[xcullen]

Let me ask the lively minds of FR what they think of this proposal to stem manufacturing losses:

Could we not take some federal lands and set them aside as self subsistent tax free zones. Like an Indian reservation but provide incentives to woo American companies back from foreign countries. The cheap housing and cost of living within the area would allow for competitive lower salaries without lowering quality of life.

[groanup]

You don't even need to set land aside. Just cut taxes, close the IRS, institue a flat or consumption tax and go. Even some of the whiners on this thread could get a job then.

Note: Hong Kong, Singapore, Ireland.

[Kokojmudd]

Could we not take some federal lands and set them aside as self subsistent tax free zones. Like an Indian reservation but provide incentives to woo American companies back from foreign countries. The cheap housing and cost of living within the area would allow for competitive lower salaries without lowering quality of life.

Sounds good. 95% of Nevada is owned and mismanaged by the govt. Opening up 10% of that land like you say would also lower housing prices for the average "joe" in Las Vegas.

[Casloy]

Could we not take some federal lands and set them aside as self subsistent tax free zones.

How about doing that with the entire country. If you replace our current system with a consumption tax it's exactly what you have.