FairTax opinion by Congressman-elect Rob Woodall

How a newly elected Congressman views the will of the people who elected him to represent them.

Leaders Should Be Bold

Knowing the economic growth that the FairTax will bring to America, I am always pleased when one of America’s major news outlets focuses on this legislation, as happens frequently.  A recent Wall Street Journal editorial warning politicians against supporting the FairTax was no exception.  While I certainly disagree with the editorial’s conclusion, in the wake of Tuesday’s midterm election results the WSJ’s admonition is tremendously instructive to the new Republican majority set to lead the House.

The WSJ concludes, “Our advice to candidates would be to avoid the FAIR tax [sic] and focus on goals that are more achievable and less politically self-destructive.”

<<<------- View the video at the left for an introduction to the Fair Tax

We have a President in the White House and a leader in the Senate whose policies have been so thoroughly rejected that the party in power lost more seats in the House on November 2 than have been lost in any election since 1948, when Republicans suffered an even greater defeat.  Despite this rejection of the direction of their leadership, the President and the Senate leader seem committed to continuing their course.

The American people have a different plan.  Having appeared at hundreds of events as a congressional candidate over the past seven months, I have never once had a voter ask me to “focus on the achievable”—those things that the President supports and will sign.  Never once has a voter asked me to do what is politically prudent.  Over and over again, voters have asked—nay, demanded—that I do what is right…that I be bold…that I speak the truth irrespective of the consequences. That is what the FairTax is all about.

Would it be “easier” or “safer” to simply talk about tax reform generally rather than write down all of the specifics in a 131 page piece of legislation that is introduced in the House and Senate for all to read?  Absolutely.  It would be both easier and safer, but the American people deserve better, and the FairTax gives it to them.

Would it be “easier” or “safer” to simply make some minor changes to the current income tax code rather than trying to abolish and replace it?  Absolutely.  It would be both easier and safer, but the American people deserve better, and the FairTax gives it to them.

The payroll tax is the largest tax that 80% of Americans pay, but the FairTax is the only bill in Congress that is bold enough to take on that burden.  American businesses face the highest corporate tax rates in the world and we are losing American jobs as a result, but the FairTax is the only bill in Congress bold enough to say that businesses don’t pay taxes—only consumers do—and so in the name of transparency we should abolish corporate tax rates and be honest about how those taxes affect consumers.

The WSJ recognizes the merits of the FairTax.   “[A] consumption tax like the FAIR tax [sic] is preferable to an income tax,” it says.  “If we were designing a tax code from scratch, the FAIR tax would be one consumption tax option worth debating,” it concludes.

But not now, it advises.  This is too soon, it warns.  It is too hard, it cautions.  I don’t have all the answers but I have this one: not one voter in Georgia elected me to wait; not one voter in Georgia elected me to do what is easy.  Shame on the WSJ for encouraging either.

With our economy in shambles, our debt growing by trillions annually, and our faith in government at an all time low, we must act.  If it was easy, it would have been done already.  It is hard.  If it was politically safe, it would have been done already.  It requires risk.

As I look at new Congressmen elected across this country on Tuesday I am filled with hope for our nation’s future.  These are men and women who will not wait, who will not be cautious, and who will gladly sacrifice themselves for a brighter future for our nation.  I am proud to share those convictions, and I am committed to doing what must be done.

The time is now.

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This column was prepare by Hank Richards for the Examiner. If you would like to send a letter to the editor or news tip, call Richards at (256) 417-6084, email at tips@pronlinenews.com or visit his website at www.pronlinenews.com