The Flat Tax: Why It Won't Work for America

Book Description

On the surface, the concept of a flat tax sounds good-it would simplify tax preparation and lower most people's taxes. However, according to Scott E. Hicko, a flat tax would increase taxes for the average worker and destroy the American dream. Under such tax legislation, the super wealthy would pay less tax while the nations's working class sould carry the nation's tax burden. First introduced in the 1970's, the flat tax concept will continue to be debated as the government seeks ways to streamline, says Hicko. And, most people do not understand the realities of it. The Flat Tax: Why it Won'T Work for America is the first book to outline the negative impact a flat tax sould create on the American economy.

Customer Reviews:

Misses the point entirely.......2006-07-09

A book of even greater myths.
He misses the fundamental flaw in the entire plot.
America is not a complicated economy. It may be many faceted which is very different from complicated. What is complicated is an organization that spends its time looking for never ending ways to justify taking money from its productive citizens. Calculating and grading every profitable venture in a myriad of complicated ways to invent and justify ploys to squeeze out more and more taxes. It is a marvellous game with a cast of tens of thousands uselessly employed in a cat and mouse game that could well be employed in a proper job where there was something to market and the end of a day's work. Where their activity made the GDP greater at the end of the day than it was in the morning.
The less people involved in collecting taxes the better for the country. The simpler the system the less wasted labor in administering it the better.
The true fact is the IRS has only ever got more complicated, employed more people, made more rules, got more difficult to follow and created more accountants jobs as people in despair turn to specialists in almost a vain effort to comply with their never ending changes in rules. And you think you can fix this with a bit of fiddling at the edges? Dream on.
No one has to date despite the massive efforts than have been put into it trying. As I said you can't fix something that is fundamentally flawed in the first place. Endlessly figuring out ways of taking money from the producers that have to give to the unproductive have nots is about as communistic as they come.
I hope your red card is fully paid up Mr. Hicko.

Just what is Hicko attacking??.......2006-02-03

I've leafed through this book, and can find no description of the proposed tax law he is attacking. There is no index. I've typed "Rabushka" and "Hall" into Amazon's Search in this Book engine, and come up empty-handed. I find Dick Armey's name, but again no specifics about just what the the Hon. Mr. Armey advocates.

In flat taxation as in everything else, the Devil's in the Details. Once you get your head around the flat tax a la Hall and Rabushka (called the Simple Tax), all other competing flat tax proposals come off as small beer. This is not to say that the Simple Tax cannot be much improved. Here's two major changes:
* Replace the personal allowances with a refundable personal credit of at least $2500 per year. This turns the Simple Tax into a variant of the negative income tax.
* Raise the flat tax rate to something like 27-30%, then let employers credit FICA tax payments against Simple Tax liabilities. This simple step goes a fair way towards addressing the inequities Hicko complains of.

The Simple Tax modified as I propose would relieve all individuals who are not self-employed from having to think about taxes. All taxes owed on wages, interest, dividends would be withheld by the payer, and amounts received would be free of tax.
Hence compliance costs for most households would go to zero. Most tax CPAs would have to change careers; most H&RBlock offices would close.

More generally, a modification of the Simple Tax is not subject to most of the objections Hicko raises against flat taxes in general.

Hicko has motives.......2005-08-24

Throughout this book the same thought kept occuring in my brain: The author, Hicko, is an accountant and tax preparer by trade. Of course he doesn't want a flat tax. His profession is the only one that loses under a simple tax code. This book is just a bunch of class warfare dribble that went out of style in 1975. Forbes' book, Flat Tax Revolution, is much better.

Experience, Critical Thinking & Clear Presentation.......2002-12-30

Scott Hicko's work to expose the lies and fraud of the widely discussed flat tax ideas coming from the Right is a breath of fresh air in the stifling and rancid air of Bush era politics. Even though it responds to Dick Armey's doomed plan of the mid-90's, you can be sure the Flat Tax debate will come roaring back as the Right, led by the Bush/Cheney/Rove triumvirate, continues its class war against the middle and lower classes.

Other reviewers have criticised this book. One reviewer mentions Alvin Rabushka's work on the flat tax system but Rabushka himself conceeded in his book that the flat tax would disproportionately burden the lower classes! The reviewers offer no substantiation that Hicko's book is factually incorrect. The author has 25 years of experience as a CPA and has done battle with the IRS for years. He knows the tax codes inside and out and he is adept at straightforward calculations about federal revenue. He makes very clear the case that the people with the money and power in this country are doing everything in their power to pass more and more of the burden to the lower and middle classes. It's not rocket science. It's math. The Right's usual approach when they try to shove this sort of tax concept down our throats is to cloak it in the classic language of "trickle-down," to convince us that all of these changes will lead to fantastic job growth and new prosperity for the country. Fat chance. We've seen plenty of what Republican economic initiative has done for this country in the last 20+ years. It's done a fantastic job enriching the top 1% of the people in the country, that's what it's done. All the while the middle class is going backwards over the last 30 years. Put another way, the middle and lower classes are heading down the toilet; we hardly need the final flush of a Flat Tax.

...

Not Even Looking in the Right Place.......1999-04-01

For almost 150 years America thrived and expanded without an income tax.

Our problem now is that we have an income tax. Scott Hicko is discussing what? Another income tax!

The difference between our graduated income tax and a flat income tax is the difference between being tortured to death slowly versus being killed quickly with a shot to the head. I guess I'd take the shot, but I'd rather have a third option of keeping my life and living it freely.

You best bet right now is to use Amazon to gather as much about income taxation as you can. I highly recommend "Your Money Or Your Life" by Sheldon Richman and "Why Government Doesn't Work" by Harry Browne.

The enforcement of any income requires that the government pry into you private life. I want to end that, and enter the new millenium as a much more free country.

Average customer rating:
The Flat Tax: Why It Won't Work for America
Scott E. Hicko
Manufacturer: Addicus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RN0ARI

Book Description

Based on original empirical research this volume investigates the relative competitiveness of European financial centres, with special reference to London and Frankfurt in the context of the single currency debate.

Download Description

Based on original empirical research, this volume investigates the relative competitiveness of European financial centres, with special reference to London and Frankfurt in the context of the single currency debate.

Book Description

Bigwig Briefs: Become a Consultant includes knowledge excerpts from some of the leading consultants in the world on ways to become consultant, be successful, and rise through the ranks. These highly acclaimed consultants from some of the biggest name consulting companies in the world, such as the CEOs/Managing Partners from KPMG Consulting, Booz-Allen, EDS, A.D. Little and more, explain the secrets behind quickly getting up to speed on topic, keeping your consulting skills sharp, working with a team, empowering positive change within your group, working with your boss, utilizing your "special" consulting talents, getting noticed, motivating others and additional important topics. A must have for every individual involved in consulting, or wanting to get into consulting, at every level.

Book Description

Fabulous collection of the best of the best resumes from America's best of the best resume writers!

Customer Reviews:

A Terrific Resource.......2000-02-18

As a Professional Resume Writer myself, I use this book as my No.1 reference guide. It has served not only to provide solid examples, but shows different approaches for the one type of occupation, giving you an idea of the ranges of different styles and formats that can be applied. Its easy to find index allows you to source information easily and foreword and instruction for DIY writers are pearls of wisdom from a leader in the resume writing profession. Good for DIY'ers or as a resource for professional writers for inspiration.

Average customer rating:

An expert in the field

Job Search

A Great Tool in the Transition Arsenal

Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Guide: The Essential Job Search Handbook for Service Members
Janet I. Farley
Manufacturer: JIST Works
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Job Hunting | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Job Search: Marketing Your Military Experience (Job Search)

Expert Resumes For Military To Civilian Transitions (Expert Resumes)

Military Transition to Civilian Success: The Complete Guide for Veterans and Their Families

Military to Federal Career Guide: Ten Steps to Transforming Your Military Experience into a Competitive Federal Resume

Jump Start Your Career: Finding the Right Job after Military Service

ASIN: 1593570910

Book Description

This book provides a framework for career transition for military service members and their families. While other books similar in scope address just one or two aspects of the job search process, this one addresses the actual entire transition process and includes the family perspective with it.

Key Features:

* Considers the family's perspective and needs during the transition process.
* Includes charts, checklists, and worksheets.
* Provides resume and cover letter advice and sample resumes and cover letters for transitioning military personnel.
* Helps with making the decision to leave the military.
* Helps with surviving the first month on the job and beyond.

Customer Reviews:

An expert in the field.......2007-08-13

Janet is an expert in this field. As the largest military to civilian placement firm, we believe she delivers a valuable perspective for service members who are currently transitioning or planning to transition to the civilian workforce.

Bradley-Morris, Inc. (BMI) - Delivering Military-Experienced Talent to America's Top Companies

Job Search.......2007-01-29

Job Search was wrote by a retired military Officer who understand transitoning formthe military to civilian job market. Dave Henederson provides worthwhile advice, examples, and smaple resumes, to incluse cover leters. Lots of tips built on experience to make a successful transition. I recommend this book as the first book for anyone transitoning fromthe military to civilian jobs. Also a great refreasher if you're alredy in the workforce and thinking about making a career change.

A Great Tool in the Transition Arsenal.......2005-11-17

This book has been very helpful during my transition from the military. It is very clearly written. The checklists, samples, and examples have come in handy, while the personal perspective of the author (her military spouse retired while she was writing the book) made this an invaluable tool. My copy is becoming very dog-earred, a true testimony to how often I have referred to it over the last few months. I'm glad I picked this one up, despite that it's a bit US Army centric, but of course flexibility is the key to air power.

Book Description

Ease the Squeeze provides practical approaches to setting personal and family goals, getting out of debt, setting up a budget, applying more discipline to spending decisions, saving more money, giving more and with a proper motive, becoming financially free, and bolstering our family and spiritual lives in the process.

The book is 396 pages of up-to-date research and chock full of helps to include checklists, self-tests, worksheets, action points, money-saving ideas and educational and discount WEB sites. It includes a toolbox of 50+ graphs and tables. Ease the Squeeze is loaded with daily application opportunities and money-saving ideas!

You will discover:

How to develop a LIFE PLAN (mission for living), a FINANCIAL PLAN, and a GIVING PLAN.

How to develop personal and family goals for your life and finances.

How to set up a realistic, structured plan to get out of debt quickly.

How to set up a budget that is realistic, easy to understand, easy to manage, and tailored for YOU!

How to develop a financial plan with both short and long-term goals.

Practical ways to save more money and control your spending immediately.

Explores FINANCIAL FREEDOM- what it is, and how to achieve it.

Relates the author's personal story and lessons learned along the journey from massive debt to NO DEBT (includes paid off mortgage), and the ability to give 30%.

Biblical approaches to money management and sound advice on giving and stewardship.

Spiritual applications and insights regarding choices, priorities, materialism, needs/wants, debt, giving, investing, the tithe vs. voluntary giving, simplification, etc.

Customer Reviews:

Ease the Squeeze is Superior!.......2004-03-03

This is a must-read for anyone wanting to get their financial act together! Doug helps the reader to put their priorities in line FIRST, then focuses on the financial basics. He writes straight from the heart and backs up his writing with biblical truth. This book is encouraging, motivational, and I commend him for having the conviction and strength to write it!

A truly first-rate instructional manual.......2003-01-05

Ease The Squeeze: Develop A Life Plan, A Giving Plan, And A Financial Plan is a straightforward, "reader friendly" guide to developing personally-based financial plans to living a comfortable, debt-free, worry free life. From getting a handle on spending, to sound advice regarding charitable giving and socially responsible stewardship, to a variety of checklists, self-tests, and worksheets for easy reference and assistance, Ease The Squeeze is very strongly recommended as being a truly first-rate instructional manual appropriate for readers of all economic and educational backgrounds, and is a "must" for anyone wanting to prepare for a secure retirement or who is feeling seriously squeezed by bills and creditors.

Helping Others Find Financial Freedom.......2002-11-06

A very challenging and refreshing look at this vital subject area. It is a book from the heart and a powerful testimony adds significant weight to the teaching it provides. The encouragement to develop life and giving plans prior to a financial plan is especially helpful. The financial advice contained within the book is practical and uncomplicated and should therefore be very helpful to all who respond to the challenge to take action.

His yoke is easy, and His burden light........2002-10-04

This book is honest, insightful, and hopeful. By changing one heart and one family at a time through Biblical and common sense principles, our families, churches, and communities will be better places to live and work. Thank you Mr. Hagedorn for writing this book.

Ease the squeeze: Energy-saving ideas for Arizona drivers (Arizona energy facts)

Average customer rating:

Ease the squeeze: Energy-saving ideas for Arizona drivers (Arizona energy facts)
Robert Sikorsky
Manufacturer: Arizona Energy Office, Dept. of Commerce
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Ease the squeeze: Gas saving ideas for Arizona drivers

Average customer rating:

Ease the squeeze: Gas saving ideas for Arizona drivers
Robert Sikorsky
Manufacturer: Office of Energy Programs, State of Arizona
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Iowa State University helps you--ease the money squeeze (Pm-969)

Average customer rating:

Iowa State University helps you--ease the money squeeze (Pm-969)
Jane Schuchardt
Manufacturer: Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006XN7YM

Book Description

Since its inception, Melaleuca, Inc. has been one of the fastest-growing businesses in America, with annual sales that grew to $300 million in little more than a decade, and current sales are over $600 million. Behind the company's phenomenal success lies the story of president and CEO Frank VanderSloot's personal growth.

Built on Solid Principles provides a biographical look at Frank VanderSloot which helps to explain Melaleuca's meteoric success.

Customer Reviews:

Great Inspiration for Anyone.......2007-01-04

It's been a couple months since I read this book, but one thing I remember from it was a quote from Melaleuca's Frank Vandersloot--it went something like "The magic...is in helping others achieve their goals, not in trying to reach our own goals." I think that in itself is a fantastic goal to have and I know that we can all agree now that the world would be a lot different if more people internalized this perspective.

I didn't know what to expect of this book and I'm so glad I read it now (it just takes one sitting). While this book does have parts that are targeted to specific audiences, this book is a required quick read for anyone who is thinking of starting their own business for extra income or anyone willing to do what it takes to move to a higher level in life. It was less than $10 and much more inspiring than books I've read for 3 times the cost.

informative and inspiring.......2001-06-03

The history and background helped me understand that so much is acheivable with the right amount of perserverance. I read this cover to cover in three sessions. Frank's committment to success through the mission statement "Enhancing the lives of those we touch, by helping people reach their goals" is very inspirational. Thank you so much!

A good read for those involved in the company.......2000-03-23

If you are involved in the Melaleuca company as either a customer or a marketing executive, you should take a look as this book. It is a lot of rah-rah about the company and it's policies, but I felt good about knowing how the company was formed and how it works.

It would be good for those getting involved to read it, and get a lot of information about the company that you might not know.

Book Description

A total guide to manufacturing, retail, and entrepreneurial success in one of today's most lucrative food industries.

Here is your one-stop guide to one of the fastest growing sectors of the food industry, where opportunities abound for manufacturers, retailers, and entrepreneurs. Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts is the only complete handbook on the commercial production and marketing of ice cream and frozen desserts for manufacturing and retail operations. It serves up a feast of how-to information, from writing business plans to purchasing equipment, from selecting a location to marketing your product—it even includes 500 delectable recipes using either the continuous or batch method of production.

Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts tells you what you need to know to:

Select the kind of frozen dessert business that's right for you.
Plan, finance, start, and operate a manufacturing or retail frozendessert business.
Purchase, install, and use ice cream making and serving equipment.
Determine which production method is right for you—continuous or batch.
Market and merchandise your frozen confections.
Manage employees, keep accurate financial records, and maintain sanitary conditions.
Create dozens of delectable types and flavors of frozen desserts.

Customer Reviews:

Not worth the money.......2006-06-11

This book is a nostagic look at ice cream manufacturing and store operation. We have opened 30 plus ice cream stores over the last 25 years and would not recommend anyone using this book as a reference. This guy enjoys making ice cream and spinning a good yarn but in the real world of ice cream store operation his ideas are outdated and seriously flawed. Ice cream shops work in only a few areas of this country and require hard work and long hours. They fail at an alarming rate and rarely gross enough to make a decent living. If you are planning on an ice cream store operation make sure you do a decent demographical study before attempting it.

Great Book.......2006-03-09

This book was an interesting guide to ice cream. It has helped me gain an insight in how to make and distribute ice cream. It answered most of my questions and helped me decide my next course of action.

Excellent book for ice cream professionals.......2002-11-21

Working as a dairy technician in a medium sized ice-cream-factory, I needed something to expand my knowledge on the subject. That's why I bought this book. And I was amazed: Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts: A Commercial Guide to Production and Marketing really met my expectations and did a lot more. It's well written, easily accessible and thorough. A must buy for both ice-cream-professionals and enthusiasts.

Excellent description of all phases.......2002-10-10

This book was *exactly* what I was looking for to help me get started in this business. A very broad overview of many different topics related to the ice cream business.

As my plans are to possibly open a parlor, some of the aspects of the commercial operations were not useful to me, but it *was* at least interesting to see how the big boys do it.

The one area that I was a little disappointed in was the business aspects of it. There were some general discussions of things to accomplish, without any real instruction in how to go about actually *accomplishing* them.

Overall, well worth the (rather steep, I admit...) price.

Very helpful in setting up a frozen desert establishment.......1999-10-07

This book contains invaluable information about making ice cream and gelato and about setting up and marketing the product. I was not disappointed and learned a lot.

Book Description

This volume represents a first dialogue between European and Asian economists concerning the common outlook of the two continents following the financial crisis which struck Asia in 1997.

The papers in this volume were presented at the ASEF/CEPII conference in Paris in May 1998, which brought together Asian and European economists and economic practitioners for an open and critical appraisal of the nature and causes of the crisis, and the role which the enhanced Asian-European relationship might have in addressing the future. Several Asian countries and major multi-lateral organizations (the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Bank for International Settlements, and the OECD) were represented.

Among the issues addressed are the consequences of the crisis for international trade, investment and growth, at both the regional and the global level, and the architecture of the globalized, international financial system which has undergone a new crisis due to events in Asia. Conclusions are drawn concerning the evolution of the monetary and financial turmoil, and solutions for the future of the region and for its relations with Europe are considered.

This volume aims to preserve the lively nature of the discussion and the cultural diversity of the presentations, while capturing the current state of the debate on the crisis.

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