FairTax: Not Perfect, But Not A Gimmick.
In response to CAV @ Gus Van Horn who recently commented on the FairTax…
As one who once fell for a different primary season tax gimmick, I agree with Shlaes. This idea [The FairTax Plan] is a gimmick. It is an attempt to evade the fundamental problems posed by the nature of the welfare state as a mechanism for the redistribution of wealth. (The problem of enforcement, which proponents soft-pedal, is just one way this problem rears its ugly head.)
I don’t see the FairTax bill as a gimmick. Neither the bill, nor its proponents contend that the scope of our welfare state will be reduced.
That’s really not its declared purpose. The purpose is to eliminate the burden of the IRS and its overhead from individual and corporate accounting. Wouldn’t this would be the largest reduction in the overreaching scope of Government in the history of our nation?
Additionally, this could initiate monumental cleansing of our political system solely by its devastating affects on lobbyists.
The system will still be progressive, complex and immoral, but arguably more just. No longer will passivity be rewarded while achievement is punished (to the extent that it currently is). No longer will the presence and magnitude of individual contributions be virtually hidden by way of “withholdings.”
Sure, the consumption tax rate can and would still be increased, but in a tremendously more visible manner to everyone who consumes – not in a progressively tiered assault on the most productive individuals. And sure, enforcement would still be complex, but its victim base is much more narrowly focused (retailers), and its guidelines greatly simplified.
We should passionately defend and advocate reason, rights, laissez-faire Capitalism, self-reliance, low taxes and the proper role of Government on principle, but this movement (albeit pragmatic) presents a strategy for dismantling a giant governmental tumor.
The FairTax wouldn’t eliminate all the rats and roaches, but it would open windows and clear the air, making their hideouts more conspicuous.
How could this not be a step in the right direction?
