[pigdog]

Give us some details as to how you think that might happen if you will.

Don't you think that growing your own food would harm consumption?? How about being out of work with no income and no savings???

Let's see some specifics - preferably with useful links.

[hripka]

A tax hurts what is taxed. Charles Adams' books show many great examples. Especially see "For Good and Evil: The Impact of Taxes on the Course of Civilization" and also "Those Dirty Rotten taxes: The Tax Revolts that Built America"

An income tax diminishes income. There are many examples of this. This was one reason why Reagan became a Republican, because of high marginal income tax rates that were affecting him. Look at Europe's high rates, and how the US is (comparatively) better off.

A sales tax diminish sales. There are many examples of this too. Look when (New York state?) reduced the sales tax on clothing. Sales increased dramatically. Look at the difference between Oregon and Washington. One has an income tax, one has a sales tax.

A 23-30% sales tax will DEFINITELY hurt sales. To not understand that woefully underestimates incentives/costs and people's/consumer's/taxpayer's reactions.