Dear Secretary Snow; Give the Fair Tax a Fair Chance.
I understand that there is an enormous inertia in the present
tax system. The incremental complication of the tax code over
the last 80 years has given birth to an entire industry that is
fully capable of defending their turf. These are challenging
times. The American people are equally unhappy with this
administration and the Democratic opposition over the handling
of the war in Iraq. There has been a lack of planning, and open
discussion that has led to a breakdown in communication. While
we wrestle with the war, we grow even more cynical about the
power of special interests and the remoteness of Washington. I
believe the President should support HR 25 and help enact the
Fair Tax initiative for the good of the nation. It would be a
golden opportunity to act decisively to fix an antique that is a
drag on the whole economy. It would be benefit most of the
people - a rare opportunity to do good. In true wishy-washy
style, the President's Tax Advisory Panel ignored considerable
research and grossly misstated the potential effects of the Fair
Tax. Committees frequently fail to provide clear and decisive
recommendations. They prefer to pander to the lobby and avoid
risks rather than seek the best available solution and advise
the President on managing risks associated with change.
If you look at the risks associated with doing nothing, they are
staggering. President Bush formed the Tax Advisory Panel because
he was seeking breakthrough thinking and a plan to promote
simplicity, fairness, and transparency. The Panel failed, but
the President need not. The Fair Tax replaces all federal income
and payroll taxes with a revenue neutral, 23% national sales
tax. It is inherently fair because it taxes consumption. The
more you spend the more you are taxed - that simple. I urge you
and the Treasury Department to offer offer creative alternatives
to the President including the Fair Tax, since the Fair Tax will
energize the American economy and engage the American people. It
will also enhance the President's legacy, since it will take a
man of vision to unite the country and deliver true tax reform.