Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Willie Green
No, Williams is dead wrong.

Whether it is business or government, the globo-trend is toward merger, acquisition and consolidation of behemoth and oppressive centralized bureaucracies.
I preach a "solution" that emphasizes more decentralization and local responsibility/self-sufficiency/opportunity.
I believe in capitalism with a small "c": extremely fractured and competitive markets.





From what Williams writes in his article here, -- he too believes in capitalism with fractured and competitive markets.
I simply don't see him touting "merger, acquisition and consolidation of behemoth and oppressive centralized bureaucracies."

In fact, isn't it true that tariffs need to be administered by such bureaucracies?



308 posted on 12/21/2003 2:12:54 PM PST by tpaine (I'm trying to be 'Mr Nice Guy', but FRs flying monkey squad brings out the Rickenbacker in me.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 306 | View Replies ]


To: tpaine
A simple tariff needs no more bureaucracy than already exists for say the gasoline tax, or a sales tax. That is, it could actually be done with LESS customs personel if we allow the first domestic receivers to pay the tax -- that is give business receiving imports a tax stamp, and only occassional importers and indiviuals go through customs.
309 posted on 12/21/2003 2:17:45 PM PST by bvw
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 308 | View Replies ]

To: tpaine
In fact, isn't it true that tariffs need to be administered by such bureaucracies?

Nope. In fact, bureaucracies only distort such tariffs.
As James Madison asserted (and I'm paraphrasing): a simple, uniform, flat-rate tariff applied to ALL imported goods, regardless of what they are or where they're from, is consistant with the principles of true free trade.

A bloated bureacracy becomes "necessary" only when this principle is violated by the demands of special interests for specific higher/lower rates and myriad loopholes and exemptions. Micromanagement and manipulation at its worst, with similarly disdainful "unintended" consequences.

One rate that applies to EVERYTHING is easiest, fairest, and works best.
Pick a rate, any rate: 10%? 15%?
Doesn't much matter if the sole purpose is to raise revenue.
It's essentially self-capping. If you raise the rate too high, then trade decreases TOO MUCH and revenues begin to decline.
Pick the rate that maximizes revenue and you can further reduce other forms of domestic taxation without bankrupting the Treasury. And the citizenry becomes more free to enjoy the fruits of their own labor when they utilize their own natural resources.

313 posted on 12/21/2003 2:58:31 PM PST by Willie Green (Go Pat Go!!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 308 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson