You posited this question:
Why don’t you tell us why you prefer the income tax to the FairTax.
Which you derived from this post:
Giving them a touch of hell I see... Fair Tax, the official tax system of Fantasy Land... See they are doing the old either or. Either you are for their Fair Tax or you “love” the IRS. Horse Hockey. Overly simplified answer from an overly simplified group pushing a flawed plan.
No where in there did I state that I prefer the Income Tax. I did imply that I don't like the Fair tax. That is what is so funny about fanatics. Their either / or approach is so endearing. Just because I don't like your proposal does not mean I want what we have now. It is simply that your plan does not improve the current situation.
As to an answer, I know where I stand with the income tax. Indeed it is the devil I know. Do I like it, as I am sure you will infer to meet you need to feel like you have won something, no, I don't like it. Does that mean I am ready to jump on the Fair Tax band wagon, not by a long shot.
Currently there is at least a level of fairness in the tax system. Basically everyone pays, and despite the progressive nature, it can be dealt with.
Your plan changes none of the progression. Now if I want to live like a pauper I can avoid paying tax, but I may not choose to live that way. So now I pay more that the cheap SOB down the street. Why should I be punished because I choose to live well in the most prosperous nation in the world. That is punishing success and the trappings there of.
There are other flaws, but as far as selling the plan that will be the deal breaker right there. When people understands they will be 30%+ between state and federal sales tax on items at Best Buy or where ever, this thing will be dead. People don't like dealing with taxes as it is, being reminded everytine they go shopping, yeah, that'll work.
That's why I think there is such a rabid defense of Fair Tax by some (not all) I think many have found away to avoid paying taxes. "Live cheap and buy used, you won't have to pay much" is the response I get when I complain about the added costs. I see why it would be popular with some. But most Americans like new TVs and their kids want new clothes and such. It will matter little that they no longer pay an income tax when every purchase cuts again and again.
One other thing, that pitch on live cheap, what do you think that will do to the economy if that becomes a method. Who will buy the new items?
There are many other problems, but I assume you are aware of them since you like debate so much. As far as my opinion and it's value, time will tells, but in the end there will be over 300 million citizens who will deliver their verdict via congress. That is the opinion that will count and I think you will be gravely disappointed.
If you think the FairTax is "fantasy land" then you must prefer to take what we have than to switch to the FairTax. I don't think you can deny such a conclusion is justified. All of us would like to know the attributes of the income tax that make it preferable to a NRST. You have actually given us some reasons which I would like to refute tonight after my Saturday chores.
BTW, your polite and reasoned response is alien to X who has never been real polite and who takes cheap potshots instead of engaging in debate.