Just what sort of tax system does the United States need to promote economic growth and fund government operations?
We’re not sure, but we think the Fair Tax Plan is one worth studying.
Certainly there are pros and cons to the plan — as in all plans. But the Fair Tax Plan has caught the attention of some. A rally for supporters of a nationwide sales tax to replace the current income taxes drew thousands of residents to Columbia last weekend, and the movement appears to be gaining steam.
A similar plan at the state level attracted enough support that a resolution calling for a statewide vote was approved by the Missouri House of Representatives in this past session. It died in the Missouri Senate for lack of a vote at the end of the session, but you can be sure it will be back before legislatures in the next session.
Upending our tax system will not be without its challenges, especially if government is considered the be-all, end-all for economic policy.
First of all, the U.S. Tax Code is an exercise in social engineering, giving special treatment for certain segments of the population through tax shelters and exceptions. It is a highly complex document of hundreds of pages and millions of words that are virtually impossible for the average taxpayer to comprehend. The people have elected the politicians, some of whom have seen taxes as more than a necessity to provide basic necessities for government. Taxes cover programs that encourage re-election of certain individuals by a dependent constituency, and for achieving social-engineering objectives.
Certainly the idea of never having to file a federal or state tax return again is appealing. It’s the trade-off of being taxed on consumption that makes some hesitate. Products and services would be included such as nursing home fees, medical and legal services, rent, health insurance and college tuition.
The Fair Tax Plan is a whole new way of thinking. That’s why we’d like to see Congress approach the proposal with an open mind to see if ditching the federal income tax code is a step this country should take.
We look forward to further debate on the plan. Tax reform of some type is long overdue.
Opinion
In our view: A plan worth considering
- Opinion
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Our View: Victims should come first
Millions of dollars in donations have poured in from around the world since the May 22, 2011, tornado. Those donations represent money from lemonade stands, charity auctions, corporate gifts and celebrity checks, just to name a few. In fact, one year later donations continue to come to Joplin.
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Beth Meeker, guest columnist: Same-sex marriage battle a quest for equal rights
I would like to take a moment to reply to guest columnist Anson Burlingame’s, “The Marriage Debate” (Globe, May 13).
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Sunday Forum: 2012 graduation speakers key on tornado, mall school and president’s visit
Editor’s note: In addition to speeches by President Barack Obama and Gov. Jay Nixon, Joplin High School’s top students addressed graduates, faculty, parents and other guests packed into the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center on the Missouri Southern State University campus. Following are the text of those speeches.
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Geoff Caldwell, guest columnist: Pack mentality takes truth as a casualty
President Obama’s Joplin graduation speech Monday showed that while there’s the political “right,” there’s also a very active “rabid” political right.
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Your View: ‘Study’ can mean anything
A few evenings ago, I watched a television program on the science of marriage.
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Our View: Support for museum
How can you tell the story of Joplin without the accounts of its mining history?
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Our View: Finding middle ground
The G-8 summit held last week in Camp David ended as expected.
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Anson Burlingame, guest columnist: Class of 2012 upholds character, hope
My oldest granddaughter was part of the class of 2012 from Joplin High School, and I attended the ceremony on Monday night.
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Scott Charton, guest columnist: 'Deadline in Disaster' film a story about storytellers
Local newspapers are at their best when they help their communities confront, understand, endure and overcome shared challenges.
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Our View: Make voting easiser
This year’s ballot will not include a proposed constitutional amendment that photo identification be required at the polls in Missouri. Good.
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