Value Added Tax

We left Canada in the 1990s when it implemented a VAT, called GST for Goods and Services Tax. In my opinion, if you want to see a mass exodus of manufacturers, professionals, etc., to other countries, advocate for a VAT. I never thought that I would see the United States in this situation!
—C. Oliver, Murrieta, CA

This will not REPLACE any taxes. Please remember that the only way we can rectify a situation legally is to VOTE in November. If most of you forget how you feel now in November, then we only deserve what we get because the other people showed up. WE MUST SHOW UP!
—Bill Smith, Winter Park, FL

A VAT on top of the income tax doesn’t make good sense to me. Adoption of the Fair Tax (also a consumption tax, just far less complex) does make good sense. I invite all to explore the possibilities.
—John D. Engelhardt, Maryville, TN

This is just another tax that will be added on top of the other taxes we already pay. I don’t believe for one second this will be used to replace any existing taxes. The more the government gets, the more it spends!
—John Williams, Anaheim, CA

This is starting to sound like a Republican fear-mongering ploy to get the masses roiling about a fictitious problem and then say they are against it.
—Perry Levin, Rockville, MD

Energy

A Ph.D. is not required to know that we are and will be fossil fuel dependent. It takes a little common sense to realize that the solution is in our hands. Unfortunately, common sense has become as rare and elusive as a practical alternative energy source.
—Norbert V. Fay, Waterford, CT

We do not have energy independence because we have refused to develop the vast resources we have access to. Other countries run their economy on sales of energy sources to the U.S. Until we have a government that believes cheap, abundant energy would be good for our country, we will continue to lose our status in the world and lose our way of life as we knew it.
—Noel Smith, Eau Claire, WI

It’s common knowledge among the American voting public that we are dependent on oil today, and that this dependence is a problem. Will it be a problem for the next 50 years? Only if we throw up our arms in despair at the magnitude of the problem and give up. Yes, it is a gigantic problem. But you know what? So was landing a man on the moon, or developing nuclear weapons in time to make sure they were used to secure peace.
—Adrian Tymes, Mountain View, CA

We need to lift the six-month ban on offshore drilling immediately. Simply put in place some safeguards and checks and balances to prevent oil leaks, etc.
—Roy Sternfels, Thibodaux, LA

Wake up and realize that we need alternatives that are not based on unrenewable sources! The facts already show it is cheaper over a 20-year period to start solar plants and wind farms, but let’s keep thinking about today and forget about the fact that our children won’t even have it to argue about if we keep on this path!
—Matthew Miller, Rutland, VT

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