First off, I'm actually going to write a review of the book as a book (which is what the section is really for). Then I'll add to the other commentary.
***
I enjoyed this book, just as I did the first FairTax book. It is nice read, and I enjoy Boortz's writing in particular. Probably one of the biggest flaws of the book is the extreme length of what is probably the most important chapter in the book: that is, the chapter that deals with what the authors consider legitimate criticisms to address. Even as an ardent reader and supporter of the FairTax, getting through this chapter was a bit tough. Surely they could have broken it up a bit.
There is nothing abstract in the book. Examples are clear cut and well explained. Having the footnotes in there also really helps, as the authors have highlighted for you, the reader, the same things they read.
All in all, a good read, and highly recommended to both those who support the FairTax and even those who don't. For those that do, this will clear up the major issues, and give you, as the authors say, the ammunition you need to refute some of the claims. For those that don't support the FairTax, you'll have a better understanding of your enemy's idea.
***
Boortz and Linder "ignore" the reviews by various organizations that alter the FairTax in some way. In other words, these organizations established guidelines for their reviews of proposed tax plans that change how the FairTax would work. Imagine it like this: an independent organization is going to rate every car on the road in terms of safety features, but in their guidelines, they state that solid steel bars running down the sides of a car shouldn't be considered. My car, and all the others like it, take a hit in those safety ratings. Why? Because someone decided to cut out an important feature.
The FairTax only deals with Federal income taxes. Excise taxes, such as those levied on alcohol and tobacco, will likely still be there. Asides from almost always being state mandated taxes, excise taxes are exclusive (that is, they are not reflected in the price you see at the counter; you see it only after it is added at the register). Any tax levied by a state, whether it be on income or your various property and licenses, is still valid. The FairTax does not deal with the 50 individual states and taxes they choose to levy.
The thing that will stop Congress from raising the tax rate is the collective displeasure of the American people. Right now, tax increases (when they do occur) often only impact the rich because the current tax code allows politicians to selective target groups with tax breaks and increases. Implement the FairTax, and everyone is paying the same rate (though, as I'll address soon, not the same amount); now Congress would be trying to raise the tax burden of every American. That's a sure fire way to find yourself booted out of office.
Pay as you use items (phones, vending machines, etc) already have embedded taxes factored into the cost of each item. Gambling and lottery winnings get double taxed already: first upon receipt of them (they are a form of income) and then when you spend them (those nice embedded taxes again). Ditto for internet purchases. I purchased my copy of this book off of this website. Rather than drive to a bookstore, I chose to make the retail purchase online: all the embedded taxes that the FairTax would replace are still there.
I admit I'm surprised at the number of people who argue that the FairTax would drive people into a "used" buying frenzy, including things like used gasoline (not sure how that one works, though), and say that is a bad thing. Is it a bad thing for you to save your money by buying used? That's money you can invest, or save to send your kid to college. I work in retail, and people have a voracious appetite for new things, even if they aren't always necessary. Kids want new toys (video games). How many women want to buy used cosmetics? Your favorite author puts out a new book: are you going to wait to try and find it used? Yeah, some people might, but overall,
Now, the FairTax has everyone pay the same rate: 23% (AND REMEMBER, THAT COST IS ALREADY THERE under the current system as companies are just passing their tax burden onto the consumer). There is no difference in a millionaire buying a mop for his maid to use and the stay at home mom who will buy the same mop for herself: they both pay 23%. I've often thought, however, that the class warfare folks should be jumping on the FairTax bandwagon, and here's why:
Ask yourself, who is more likely to buy a new car: the rich guy, or the middle class guy? Who is buying a personal sailing yacht? Rich people will get shafted under the FairTax, even as they are now, but at least now, they will have a choice in the matter. Poor people will see a rise in their bring home income, the prebate to cover necessities, and little or no change in overall prices (with embedded taxes gone, some prices go up, others go down, and some stay where they are. Even those that would change would not change much).
Oh, and one final thing. I've heard it said, and seen it here, that one reason not to support their FairTax is simply because of whom some of the proponents are. Well, first off, the movement is big, and growing, and it includes plenty of normal, everday Americans. Not giving the FairTax any thought because you don't like Boortz and/or Linder is stupid. It reminds me of the comment I heard back in 2000. A friend of mine, rather conservative himself, stated he wasn't going to vote for George W. Bush because we already had one president with the last name Bush. That was his sole reason.
Is that not moronic? I mean, it is one thing to disagree with candidates, and to vote against them because of that. It is a similar, though admittedly not identical, situation here. Boortz and Linder may not be your favorite people in the world, but they are carrying a message. Judge the message for itself, not based on who carries it.
