What’s insidious about a sales tax, as seen by the states’ experience, is how easily it can be demagogued into itsy bitsy, quarter of a penny at a time increases.
“What, you wouldn’t agree to a 1/4 or 1% sales tax increase to support all these teachers, firefighters, old people and the disabled?”
And they don't ude this tactic now?
The critic you make of 9-9-9 applies even more so to the current tax code. The Feds can do everything you worry they would do under 9-9-9 RIGHT NOW. The same economic and political pressure that stop them now will be magnified by 9-9-9.
It is easier to raise tax rates now by hiding them as a “Tax on business” or making “the rich pay their fair share” then it will be to raise tax rates under 9-9-9 when everyone knows any tax rate hike effects THEM personally.
Sorry but it is irrational to argue that we must cling to our current failed corrupt tax code because any replacement will not be absolutely perfect.