FairTax arguments - Theory vs. Practice

I know it is the cheapest shot in argument, but you set it up, and it is absolutely the best argument against your position.

The Weimar Republic was flawed, really flawed. A bad government with lots of problems. There was a reform movement which excited people, it was called the NSDAP (Nazis to you and me).

My point being that just because something is wrong does not mean that any change is good. That is the Obama fallacy of saying "I am for change" and thinking it is enough. Change is only good if it is a change for the better.

By the way, the change the rest of the world is making is eliminating corporate taxes, not instituting a FairTax scheme. Inf act VATs, which are the cousin of the FairTax, are losing popularity worldwide due to the drag on economies.

Well, just wanted to point out change is not always good, even if your situation is bad.

Hi Andrew. Thanks for the comment.

We both agree that change for the sake of change is unwise but I have yet to see a downside of the FairTax that puts it behind any other stated alternative. Besides, a number of top economists (who aren't part of gov't studies that are biased toward keeping "things as they are") support the FairTax. Google "Economists support FairTax". Other than Bruce Bartlett (who would immediately lose his expertise via passage of the FairTax into law), there is very positive support.

I believe it is wise that the rest of the world eliminate corporate taxes. We both know that they Corporate Taxes are just passed along to (and indirectly tax) the consumer anyway. But... just because the rest of the world is isn't adopting the FairTax doesn't mean that the U.S. can't take lead in something bold and new. Hey, about 230 years ago we tried something that nobody bold and new (thank God!).

Cheers,

YK