"For a multitude of reasons — not the least of which is overspending, overindulgence, multiple stock market shocks, and a Federal Reserve zero interest-rate policy (ZIRP)" All programs that were put in place to destroy the natural benefits of what Reagan espoused.

Peter you forgot the net new part time jobs of 444,000 new part time jobs. So there wasn't any new full time jobs created. Just more full time jobs being lost and a rate of over 300,000 last month.

Bill, you forgot there were 444000 new part time jobs created. So, if you net that out of the total number of jobs created, we lost 300K+ full time jobs. Whoopee!!!!!!

Ned, the VAT favors vertically integrated, TBTF. The VAT is applied at every level and while it attempts to level the field, collecting and reporting it ONCE, is MUCH, MUCH, MUCH less expensive.

Wow, eddie, I hope that was a typo. "i do write that to be dismissive or derogatory" That would make you a Saul acolyte. Do you feel that everything that got us to be the greatest country on earth and allows you to be "dismissive or derogatory" is bad?

tmarney is correct. Plus all legal citizens get the "prebate", while illegals don't. How many illegals would want to BE LEGAL to get the "Prebate"?

Because that IS what Governments feel a need to do.

So, you want the ability to tax both? Hey, it doesn't prevent YOU from paying both!!!! Go for it!!

7. Since employees would cost less the businesses would be more willing to hire people less qualified and TRAIN THEM. Plus as an added bonus it gives illegals a reason to become legal and solves that problem in one swipe!!!!!!!!!

Under the "Fair Tax": 1. YOU take home more. No tax, FICA or employment deductions. 2. Your employer has no employment taxes, unemployment, workmen's comp costs. They make more TOO! 3. No effect here but streamlining them and lowering the cost to comply would be very beneficial. Why does a business w/ 5 employees have to do everything a business with 50,000 employees does? 4. Joblessness would drop, businesses would move back here, tax revenues would increase, the deficit would drop, lowering the cost of capital. 5. Won't help here but would creating a responsible energy policy be TOO MUCH TO ASK? 6. The CHI would strengthen due to increased economic activity and an increase in foreign investment.