By James Milstid
Yesterday, presidential candidate Rick Perry (R-Texas) introduced his version of a flat-tax plan for America.
I don’t pretend to be an economics expert, so I won’t make any uneducated comments about the merits or disadvantages of his plan. Nor will I pass judgement on Herman Cain’s 999 tax plan. I’ll save that for the talking-heads in the media.
Such a deal I have for you…
What disturbed me about Rick Perry’s presentation was the slippery, slimy feeling I perceived. I’ve felt it before while shopping for a used car. Or walking through the warehouse-style furniture store. That “is-this-guy-being-straight-with-me” feeling.
When he held up his 5×7 index card, the words “snake-oil” flashed across my mind… in bright flashing neon letters. My internal warning flags were at full mast. But the premise did have a certain appeal on the surface.
Too good to be true?
It was a too good to be true moment for me. And, of course, I’m completely familiar with the sage advice if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But the thought of never again toiling over umpteen pages of tax forms, deciphering the current year’s new laws, and sorting through piles of un-filed paperwork certainly sounds inviting. Simply filling out a form like the magazine subscription thingies that fall out of my magazines… it’s so easy! This is too good to be true!
Come one, come all
There may be some merit in Rick Perry’s flat tax plan. But when he reached into his jacket pocket and produced the 5×7 index card… he lost me.
It was a blatant gimmick, an attempt to sway my thinking away from the chicanery of his plan. Like a side-show barker, he’ll draw the unsuspecting into his tent. But not me! I’m wise to his tricky ways. You see, the gimmick immediately aroused my suspicions that something was awry.
Taxes are necessary
I do believe that a change in the bloated American tax code needs to be addressed. I also believe in TANSTAAFL… There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.
If we want something, we have to pay for it. The next time you see a library closed, overcrowded classrooms, a social program cut, a park or campground closed, increased college tuition, or a reduction in the police force, think about that last tax levy that got voted down.
Of course, there are a myriad of factors at play here. But the bottom line is that if we want stuff… we have to pay for it.
Choices
More or less tax for the low/medium incomes? More or less tax for the corporate world? Across the board flat tax for everyone?
Every plan will have it’s advantages and dis-advantages. I just hope that the general public won’t be swayed by snake-oil gimmicks.