[EternalVigilance]

I do not like these "consumption" based taxes. It seems to me that when the economy tanks, the flucuation in tax revenue will be extrememly drastic and it may encourage other "temporary" taxes...

You're looking at things backwards.

If the economy 'tanks', and the American people are having to do with less, that would be a good time for government to have to tighten its belt as well.

[frogjerk]

If the economy 'tanks', and the American people are having to do with less, that would be a good time for government to have to tighten its belt as well.

Unfortunately, given the nature of government, this never happens... :(