Free Republic

Tax-Overhaul Panel Gives Bush Two Choices Options to Consider Include A Simplified Current System Or a Consumption-Based Levy By ROBERT GUY MATTHEWS Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL October 19, 2005; Page A4 WASHINGTON -- President Bush's tax-overhaul panel agreed to offer two alternatives to the present tax code: one that streamlines the current income tax and another that would replace it with a progressive tax on consumption. SNIP Neither is likely to become law, but they offer the Treasury Department and the White House a framework for legislative proposals that could be considered by Congress next year. SNIP...

It may indeed by that the members of the Tax Panel, collectively, cannot read but there is no doubt that the American Taxpayer at large is giving that opportunity (AND IN SPADES). Here are the first few General Comments to them after their recent pontification that "reform" really is not needed, but just a bit of tinkering. All but about 6 or so comments have been included - some with "Subject" line where appropriate. Some are: funny, sad, biting, reflective, even discerning or not well informed. All are expressions of the American system. The Panel would do well to read...

TAX REFORM COMMISSION? YEAH ... RIGHT. The president's so-called tax reform commission telegraphed its intentions several months ago when members stated that they were not going to recommend a full reform of our federal tax system, rather they were going to recommend some incremental reforms. The The FairTax Book hit the book stores and debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller's list. Politicians and other Beltway denizens told co-author Congressman John Linder that the success of The FairTax Book was a certain indication that the people of this country were in the mood for wholesale reform. Who...

WASHINGTON - A presidential commission looking into how to make income taxes fairer and simpler heard pitches Wednesday from experts with ideas about revamping or replacing the current system. ADVERTISEMENT The commission examined plans to base taxes on spending rather than income, which could mean a national sales tax or a European-style value-added tax. As for transforming the income tax, the commission heard proposals for comprehensive change and minor tinkering. "Not one person who we encountered as we traveled the country told us that our current tax system was good for America and that we should leave it alone," said...