Everyone has heard the story of The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen where a very vain emperor obsessed with his appearance is approached by two weavers who claim they can weave the finest clothes imaginable. So fine that they are invisible to anyone who is unfit for their position or hopelessly stupid. Eager to flaunt these magical garments, the emperor commissions the weavers who proceed to pretend to work at their looms but
producing nothing. Fearing to be seen as unfit or stupid, the emperor pretends to see the nonexistent clothing and decides to give a formal parade to show off his new garments.
For a time, all the parade observers are eager to show that they are not stupid so they exclaimed how wonderful the emperor’s new clothes seem. However the ruse is exposed when a child points out to his mother that the emperor is wearing nothing at all. Hearing the child, others begin to say the same thing and the embarrassed emperor is hurried back to his castle.
What does this fairytale have to do with reform of the U.S. tax system? Since 1913, the Elites have told the American people that only people “unfit for their position or hopelessly stupid” would question the logic and benefits of a system that:
*Tells taxpayers that a refund of taxes they overpaid each year is a “gift” from the government and they should be grateful.
*Tells the Americans people that even though the income/payroll tax system is complicated and harms American competitiveness and costs American jobs, that it is the necessary price paid for having a “fair” system.
*Tells people that even though their personal and private tax returns may very well be leaked, it is still ok to require the onerous forms that often require paying tax professionals to complete.
Andersen’s fairytale serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the courage to speak the truth. The Elites who reprimand and belittle us for seeking real tax reform are desperately afraid they will be exposed not as the intellectual superiors they claim to be, but as scared people who are wearing “no clothes”.
Americans have always been proud of the fact that we, as a nation, demand the truth from our leaders. It’s time we demand the truth about our failed income/payroll tax system and demand REAL tax reform – ADOPT THE FAIRTAX.
For more information, please go to FAIRtax.org
