Joel Kolstad wrote:

"Chuck Harris" wrote in message
...

The poor guy who pays that tax will have to work about 1 minute to pay
the tax. The rich guy will have to work a small fraction of a second
to pay the tax. That's regressive.


Yes, but isn't the idea that -- even with a flat consumption tax -- if you
made less than, e.g., $20k/year you'd be eligible for food stamps, etc. and
therefore wouldn't have to spend as much on necessities such as food in the
first place? That's a tax break, right?


Sure. Also, you can exempt essentials such as bread, milk, cheese,
fruits, vegetables. But not booze. In the end it's surprisingly simple.
You could also easily steer environmental goals. For example, a reduced
tax on hybrids, CFL bulbs and such. The huge problem would be what to do
with all the bureaucrats that are no longer needed.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com