I read this on National Review.
It is very, very, very, very bad news, much worse than nonsense about Miers.
It is also surprising since some of the people on there would have surely supported real reform, yet they actually aren't.
Disturbing.
Anybody who thinks that Bush will reject the recommendations are out of their minds.
He made a commission because he will DO WHAT THEY SAY. He always does. He doesn't ignore it when he gets advice from a panel.
He will not come up with any of his own proposals, nor will he go beyond the recommendations and do any fundamental tax reform.
It is now officially DEAD.
No flat tax.
No NRST.
As of October 12, 2005, tax reform is dead and over.
Kinda leaves me in a quandry over who to vote for in the next few election cycles.
Tax reform isn't dead at all but just geting going. This should help kick-start it. If you don't think so, read the numerous unedited comments already in to the panel after about a day:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1501413/posts?page=1
The are uniformly displeased with the tax panels cop-out. These voices are just beginning and you can bet they will be heard. Some have some real political heat behind them.
Keep in mind that the Panel sends its "work" to the Sec'y. of the Treasury and not directly to Congress or the President. There are many, many miles to cross yet so get in touch with your Congresscats and give them an earful (or letter or email full).
"It is now officially DEAD.
No flat tax.
No NRST.
As of October 12, 2005, tax reform is dead and over."
Not necessarily. If AFFT follows through on plans to launch a national media campaign by the end of the year, the panel's recommendations won't matter much to the public, and the public WILL demand it. Pres. Bush may not lead the charge, but he won't veto it, either, if it has mass appeal. I heard someone say that, as politically weak as he is right now, having him lead the charge may not have even been helpful.
The other major factor is whether Delay gets back on his feet. I spoke with one highly placed staffer today who said that what Delay was doing was exactly what the FEC has been advising for some time and what is being done by both sides on a widespread basis. It may not play well in the media, but it is either (a) not illegal, or (b) most, if not all of the elected reps in congress are guilty of the same "crimes" that Delay is guilty of.
I would say that IF (a) AFFT rolls out the media campaign and (b) Delay recovers his position, we could have far more momentum this time next year than we do now.
There are losing battles in every war. This may just be one of those. Time will tell.