Does our opinion matter?

Just a question, but why is it that when the economy shrinks (as it will from time to time), instead of cutting things, the gov't just looks to tax more.

Hello.... elected representatives? are you listening? It appears not. They voted in a health care program/policy system that the majority of the public did not want. Now it seems that they are going to do the same thing for the VAT.

Who in their right mind would think that a VAT would be a good thing? Let me qualify that - why would a VAT be a good thing for America when we already tax people for consumption AND income? The VAT would be fantastic if you got rid of the income tax, then it would make perfect sense. Pay for what you use. What could be more simple. But pay for income AND for consumption!? That's double dipping, and in my book that's a major bozo no-no. If you want that, move to Europe.

I will not vote for any politician that wants to put a VAT in place that does not also remove the income tax. The one good thing about the VAT? It actually is more fair than the income tax system we have in place right now, because everyone will have to pay it. Government moochers will NOT be able to get out of it or whine about the fact that rich people don't have to pay more for it. That 50" flat screen tv will cost the same for billy bob on the farm as it costs winthrop on nob hill - which is the main reason bleeding heart liberals hate the idea of a VAT. It is too fair - it hurts everyone equally!

bw