[copycat]

Critics of a consumption-based sales tax say adding a levy at the point of sale would likely lead to less consumer spending, thereby worsening a weakened economy.

Why? The average persons takehome pay would increase 20-30 percent.

Also, they say a national sales tax would have to be astronomical for the government to collect its current level of revenues.

IT'S THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY EITHER WAY!!! You simply give a consumer fallen on hard times a chance to save for a short period of time by postponing purchases.

[webstersII]

Why? The average persons takehome pay would increase 20-30 percent.

If the average goes down by 20-30 percent, then the government revenue would go down by about the same amount. Are you planning on making the gov't 30 percent smaller? Sounds terrific to me. Now let's see you find a liberal that will go for it; ain't gonna happen in this session of Congress.