and an huge sales tax is fair? how?
Seems to me the people ought to pay taxes commensurate with "what they actually take out of the common pot, not what they leave in."--
From Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, for "it is fairer to tax people on what they extract from the economy, as roughly measured by their consumption, than to tax them on what they produce for the economy, as roughly measured by their income."
And by assuring all voters perceive the butchers bill we pay today for large government restraint for demands from more from government is encouraged in all; not just those few at the upper end of the income spectrum that get hit in the face through the income tax filings.
The Honorable James DeMint (R-SC)
United States House of Representatives
APRIL 5, 2001
- "There has been a shift in the relationship between individuals and government, he argues, such that fewer and fewer are paying taxes at the same time that more and more are receiving increasingly generous benefits. If it becomes the case that most voters do not bear a financial burden for this largess, then there will be little to restrain--and significant political incentives to encourage--the continued growth of government.
If you're among those who pay little or no federal income taxes, what do you care about tax cuts? Moreover, *** So many Americans paying little or no federal taxes makes for a natural spending constituency. It's like me in the restaurant: What do I care about extravagance if you're footing the bill?
--- Walter Williams
i really liked the last part. everybody should pay taxes, nobody should be exempt. and the only fair way is to tax ALL income at the same rate.