National sales tax would encourage black market activity Re: “Fair Tax would eliminate income tax fraud,” From Readers, March 27
Glenn Terrell rightly points out that our income tax system is in need of a major overhaul. However, creating a different type of tax fraud is an inherent danger of replacing it with a national sales tax. Two words: black market.
The size of the sales tax increase necessary to replace income taxes would immediately cause some consumers to search for ways to avoid it, effectively creating a demand the criminal element would be only too willing to supply.
Case in point: as taxes on cigarettes go up, so does the number of hustlers offering packs of smokes at almost half price in store parking lots or on buses and subway trains. Also, the equally illegal practice of selling individual cigarettes continues to increase.
As gas prices drive up the cost of most consumer goods, more and more such items are being sold under the table. Consider the recent raid on a Metro area barbershop that was selling detergent and toiletries in the rear.
A national sales tax could create a mindset with many consumers akin to that of drinkers during Prohibition. Although we might lose the IRS, we also might then be faced with the need for a new generation of “Untouchables” to track down purveyors of black market goods. A better solution is two more words: flat tax.
William Jones
Washington
Inappropriate headline not suitable for children
Re: “Who kills children? Often mom or dad,” March 25.
Thanks so much. It was a big treat for my 7-year-old to pick up the paper on our driveway Sunday morning and see this thoughtful, attention-getting headline on the front page. I’m sorry I didn’t actually get to read Emily Babay’s article, which was probably well-researched and informative, because I was busy Googling “child psychologist” as my son hid under his bed in the fetal position with a hockey stick to protect himself.
In the spirit of William Randolph Hearst and TMZ, I applaud this educational and not-at-all sensationalistic approach. Who says print can’t stay alive by staying trashy?
Next time, please offer up a graphic or two on the ways I might kill my son, such as stabbing, shooting, or maybe slipping arsenic in his applesauce. This might be a great weekly feature to highlight for the whole family. Here are some headline suggestions:
“Daddy drinks because you don’t pick up your toys”
“Where pets really go when they get old (Hint: No duckies are getting chased!)”
“Mommy doesn’t just cheat in Pictionary”
Keep up the good work!
John Gallagher
Falls Church
Executive branch ignores the will of Congress
Re: “Clinton waives rights conditions on Egypt Aid,” March 25
By its use of the waiver, the Obama administration has made a farce of Congress when it comes to living up to the intent of our elected officials.
Unfortunately, ignoring the will not only of Congress but the general public is not a first for the executive branch. At the behest of the State Department, a series of presidents invoked the same privilege to justify not moving our embassy to Israel’s capital in Jerusalem, an area that has been part of Israel since the 1948 war.
The executive branch of our government has thwarted legislation passed by Congress, claiming that the move would be injurious to a 63-year-old failed peace process. What a travesty.
Nelson Marans
Silver Spring
