(07-30-2016 01:48 PM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  A 20% consumption tax immediately makes us more competitive in both import and export markets--20% more competitive with imports, and close to 20% more competitive with exports. That shifts a lot of trade at the margins.

With the consumption tax in place, we can lower and flatten our income taxes--and broaden them by eliminating a lot of current deductions and exclusions and credits--and still balance our budget.

Agree with those measures. making the top 1% a bogeyman won't take of the problem.

Quote:We need to revise our health care. Right now we still have the same problem with health care that has hurt our competitiveness internationally for years--we tie health insurance to employment and add a large cost for employers that their foreign competitors typically do not have. Bismarck, funded by savings on Medicaid, Medicare, and welfare (see below) plus the consumption tax, would solve that problem.

sounds good to me.

Quote:Revamping our immigration policy to allow more highly skilled and talented foreign citizens to come here and work would improve our competitiveness. In that regard, all we need to do to solve the illegal immigration problem is a work permit program. That lets them stay here and work (what they really want) without all the problems that come with granting citizenship. A wall on the Mexican border, and excluding Muslims, are two incredibly stupid ideas that will only harm our economy.

yes. Once we have an outlet (guest worker program) in place for those who want to work, we need to have zero tolerance for those who circumvent the guest worker program or other legal avenues. I would require employers to withhold 20% minimum from the earnings of all aliens. yes, far more than most will owe, but they can get the excess back the same way we do - by filing a return. Thus we have made sure that taxes are paid and returns filed.

A separate provision would be made for illegals already here and their children. I would propose a 60 day amnesty to allow current residents to apply for whatever makes them legal - guest worker, green card, naturalization process, resident alien, whatever. if at the end of the amnesty they have not taken any action, then zero tolerance.