[TexInDallas]

>>no, you would reduce spending on taxables...<<

But why would I want to do that? Don’t I want a new SUV, a new computer, or a new big screen TV??? I am not trying to be factious here. We are a consumer based economy so why do I want to reduce the amount I buy or buy lower quality items? It simply isn’t a realistic position for our type of society and economy.

[Principled]

I get what you're saying now...

If you wanted to reduce your tax burden, you could do so. You could choose to buy a used car or live in a pre-owned home for example.

That being said, you may not desire a used car or pre-owned home. So, you have to choose. Choice.

Keep in mind that today you have no choice.

And there is no connection between taxability and quality. I understand that it doesn't make sense to inhibit spending in a consumer driven economy. If indeed you wanted to design a tax system that would cause the most damage to a consumer driven economy, you would design a progressive income tax on business and individuals... a subtraction method value added tax. EGADS! That's what we have now!!!