Posted on 11/16/2008 7:07:21 PM PST by Man50D
Georgia supporters of the fair tax turned out en masse Sunday to cheer the idea of a national sales tax, which has become a thorny issue in the state’s high-profile Dec. 2 U.S. Senate runoff.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who won Georgia’s GOP presidential primary in February, joined about 2,000 people Sunday afternoon at the Gwinnett Civic Center in what became not just fair-tax rally, but a major campaign stop for Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Moultrie.
Chambliss backs the fair tax, which would abolish the Internal Revenue Service and replace the federal income tax and most other federal taxes. Democratic challenger Jim Martin of Atlanta opposes it.
“This race is our best chance to keep the fires burning for the fair tax,” Huckabee told the crowd. “And we are not going to squander this opportunity.”
Huckabee urged the crowd — which at one point chanted HUCK-A-BEE! HUCK-A-BEE! — to take friends and relatives to the polls. Turnout will be key in the Dec. 2 race, which occurs just after the Thanksgiving holiday.
“If they’re voting for Saxby, get them to the polls,” Huckabee said. “If they’re not, let the air out of their tires.”
Hucakbee was yet another big-name politico who has traveled to Georgia for the bitter runoff. Former GOP presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) campaigned for Chambliss last week in Cobb County. And former President Bill Clinton will stump for Martin on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Chambliss’s camp has invited Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and Martin’s camp has invited President-elect Barack Obama to come to Georgia. Neither had confirmed as of Sunday.
Martin spokesman Matt Canter said that while Chambliss talks about the fair tax, Martin is concentrating on middle-class tax breaks. Martin’s campaign released a new television ad Sunday about Martin’s efforts.
“Jim Martin is campaigning on a middle-class tax cut,” Canter said. “He is pledging to work with Barack Obama to deliver middle-class tax relief.”
The fair tax is popular among many conservatives, who argue it would let individuals — not the government — determine their tax rate. They contend it would revive the flailing economy and keep jobs from fleeing offshore.
Opponents argue the tax is unworkable. They contend that if it were implemented, it would have to be much higher than the 23 percent rate advocated by supporters.
“You’re the one who ought to decide how much you pay in taxes, and the fair tax will do that.” Chambliss said.
The tax became an issue in the race after national Democrats ran television ads attacking Chambliss for his support of the fair tax. The ads alluded to the 23 percent federal sales tax, but did not mention that the fair tax would abolish the income tax, an omission that infuriated fair tax supporters.
“They spent million of dollars lying about this tax,” U.S. Rep. John Linder (R-Duluth) told the crowds. Linder said Chambliss should be elected to the Senate to “stand against an avalanche of leftism.”
The Georgia race was thrust into the national spotlight after Democratic gains Nov. 4 put them within three seats of having a 60-vote, filibuster-proof majority in the upper chamber. The Democrats now have 57 seats, with only races in Minnesota, Alaska and Georgia undecided.
Fair tax advocate and WSB-radio talk show host Neal Boortz said he canceled a weekend trip to Florida to attend the rally. Boortz and Linder have penned two best-selling books on the fair tax.
“This is a nonpartisan gathering and all of that, but use wisely your power of choice,” Boortz said. “If you sit on your buns Dec. 2, you’ve let the other side take your power of choice away from you.”
Not while there is a radical socialist in the White House , and a socialist-controlled Congress.....any kind of taxation that causes EVERYONE to pay their fair share, proportional to their income, would be taking power away from the socialists.
Ain’t gonna happen.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think I heard that a candidate must get at least 50% of the vote to be elected in GA, and neither one got that.
Is that not the reason why there is a run-off election on December 2nd between Chambliss and Martin in the first place?
Huh? proportional to their income? That is empowering the socialist.
Taxes should be the same rate for everyone, regardless of income. Punnishing those who educate themselves,and get better jobs, or work harder, making more money, should not be taxed more.
Taxes should be the same rate for everyone, regardless of income. Punnishing those who educate themselves,and get better jobs, or work harder, making more money, should not be taxed more.
:::::::::::::
That is exactly what I meant — for example if EVERYONE pays 20%, that is a fair, flat tax rate. The AMOUNT OF TAX DOLLARS you would pay is proportional to the amount of money you make — you make $1, you pay 20 cents. You make $1 MILLION, you pay $200,000 in tax. That is what I meant.
Chambliss was in the church I visited today. I hope he wins his runoff.
Support Chambliss anyway. He could be the deciding factor in whether or not the Dems get a 60 seat filibuster-proof Senate.
Republicans fight harder when they are in the majority, and the filibuster is their tool to fight.
And we might get Fair Tax in the future, as well, by getting more and more Fair Tax politicians in office.
I see what you mean, I thought you meant taxing on a scale proportional to income. eg; 20% for those earning 20-30k; 30% 31k-50k; etc.
Even so, a percentage tax isn’t really fair either, those who make more still pay more.
In day of old, everyone paid their 1/2 sheckle to the king, regardless of how much money they had.
That is actually the Lord’s advise on taxation.
Christ knew that a wealth created more charity and better economic times for all. Hard work, living the lords way was conducive to a greater share of the blessing, abundance, which trickled back down to the sick and needy.
Christ was no communist, and didn’t expect anyone to live humble. In fact just barely making enough to live was selfish.
At this point in time, we need to encourage Americans to SAVE and INVEST. the Fair Tax does this.
Thanks!
I think there’s confusion between the flat tax and the fair tax. What you’re describing is a flat income tax. I believe the fair tax proposal would abolish the income tax and impose a national sales tax instead.
My fear is that unless we repeal the amendment that gives the feds the power to tax income first, we will end up with an income tax and a national sales tax.
This may be a good time to consider a re-evaluation of our currency. In that a loaf of bread that cost 1.00 in present $ would cost 10¢ in new currency. Gold and all other commodies would be re-value 1 for 10, so nothing really changed. And the doller could be backed by gold again. The price of gold would be whatever we were willing to maintain it at.
Exactly right. Imagine going to a ballgame and getting charged for admission at the same 'rate', except according to your income.
My fear is that unless we repeal the amendment that gives the feds the power to tax income first, we will end up with an income tax and a national sales tax.
::::::::::
Yes, a feared scenario that will tank our economy. The libs are crazy — their mad, frothing quest for power over the people, will cost them a country. As socialism usually does. I have no idea how they will significantly improve our bad economy under socialism, radical taxation and oppression.
These madmen really think their despotic ways will work. God help America.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.