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To: RobFromGa

Enjoy your ability to openly comment on and criticize the FairTax while it lasts...AFFT wants to take that right away from you...

The Americans For Fair Taxation (fairtax.org) are on a mission to squash out any public criticism of the FairTax plan and are attempting to exploit the federal trademark system for the ADMITTED purpose of being able to shut down anti-FairTax websites during the upcoming elections. They have an open application to obtain a service mark for the word "FairTax." Genie Hayes, the communications director for AFFT, openly admitted that the goal of AFFT is to get this service mark and be able to yank any anti-FairTax websites as well as to have total control over any shirts, bumper stickers, or anything of that nature that is printed with the word FairTax. They are attempting to get the strong arm of the federal government to back them up in hindering free speech and open/honest debate.

The FairTax is promising to become a rather prominent issue in the upcoming Congressional elections--and if AFFT succeeds in obtaining this service mark, they are going to be in an excellent position to keep people from criticizing the FairTax Act.

The time for opposition to their application is fast approaching. I know that an application for a service mark can't be opposed just because the applicant's motive is unethical. However, I do believe that there is a very STRONG case that AFFT doesn't meet the legal requirements for obtaining a service mark. The strongest argument is all around us--the phrase "Fairtax" is SYNONYMOUS with H.R. 25 and the Fair Tax Plan.

Unfortunately, as it stands right now, I think they'll win their service mark and they'll be on the road to having the power to tell people that they cannot participate in public debate regarding H.R. 25. Perhaps, at least, the public will be informed of this attempt to filter open and honest critiques.


1,044 posted on 08/10/2006 3:41:36 PM PDT by momospy
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To: momospy
Obtaining a Service Mark is nothing siniser and quite appropriate so that the term "FairTax" is clearly identified as a unique entity. It's truly incredible that this poster actually expects (apparently) to be believed since "hindering honest debate" is the last thing the FairTax folks wish to do. And it's of note that this poster gives no links to back up the preposterous claims made nor cites any other "sources".

Since the poster apparently registered with FR only today and posted only this one hitpost and is now banned, the message is very clear - this is all lies. Perhaps from the DU, perhaps from a TP type or other FairTax hater, or perhaps even a terrorist since a booming US economy is the LAST thing the "masked murderers" wish to see.

1,045 posted on 08/10/2006 6:53:04 PM PDT by pigdog
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