"The problem is spending."
Indeed, ONE problem is spending, but spending by itself accomplishes very little (and hasn't for almost 100 years now) and if spending were reduced it would vault right back up there since he pols can hide and play games with the reams and reams of arcane tax laws under the present system. It is the taxing system that must first be changed or reducing spending is hollow indeed.
I suggest you read the paper with understanding and realize that the income tax, its laws, its people (the IRS) and its records are ALL eliminated by the FairTax. With enough votes to pass the FairTax there will certainly be enough to retain it - especially as taxpayers realize how it reduces their effective tax rate.
In addition, the FairTax calls for the repeal of the 16th amendment. With the FairTax in place if we as voters let the government get by with the present out of control spending habits we deserve what will indeed happen.
(Outside the incessant whining about personal attacks)
I'm having a hard time believing this. The burden of rebates (or what ever you call them) will require each State to increase or build another form of bureaucracy. Checks just don't write themselves. Second, as families change, so does the status of the rebate. Out of work, new job with much higher pay, etc. Who monitors this? And I would assume that fraud will still happen. Don't kid yourself, it will happen. Everyone is assuming that there will be no black market
Also out of State purchases could be interesting. The bottom line is, there is no safe sane method of taxation. (Period)
The FairTax is that you will get all the money you earn and the cost of goods should be less because of the less taxes employers pay. No Way. Think this out. It's a wash. What you gain in the paycheck if withholding is not taken out will only be taken out at the time of purchase. Oh, I forgot, buy used goods - no tax. Good news for the poor. Whoopee, yard sales!!!!!!! Hey, flea markets, best goods straight from Mexico, China, etc.
No, it just substitutes one agency for another. Or are you claiming that retail sales figures and tax remittances thereon will never be audited?