PsiCop

Here is a definition of propaganda. I find it difficult to believe you don't know what it is, or how the national sales tax (NST) people are using it, but this link will connect you to references on the subject.
Not per se. It is, rather, the merchandising the NST folks use to promote it.
Books do, indeed, meet the goal of informing people. The question is not the books themselves but their contents and the propaganda lurking between their covers.
Yes, but if the "information" is nothing other than propaganda and lies, who needs or wants it?
Propaganda is not merely "information," it is DISTORTED information meant to trick people into believing something they would never accept otherwise. Labeling the NST a "fair" tax is a prime example of such a manipulation. Another is the lie that the NST will collect itself.
You see, this is an example of "propaganda." Have you actually sat down and done the math to determine whether or not the NST really, truly, actually does benefit "the average Joe"? Or do you merely take Boortz's word that it does?

Moreover, in order to know if the NST will truly help "the average Joe" you must first define what "the average Joe" is. How much does s/he make?
The NST is "friendly" to those folks who don't do so well under the current system. Which includes a lot of people, but at the same time, the current system benefits some others who might be worse off under the NST.

Such as, anyone who currently earns too little income to pay any income tax. This is a group that includes many millions of people ... ALL of whom will end up paying federal taxes that they had never paid before. At the opposite end of the scale are those who earn a great deal of money and pay a top rate of 36% (if memory serves). Those people would benefit mightily under the NST since they would pay FAR less than they currently do.
And there are some who do just fine under the current system but would pay under the NST.
Bzzzt! You're mixing issues. This is the practice of "earmarking" or "pork-barrel politics" and has nothing to do with tax structure.
Bzzzt! Wrong. The two have NOTHING to do with one another. The NST is the means of collecting taxes. Earmarks are an abusive way to spend it. They are NOT connected in any way whatsoever.
That you believe it, cannot make it true.
Bzzzt! Term limits are yet another issue totally separate from tax schemes.

buzz2

Well, I don't know what the "Bzzzt" thing is all about. Unless you're just trying to be a wise guy. But that aside. The [u]Fair Tax[u] is truly the most "fair" to ALL in this country. Just read the books man. Instead of just dismissing it as so called propaganda. Everyone would pay a 23% sales tax that is already embedded into the prices of all goods and services. The more you spend and buy, hence, the more you would pay. So, if you don't buy alot, you won't pay alot. And it stops all the illegal aliens from getting away with not paying taxes. And yes, I do believe they can afford to pay. If they can afford to send money home to Mexico, then they can afford to pay taxes just like the rest of us. No more free ride off of the American tax payer. All I can say man is, read the books. Whether you THINK it's propaganda or not. Till then, I don't think you know what the heck you're talking about. Propaganda my eye!!!

buzz2

Oh. By the way. I wanted to know what YOU MEANT by propaganda. Not what propaganda meant. I know what the word means wise ass. Don't be so condescending. Also, it's not just Boortz, but Congressman John Linder of Georgia and too many others for me to name at this time, that are backing this proposal.

pseudonous

[quote=buzz2;28854]
...Everyone would pay a 23% sales tax that is already embedded into the prices of all goods and services. The more you spend and buy, hence, the more you would pay. So, if you don't buy alot, you won't pay alot...QUOTE]

I like the idea of a flat tax but I think there might be a problem with just a sales tax. What I am thinking is that the wealthier people invest a larger percentage of their money than poorer people. I would guess the 23% sales tax would not apply to buying stocks as it would make stocks prohibitively expensive. Yet, without a tax on earned income from investments the wealthier people would make a killing and the gap between rich and poor would widen.

Does the "fair tax" address this issue?

__________________
"One is most dishonest to one's god: he is not allowed to sin." - Nietzsche

debdodd

hmmmmmm, I've always thought it was better to be considered a smart ass than a dumb ass .... but just my opinion .....

__________________
"Ubi dubium ibi libertas."

"We are all lone souls. It pays to know humility, lest the delusion of control, of mastery, overwhelms. And indeed, we seem a species prone to that delusion, again and ever again ....."

duck

Besides, 23% is a repressive level. A sales tax is a repressive tax. One has to be careful with.

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Religion: The ultimate definition of verisimilitude

buzz2

[quote=pseudonous;28858]What's wrong with wealthy people making more money? The less fortunate people can invest just the same as the wealthier can. Maybe not so much in the beginning, but they can do it. The poorer folks only limit themselves. Just don't eat out as much. Get a cheaper cable tv plan. Get a cheaper cell phone. You just have to learn to cut corners and budget your money a little wiser. Then, use those funds to invest in your future. I see no problem with the rich getting richer. Everyone in this country has the same oportunities to make their lives more comfortable. If I can do it, anyone can. Don't resent the rich for making money. Capitalism is a wonderful thing.

xxkayxx

[quote=buzz2;28876]
Maybe for a middle class person, but for people living in poverty, it doesn't quite work that way. IMO, the percentage gap between wealth distribution doesn't need to get any larger. Take a look at these statistics, and see for yourself.

http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Facts.asp

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If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing

buzz2

[quote=xxkayxx;28877]So now it's OUR responsibility to take care of the whole world too? And who pays for that? It's not enough that we have our own nation to worry about, but now, it seems that you think it is up to us to shell out even more of OUR hard earned money. Where do you draw the line? Why don't YOU just give YOUR paycheck up and let me KEEP mine. Let ME decide which charity I want to give to. Not you or the govt. You are so quick to want to take and give away other peoples' money. You know,.. we can't fix everything. So stop trying to dip into MY pockets to help support YOUR causes. As I mentioned before, EVERY PERSON in THIS COUNTRY has the same opportunities that I have to make a good life for themselves. They just need to get out of that mind set that the govt. owes it to them somehow. Or that resentment of the more wealthy than they. Most wealthy folks had to EARN what they have. Do you mind giving away your money? If not, then you can send it to me. I'll put it to some good use.

debdodd

yeah trust fund babies really work hard ....

__________________
"Ubi dubium ibi libertas."

"We are all lone souls. It pays to know humility, lest the delusion of control, of mastery, overwhelms. And indeed, we seem a species prone to that delusion, again and ever again ....."