"Original - Herman Cain" Critique by Wyatt Reeder

Greg Long explains Herman Cain's "9-9-9" tax plan. Mr. Cain's proposed tax plan is aimed at "leveling out" the sales tax, income tax and personal tax on businesses. Some see this idea leading to the revival of the US economy. However, it does not quite make sense to me. While it is said in an animated film, used to generate support for his campaign, that "$2 trillion would be added to the GDP and 6 million jobs would be created", it fails to highlight that the tax on some households making below $20,000 would indeed increase "nearly 950 percent". While this would not seem like much of a burden to a millionaire or billionaire, someone trying to scrape by on welfare and provide for their family would be in even more trouble. This does not seem "fair" by any means to me.

While corporations do play an important part for our GDP, if we are going to be fair about things, why should they receive breaks just because they provide jobs? Companies such as BP Oil, which in 2006 spilled 4.9 million barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, not only dodged much of the promised restitution and damages, but also under Herman Cain's running platform, would receive tax cuts and rake in more money. It is instances such as these that make Americans distrustful of big business. The fact that individuals want to not only forgive corporations and allow them essentially free-reign, but prostrate their control over our economy is appalling.

I have to disagree with Greg when he says that the simple answer to our national crisis is taxes. Although there has been an increased amount of spending on the part of the government, I would say that it needs to stay the same. This does not mean that change in ways it is spent can occur. There have been unwise decisions, but that can be expected. The people of the United States are not ready for a change as drastic as the "9-9-9" plan that could possibly destroy families that are already suffering, simply because they might have had bad luck. It is not right to say that while someone "rich", whether they make their money through hard work, playing a game or entertaining millions should not have to pay their dues. That is what America is, is it not? "The Land of Opportunity", where one can make their dreams come true? But who is to say that there are not those who are as talented, or those who do possess the same work ethic and determination and are simply less fortunate? Make a reasonable tax plan, if any, and make smarter decisions when spending.