[Always Right]

Not so, as those of any class that wanted to live simply & frugally would have that option; -- they could avoid taxes by buying used merchandise.

Umm, can't you avoid taxes today by not earning money?

Do you agree that we've decided its constitutional to have a welfare system? If so, taxes ~will~ pay, in one way or another, for 'social security', correct?

Social security was not suppose to be a welfare program as much of a retirement program. At least under the current system there is some responsibility for everyone who collects to pay into the system. Under the fairtax, there is no real link between what you pay in and what you qualify for. I don't see that as an improvement.

[pigdog]

Possibly you're saying you'd rather see the S/S entitlement continue as it is to the point when is finally has one wage earner supporting 4 or 6 or ... people receiving the entitlements???

Really???

[tpaine]

Not so, [it's not "spin"] -- as those of any class that wanted to live simply & frugally would have that option; -- they could avoid taxes by buying used merchandise.

Umm, can't you avoid taxes today by not earning money?

Amusing 'answer'. -- The whole point of the 'fairtax' idea is that you could earn & save money by living frugal, thus "avoiding taxes"..

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Do you agree that we've decided its constitutional to have a welfare system? If so, taxes ~will~ pay, in one way or another, for 'social security', correct?

Social security was not suppose to be a welfare program as much of a retirement program.

Another amusing non-answer. I'll assume you agree that we've decided it's constitutional to have a welfare system.

At least under the current system there is some responsibility for everyone who collects to pay into the system.

"Some" is your operative word. In reality many who collect the most have paid the least. This will always be so in any welfare scheme. -- We just have to bite that bullet.

Under the fairtax, there is no real link between what you pay in and what you qualify for. I don't see that as an improvement.

There is no conceivable way to make a welfare safety net scheme that is 'fair' to those who pay for it and don't need the 'net'.. -- We just have to learn to bite that bullet.