Once Considered Unthinkable, U.S. Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look

[Angrycat]

"The surge of interest in a VAT is testament to the extraordinary depth of the nation's money troubles."

Bullshit. The interest in taxing anything that moves is a testament to this arrogant government's proclivity for stealing and spending.

That said, I would prefer a consumption tax to an income tax. But, they're talking about layering a consumption tax on top of a progressive income tax.

 

[Angrycat]

Quote from Eight:

When Democrats say tax cut they really mean that the rate of increase will slow down.. temporarily...

No, what they really mean is that the tax hikes will come in a form so confusing that the average dumbocrat doesn't realize his taxes have increased.

 

[atticus]

A flat tax is essential, but Forbes estimated that it's revenue-negative for 5 years, and that was back in 2000. There is no way you can fly a 10% flat tax in this economy. It seems some of you believe that this is an "either/or" scenario, when the VAT is simply additive in this context.

Perhaps a 10% VAT on all goods sold combined with a 10% income tax, but a VAT added to he current progressive structure will be deadly.

 

[Ivanovich]

If you're talking to me (not sure), I know that this suggestion is for an additive VAT. What I'm saying is it would be nice to have something like a 23% flat consumption tax in lieu of various other taxes. Of course they'll never go with something so drastic.

 

[clacy]

I just can't see this happening. It would be the death blow to the Dems for another decade.

I would welcome this debate in the public opinion forum. If they seriously try to push this, the GOP picks up the House in 2010 and the Senate and POTUS in 2012.

Unfortunately, they will likely try to obfuscate the issue with similar tax measures like cap & trade. With that type of manuver, they would have a much higher likelihood of success.

 

[GTG]

Everybody who understands our long-term budget problems understands we're going to need a new source of revenue, and a VAT is an obvious candidate,

Isn't it interesting how these people think. A VAT is not a "new source of income". The source of income is always the US citizens' productive labor. A new tax doesn't create a new source. It's just a different way of squeezing juice out of the same fruit.

 

[clacy]

Quote from GTG:

Isn't it interesting how these people think. A VAT is not a "new source of income". The source of income is always the US citizens' productive labor. A new tax doesn't create a new source. It's just a different way of squeezing juice out of the same fruit.

Exactly!!!!!

ALL taxes are wealth redistribution any way you slice it. Now, I'm not saying we don't need a military, roads, schools, and even some sort of wellfare, but nonetheless it's all wealth redistribution regardless.

 

[Angrycat]

Quote from GCSICLRBC:

I never thought I'd be ASHAMED to be a registered Democrat, but now I am.

First we have Republican FACSISTS...now we have Democratic SOCIALISTS...

All told, facism is of course, worse; but Obama's reckless spending will cripple our currency, stock markets, or both.

I find myself generally agreeing with you. But, how is fascism worse exactly?

 

[clacy]

Quote from GCSICLRBC:

I never thought I'd be ASHAMED to be a registered Democrat, but now I am.

First we have Republican FACSISTS...now we have Democratic SOCIALISTS...

All told, facism is of course, worse; but Obama's reckless spending will cripple our currency, stock markets, or both.

Bush was a heck of a lot closer to socialist, than to facist, IMO.

 

[atticus]

Quote from Ivanovich:

If you're talking to me (not sure), I know that this suggestion is for an additive VAT. What I'm saying is it would be nice to have something like a 23% flat consumption tax in lieu of various other taxes. Of course they'll never go with something so drastic.

Not at all, general comments. I agree that a flat 20% would be fantastic.