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"APT, is a transaction tax collected from financial transactions. It taxes invisibly, a perfect prescription for unlimited unaccountable government."

You know, some day in the not too distant future, virtually all of the jobs currently performed by humans will be done faster, cheaper and better by machines. I think that some type of socialism is inevitable unless civilization collapses completely, so in reality all we are doing is playing for time.

Maybe we need to start the long slog toward unlimited government. This would sure be a less painful road to follow, unless you can think of a way to reduce the population at the same rate that the jobs disappear.

All we really need to do is limit the growth of government to the same rate as the growth of the economy. The APT would allow short to medium term explosive economic growth, so it's really the long term we all need to consider carefully before proceeding.

I think that some type of socialism is inevitable unless civilization collapses completely
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Maybe we need to start the long slog toward unlimited government. This would sure be a less painful road to follow, unless you can think of a way to reduce the population at the same rate that the jobs disappear.

You make that slog, I'm more interested working toward less government. That is the driving force of this forum you know.

Hmmmm! New here aren't you. Hope you have a good flame suit.

All we really need to do is limit the growth of government to the same rate as the growth of the economy.

LOL, and just how do you intend to accomplish that. A hidden tax just means no brakes on demand for more government. Hiding the cost of government from view is nothing more than an open invitation to pander.

To remove perception of the tax burdens of the individual, is to remove the goad which assures accountability of government to the electorate. Federal tax rates are high and government grows ever larger because a majority of the electorate do not perceive proportionately the burden their demand for largesse imposes on the minority of citizens.

The siren call for representation without taxation is the formula that got us where we are at today. The ability to hide or disguise taxation from the view of large sectors of the electorate allows the Congress to get away with the creation of the evergrowing monster that it fosters.

The perception of free ride from the electorate's perspective under the Tobin and other transaction taxes like APT nothing more than an open check to pandering politicians.

Walter Williams,

So many Americans paying little or no federal taxes makes for a natural spending constituency. It's like me in the restaurant: What do I care about extravagance if you're footing the bill?

The APT would allow short to medium term explosive economic growth, so it's really the long term we all need to consider carefully before proceeding.

Not by hitting every financial transaction out there. The APT would be worse than a VAT in its impact on the financial system. There are appoximately $40 trillion dollars flowing through multiple paths in the financial and equity markets. Every transaction getting hit with a tax like the APT would kill market liquidity and virtually destroy the trade infrastruction that is required to maintain orderly and free markets.

Sorry, I can see nothing good coming from such a tax. It is a socialist's wet dream and a capitalist's nightmare in its effects on markets.