 percent of their paychecks in Social Security/Medicare payroll taxes, plus an average of 18 percent of their paychecks in federal income tax, for a total of about 25.65 percent, consumers in America pay only $23 out of every $100. Or about 30 percent at the cash register when they elect to spend on new goods or services for their own personal consumption.”

DOES THE LAST LINE READ “30 PERCENT” OR IS IT JUST ME?!? Why do Fair Tax advocates continue to deny that $100 spent minus $23.00 for the ‘guv-err-meant…’ means that the $23 tax is against a basis of $77, and my calculator says “$23/$77=30%!!!”

Rating: 1 / 5

By: chiguy

chiguy — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:26:34 +0000

Why not just eliminate all taxes for everyone who makes over $200K a year? Why should those who reap the benefits of our society have to pay to support it? This is the next logical step after we eliminate the estate tax and give hundreds of millions in capital gains away tax free, why not shift the entire tax burden to the lower and middle class!
Rating: 1 / 5

By: Not "Fair Tax," "FAIR SHARE!"

Not "Fair Tax," "FAIR SHARE!" — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:27:02 +0000

No question: we MUST have taxes. But there is a better way...tax assets.

I would not trade for anything the security of safely living in the U.S. with no fear of armed guerillas storming my home at 2:00 a.m.

The mighty military protects my property, and my investments (UPS properties, McDonalds restaurants, etc). Almost 25% of the U.S. budget goes for national defense.

Don't tax income OR consumption; tax assets -- personal and corporate. THAT makes the most sense... Rating: 2 / 5