<"">The flat tax, advocated by Steve Forbes and others in order to raise revenue to finance the U.S. government, is clearly superior as a way for the government to obtain money than to impose a graduated income tax with numerous and complicated exclusions, deductions, and exceptions. But it does not seem to have a snowball's chance in the Saudi Arabian dessert of being accepted by voters in a democratic state.<**> -------------------- Will the federal authorities ever put matter to the voters for a "vote"? Social crediters reject the very concept of an income tax inasmuch as they are generally against taxes.
The Texas Constitution requires that such matters be put to the people for a vote through the amendment process. The people have rejected the income tax each time it has been put to a vote from the legislature. They approved the sales tax in the mid- fifties, however, after much debate as a necessary evil to fund the state budget. They took the politicians at their word. Previously, the local and state budgets were funded exclusively from property taxes. Before the income tax the federal budget was covered almost exclusively from tariffs. -- <**>Why would you expect anything different from your proposed national dividend plan?<**> -------------------- Because from its inception it will be based on the principle of equality, like the sales tax. -- <**>Housewives provide cleaning services, childcare, etc. If you give subsidies to firms that sell these services at the retail level, you will discourage the housewife form of supply.<**> -------------------- Those who provide services to others for remuneration would be qualified for participation in the retail discount program, including housewives. We are in favor of the displacement of labor. Washing machines, vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, lawn mowers, fast-food restaurants, etc. have reduced the need for household labor. -- <**>An enterprising consumer may buy consumer goods from a retailer. Then, he can open up his own business to resell them. Will subsidies be given to the latter? -------------------- Why not? If the retailer keeps good records, things that he sells that are purchased from him for resale rather than consumption are excluded from the sales tax he has to pay and collect. Presumably something like it would apply to the discount. Things that he sells for resale do not qualify for the retail discount. The person who resells those things will qualify for the discount if he is enrolled in the program. -- <**>And what kind of enforcement mechanism will you set up to deal with "cheaters?"<**> -------------------- Disqualification from participation in the program. -- <**>Are diamonds goods for which retailers will receive subsidies for selling?<**> -------------------- I don't quite see the point to this question. Diamonds are produced goods that are sold at retail and as such will qualify for the discount at the point of retail. -- ____________________________________________________________ Enter now for a chance to win a 42" Plasma Television! http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;6413623;3807821;f?http://mocda1.com/1/c/563632/113422/313631/313631 AOL users go here: http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;6413623;3807821;f?http://mocda1.com/1/c/563632/113422/313631/313631 This offer applies to U.S. Residents Only --^---------------------------------------------------------------- This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84IaC.bcVIgP.YXJjaGl2 Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] TOPICA - Start your own email discussion group. FREE! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/create/index2.html --^----------------------------------------------------------------