Why Mike Huckabee 08' :: Volume 2

Shelby Barker's picture

In the last entry I discussed Mike Huckabee's stance on two very critical issues; Iraq, and taxes. (See blog Huckabee loves fairttax). I had received feedback in regards to the fairtax. Because I feel Huckabee does not get enough play in the Main Stream media, I simply want to explain his stances on issues rather then defend them. However, I will answer the concerns that were voiced later in this entry.
For now I’d like to discuss a little bit about Mike Huckabee's history as an outstanding ten year Governor of Arkansas. The following is a list of outstanding accomplishments in a very democratic state.
-Led Arkansas to human life amendment in state constitution.
-Created state surplus in AR
-Signed legislation outlawing same-sex marriage in Arkansas.
-Lowered crime rate
-Increased graduation rate
There are many more accomplishments Mike did; this is just a short list. The amazing thing is that Mike Huckabee accomplished these things with a Democratic legislature. He has the ability to spread the conservative beliefs across party lines. He actually had 49% of the Black vote in Arkansas.
These are remarkable feats no doubt, but another important thing about Mike is the fact that he was governor. He is the only candidate with true executive experience, let alone executive experience for 10 years!! He is not a "Washington head" and is a great option for president. I do want to remind you that in the last Iowa registered poll Mike is now ahead of Guliani and in third place.
In regards to the Fair Tax concerns, first I am not an expert, so I challenge anyone wanting to find more information about this remarkable tax reform bill check out FAIRTAX.ORG.
This first concern is the 23% sales tax. People are spreading the rumor that it will be more like 30-33% sales tax. THIS IS FALSE. As it currently is being proposed, the bill calls for a 23% Fed sales tax. Now, your state may put an additional tax on top of that though. I do want to remind you however, that in the status quo after adding sales, property, income taxes etc. the average person already spend approximately 30% in taxes anyway.
Second, is an argument I have never heard. They say that the employer will lower your wage 23%, claiming that we are to "stupid" to realize we are missing the money. I believe this will never happen because if the American people see their wages dropping they will simply leave the company, capitalism at its best. FAIRTAX.ORG says "The removal of these hidden taxes may also allow wages to rise. Exactly how much prices will fall and wages will rise depends on market forces. For example, in a profession with many jobs and too few to fill them, wages will likely increase more than in fields where there are too many employees and not enough jobs."
There is no candidate I have ever seen that is generating this kind of movement from such a grassroots effort. I challenge everyone interested in Mike to look at MIKEHUCKABEE.COM, and don't be afraid to spread the word.

THANKS,
SHELBY BARKER
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT MIKE HUCKABEE.
SHELBYBARKER@GMAIL.COM
678-371-5322

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Huckabee and the FairTax
JeffC's picture
Submitted by JeffC on Sun, 10/14/2007 - 7:25pm.

After being repeatedly attacked on the specific claim that you would keep 100% of your paycheck, the paperback version of the FairTax book was revised to explain:

“When the FairTax is implemented, and when business and personal income and payroll taxes disappear, your employer is going to have to make a decision. He will either take some or the entire amount he had been withholding for federal income and payroll taxes and add it to your weekly check, or he will readjust your pay figures so that your entire paycheck will be equal to what you used to call "take home pay" before the FairTax….As we said in the book, and as we repeat here, the FairTax is not a "something for nothing" scheme.”

This is perfectly clear and essential for the FairTax to work, otherwise corporations cannot realize the savings necessary to reduce the price of goods; a central theme of the FairTax. Your paycheck will be reduced to your “take home pay” and then you will have to pay the 23% FairTax.

The fact that Mr. Barker claims never to have heard of this consequence is somewhat disturbing given that he is promoting a candidate who endorses the plan. Has Mr. Huckabee ever heard of this? If so is he endorsing a plan which reduces paychecks by 23%? If not, has he endorsed a plan of which he does not understand the consequences?

Mr. Shelby neatly sidesteps the issue by saying: “They say that the employer will lower your wage 23%, claiming that we are to "stupid" to realize we are missing the money.” Obviously we are not to “stupid” to realize we are missing the money so it must not be a problem, Right? This is probably why no one made that argument. Nice strawman argument though.

Mr. Shelby brushes this aside: “I believe this will never happen because if the American people see their wages dropping they will simply leave the company, capitalism at its best.” Since even the authors of the FairTax admit that this will be the case, is everybody in America supposed to change jobs when it happens? Is there any factual basis for the claim that this will not happen when it is explicitly acknowledged in the FairTax proposal?

Mr Shelby quotes FAIRTAX.ORG saying: "The removal of these hidden taxes may also allow wages to rise.”

Sure it may. It may not too. Which way are you going to bet?

Here’s the supposed clincher quoted from FAIRTAX.ORG by Mr. Shelby: “For example, in a profession with many jobs and too few to fill them, wages will likely increase more than in fields where there are too many employees and not enough jobs."

Well, DUH! Economics 101, and it has absolutely nothing to do with any tax system. And anyway, are you in a profession with: “many jobs and too few to fill them”? If so, I urge you to ask for a raise now.

In the best case scenario for this, the FairTax is implemented, 23% magically works out to be the correct revenue neutral number (let’s not even consider the huge deficits we are currently accruing) and your paycheck reduction matches the reduction in the costs of goods.

In that case, you will still be paying an extra 23% tax on credit card interest, your mortgage, bank loans, doctor and attorney fees and gasoline. Read the book. Look at the proposal.

Has Mr. Huckabee been duped or does he understand and this is what he is actually proposing?


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jeffc fairtax
Shelby Barker's picture
Submitted by Shelby Barker on Sun, 10/14/2007 - 7:46pm.

As I have stated, I am simply sharing Mike Huckabee's stance on many issues. I have NO AFFILIATION WITH MIKE HUCKABEE OR HIS CAMPAIGN. I have told the citizens he is strongly Pro-Life but I do not want to debate the topic of abortion. If you believe in abortion then don't vote for this guy. If you don't support the fair tax, then don't vote for Mike.

I have been looking in my brand new Fair Tax book, and can not find any refrences to businesses witholding 23% of wages. Can you please refer me to the correct pages??

I am a college student tired of the same old political atmosphere, and I believe Mike Huckabee is a true conservative willing to stand up for his beliefs.
Huckabee 08'


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Huckabee
JeffC's picture
Submitted by JeffC on Mon, 10/15/2007 - 8:45am.

In fact, I kind of like Huckabee. Anyone who can stand up and with a straight face tell a story about how through God’s grace an angel rode on his bullet to kill an antelope is a politician worthy of serious consideration.

Huckabee at the NRA

If you are “tired of the same old political atmosphere” perhaps you should reconsider the politicians you back. The conservatives have been in power for the last 6 years in case you have not noticed.

As for the FairTax, look in the revised edition of the paperback or on Nealz Newz. If you are a college student you should know how to do research.


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Huckabee and the Angel on a bullet!
Submitted by d.smith700 on Mon, 10/15/2007 - 2:11pm.

I listened to that Jeff.
What we had there was a man in Cowboy boots and Jeans (Huckabee) telling the American Rifle Association how good a hunter that he was, but at the same time, wrapping himself in the NTA flag and portending to be able to have Angels ride on his bullet directly to an Elk and kill it so that it died right in his sight, 250 yards (750 feet) away. He also plugged the particular rifle he was using as the best that there ever has been!
Oh, and it was in a 6" snowstorm that fell in just a few hours, and he being from Arkansas, almost froze to death!
Now, anybody who can pack that much BS into 1 and 1/2 minutes has got to be at least our Vice-president!
A Mormon with 12 Grandfathers, or an Italiano New Yorker, (who had an Irish Crook as a Chief of Police) combined with an Arkansas Cowboy, Is just what we need to replace Bush.
Let's dig up GORE. What do you say?

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