Two points:
1) Haha. I was really just using the same logic I see applied to Cain’s plan all the time. Specifically, few people want to argue the merits of the plan as written but instead want to talk about some random hypothetical like 12-12-12.
2) You have argued against the merits of a consumption tax. Kudos. I, however, disagree. I believe that a consumption tax is the only ETHICAL tax. Consider...
Property taxes - Truly unethical. It is basically reaffirming the notion that private citizens don’t really own anything. They are only allowed to keep possession of the property so long as they pay the tax. It’s modern day serfdom.
Income taxes - Unethical from the standpoint that the government assumes a part of your earnings. For a portion of each year, you are a slave to the government. So long as you earn wealth, the government gets a share.
Inheritance taxes - need I say more?
Corporate taxes - Unethical because it’s really just obfuscating a consumption tax. That is to say: corporations don’t really pay taxes - it’s an expense they pass on to their consumers when the consumer consumes their goods or services. It’s a way to HIDE taxes from the person who really ends up paying them.
Consumption taxes - The most ethical taxation system. Taxing commerce is open and honest. Individuals have more control over how they are taxed. An individual can attempt to establish a self-sufficient, off-grid lifestyle and TRULY be free (if there are no property taxes). Consumption is automatically a flat tax because consumption will change at various income levels. It does not kill investment. It allows earners to keep what they earn, give freely to others, and pass the fruits of their labor on to whoever they wish. Wealth becomes static until spent/utilized and does not bleed away just because the greedy government wants their cut. A man can be productive, yet control his level of taxation, savings, and charity.
So - I disagree. Cain’s plan eventually seeks to replace it all with the Fair Tax - a pure consumption tax system. As a pragmatist, he realizes that won’t happen in one fell swoop, so he takes a step in the right direction in order to prove the concept.
I have to disagree with that one. I actually receive something in return for my property taxes. Schools, fire, police, roads. It is local and if you choose to live in an area with very little services you can have lower taxes.
One of the problems I have with adding a sales tax while keeping the income tax is it diminishes the visibility of the yearly impact of the federal government. At least filing that tax return people see a large chunk being taken of their earned dollars. Take a large portion of that away and I believe you would have less push back against additional government spending.