Cynical Nation

As reported on The Drudge Report, Denny Hastert has said in his new book that he will push for the replacement of the Federal Income Tax with a national sales or value added tax.

An interesting idea, for sure. But what are the implications? For certain, under such an arrangement the rich will likely pay less and the poor will definitely end up paying more than they are now. Alhough I assume that the sales tax on items like food will be at a much lower rate than a boat or a Ferrari. The end effect on the middle class is not so clear.

Personally, I would like to see Mr. Hastert spend his political capital pushing for less government and a cut in spending.