Posted on 02/11/2006 9:03:09 AM PST by Eaglewatcher
Pork Barrel spending and political corruption are suddenly top topics of the day in Washington power circles and the national media. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert recently defended pork spending saying “Who knows best where to put a bridge or a highway or a red light in their district”. He makes a very good point. It is intuitive that people in local districts know best where to spend their tax dollars, which raises an obvious question. Why is the United States Senate and House of Representatives involved in deciding these questions at all? Our real problem is that too few people are deciding what to do with too much money.
Why and how money corrupts politics are not particularly daunting questions. George Will nailed it in a recent editorial column. He says, “People serious about reducing the role of money in politics should be serious about reducing the role of politics in distributing money.”
In the present political reality our government, regardless of which party is in power, does not focus on what is right for the people but rather on what is right for the political class and their symbiotic partners the K Street lobbyists. Our money has made them all exceedingly powerful.
Two simple steps would solve this problem. First eliminate the system of seniority in Congress and the Senate. The operating rules of both legislative bodies allow some Senators and Congressmen to have inordinate power and influence over their colleagues. The result, we are no longer governed by good ideas and convincing arguments. We no longer have equal representation in our federal government.
When did you last hear media referring to a Junior Senator or Senior Congressmen? What does it mean to be a senior member of this committee or that? Our elected representatives should be co-equals. There should be no subordinates, no juniors or seniors among them. Their power should be determined by the quality of their arguments and their influence determined by the strength of their ideas. Secondly, and more importantly throw out the current federal tax code and start over with the Fair Tax.
Our federal tax code is a monstrous abomination used by the political class to manipulate and control every facet of our lives. It is the source of the power that corrupts. Everyone, including the poor, the rich, the middle class, corporations, unions, farmers and small businesses owners say the tax code is unfair to them. Unfortunately they are all correct. It is unfair to everyone except the political class.
Neal Boortz, co-author of “The Fair Tax Book” recently said “Passage of the FairTax would constitute the greatest transfer of power from government to the people since the Revolutionary War.” Legislation is pending in both houses of congress to make the Fair Tax the law of the land. Support for this idea comes from both political parties, from the liberal left and from the conservative right. Redistributionist social engineers and laissez faire capitalists have both found comfort in it. Virtually everyone who has taken the time to truly understand The Fair Tax supports it. It is a bold proposal which could succeed in solving our most daunting social, political and economic concerns. Unquestionably the biggest winners with the Fair Tax will be individual Americans, regardless of their socio-economic station, re-empowered to control their own lives.
Perhaps we the people still wield the power. Let’s see! Vote, speak out, contact your representatives and let our elected officials know the status quo is not good enough. Tell them we are ready for revolutionary change one way or the other.
L
Corporations and businesses are merely tax collectors, never payors.Right. I've heard the mantra. So what's all the fuss about them not paying taxes again?
You claimed businesses don't pay taxes. I asked then why all the fuss and all you can come back with is an insult...typical Fairie without a clue.
I have a doubts about the fair tax, however I will gladly support it over our current tax regime. Any problems with the tax could be reformed later. Anything is better then what we have now.
It's a relatively simple concept which evidently escapes you somehow, hence my comment.
L
"It is time for a Revolution"
Well, you know, we all want to change the world.
“Passage of the FairTax would constitute the greatest transfer of power from government to the people since the Revolutionary War.”
That's the hook. The story.
Power to the people.
Dare they call it -- the revolution -- treason? The FairTax and its supporters traitors?
You're not real bright, are you.
He certainly isn't.
All the fuss -- as he puts it -- is to just remove taxing business from the equation and have the consumer pay the tax at the cash register. No muss -- no fuss. Since business isn't paying the tax and compliance cost anyway business taxes can be eliminated with no fuss.
Maybe I was a bit abrupt but I'm well past the age where I tolerate fools gladly.
L
In the present political reality our government, regardless of which party is in power, does not focus on what is right for the people but rather on what is right for the political class and their symbiotic partners the K Street lobbyists. Our money has made them all exceedingly powerful.
Looks like the train is picking up passengers!
When the Ruling Eeee-lites start operating out in the open, either they believe they are secure, or the populace has caught on, and they need to act to try to secure their power.
Either way, the face of the enemy is known.
Unfortunately, the author is still under the misguided impression that voting does anything...they will soon realize that folly.
You ... my friend ... IMHO ... are EXACTLY right
Our federal tax code is a monstrous abomination used by the political class to manipulate and control every facet of our lives. It is the source of the power that corrupts. Everyone, including the poor, the rich, the middle class, corporations, unions, farmers and small businesses owners say the tax code is unfair to them. Unfortunately they are all correct. It is unfair to everyone except the political class.
Here here. We need real tax reform now, but am not very hopeful it will happen any time soon.
How're you doing this evening?
Not too bad. I went shopping today and had coffee with a friend of mine. I don't mind coffee, but shopping on the other hand...
Tell me you absolutely love shopping, eh? ;-)
I do... I do, but my friend wanted to buy a particular dress, so we walked through the crowded jungles of Saturday's malls – and that's what I don't like much.
Sounds like you're feeling better today?
I do. I pinged ya to the singles thread but since you didn't reply I didn't ping you again, LOL.
Hmm -- I have to go back and check that one. When did you ping me?
Disregard my last post -- I found it! LOL.
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