Subject: Fair Tax Comment: Dear Panel Members, It is with a heavy heart I type these comments as I have been hearing many things the tax panel is not going to consider, including a national sales tax instead of an income tax. Listening everyday to news reports about the challenges of Social Security, Medicare and the frustration over the Income Tax Code I wonder why the House Ways and Means Committee still does not bring H.R. 25, The Fair Tax Act, to the floor for an open and honest debate. Have any of you read either H.R. 25 or S. 25? If not, it is my sincere hope that you will. The Fair Tax Act was developed by economists and others much brighter than I will ever be. It tackles one side of the problem, how we fund our government. Funding any government through production has historically spelled disaster. The most glaring example history can offer is the Roman Empire. Our founding fathers learned from history and made production based funding unconstitutional. If we look at the Social Security debate what do we find at the root of the problem? The number of workers compared to the number drawing benefits since it is also funded through production. I know, you are looking at the tax issues however The Fair Tax Act not only addresses those problems but the funding of these other programs as well. Many will say a sales tax places too much burden on the poor and an income tax does not. If you will study The Fair Tax Act you will see how the poor are protected under the system. We also know that the income tax code is not a protector of the poor as it drives up the cost of goods and services as well as having other, hidden pitfalls that ensnare those proponents claim it protects. What of the economic challenges we face? Is it possible to ignite an economy, restore competitiveness for our products here and overseas? Can we actually restore incentives for our major corporations to stay in the U.S., build in the U.S. and thrive here? Again, all these issues are addressed in a carefully studied, well supported resolution sitting before our elected officials as you read this. I know you are looking at many different proposals. My plea is a simple one; look carefully into the legislation known as The Fair Tax Act. I close with a simple poem I have written to encourage our representatives to join the fight to end the income tax system and restore our nation to solid funding: Give us freedom from income tax, Help our parents to finally relax, Restore our land of liberty, Set our precious children free! Weakening what once was strong, Tax burdens carried much too long, Within our grasp is freedom's ring, Consumption taxes will help us sing! Please have courage, lead the packs, Rip out the dreaded income tax, From its roots so our roots can grow, Restore our nation and our pride will show! Thank you for your time, we appreciate the challenges you face. Sincerely, Gary Wood, Proud Citizen |