Replace All Federal Taxes on Income with the Fair Tax Act , HR 25
My Speech at the Mid America Fair Tax Rally
Hello, I am Jessica Wexler. I am a strong supporter of the FairTax. I have volunteered with FairTax KC for the past year and written an organizing manual to be used by Fair tax supporters across the country. So there is no confusion, I am a Democrat. I have worked 20 hour days, 7 days a week, for months at a time. I have slept on office floors with blankets pulled from the trunk of volunteers' cars. During Senator McCaskill's campaign, I learned the benefit of a union hall with showers, even if they were behind a door marked Men's. On Novemeber 4th while polls were closing and parties were starting. I was still at President Obama's Raytown office, working to insure every vote was counted. I have organized teachers in New Orleans and registered voters through Rock the Vote. I have been in favor of the FairTax for several years. Ever since my uncle, for those of you who don’t know him, he is the FairTax KC Geezer, gave me a small paperback book to read. My uncle and I disagree on all the major hot button issues from abortion to gun rights, social security to the death penalty. To sum it up we disagree on how the government should spend our tax dollars. We are in complete agreement on how the government should collect those tax dollars. The FairTax!
I am here to speak about why I, a democrat, support the FairTax. Why other Democrats must support the FairTax. And why it is crucial that the FairTax is a nonpartisan issue both on a local and national scale.
My top 3 reasons for supporting the FairTax are it will increase jobs, widen our tax base, and gives me control over the money I earn.
The FairTax increases jobs by eliminating some of the major reasons, such as the capital gains and corporate income taxes, that caused and continue to cause U.S. companies to leave the U.S.
The FairTax widens our current tax base. Under the FairTax; People making money from criminal activity such as drugs pay taxes. Illegal Immigrants pay taxes. People being paid under the table pay taxes. People who once used accountants, attorneys, and financial advisors to find loopholes in our current system pay taxes. Everyone in the U.S. who buys anything new will pay taxes.
With the FairTax; I will finally have control over my money. Managing a nonprofit in Kansas City earning $30,000 a year I was bringing home $418 a week. With the FairTax in place I would be brining home my entire pay check of $576 a week. That’s an increase of $632 per month, totaling $8,216 for the year. A college graduate with $21,000 in student loans would be able to pay off the loans within 3 years using only the increase in salary. I will no longer have to wait a year to receive a refund on the money I earned that the government borrowed interest free; my money will be there every payday.
Fellow Democrats must support the FairTax because it simplifies our tax system, boosts our economy, and is far more Progressive than our current tax system.
We all agree that our current tax system is complex and hard to understand with over 70,000 pages of tax code. According to Money magazine, 99% of us will pay a tax professional to file an incorrect tax return! Democrats want a simplified tax system. The Fair Tax is the simplified tax system! Pay a tax once on new items purchased and that’s it. Buy anything used clothing, books, house, car there is NO Federal tax.
The FairTax will boost our economy in a number of ways. The most important way due to our current unemployment is it will creat jobs. There is over 13 trillion dollars in offshore accounts. The FairTax will bring back an estimated 2-3 trillion dollars in the first year alone to be invested here at home.
The third reason Democrats must support the FairTax is that it is far more Progressive than our current system. Under the FairTax Low-income households experience five times the benefit increase as compared to high-income households. This gives us a greater opportunity to move up the economic ladder and achieve the American Dream.
It is crucial that the FairTax has nonpartisan support. On the National level the FairTax cannot pass without bipartisan support. Our current Senate is made up of 57 democrats, 2 independents, and 40 republicans the House of Representatives is made up of 256 democrats and 178 republicans. We must persuade those on both sides of the aisle to gain passage of the FairTax.
I can not stress enough the importance of nonpartisan support at the local level. Imagine if my uncle never gave me the book, or if I was close minded and unwilling to learn about the FairTax because of all the issues we disagree on. There are entire families of strong Democrats that don’t have an Uncle to persuade them to take the time and learn about the FairTax. If we supporters of the FairTax dismiss the Democrats, we lose 50% of our potential supporters. Everyone must decide if the FairTax is their number 1 issue above all other issues, that is the only way the FairTax can succeed. Most Democrats don't realize they have a vested interest in the FairTax. Simply because they are unaware of the facts and have been convinced that the FairTax is a Republican issue. We must show them that the FairTax is an American Issue. We have to be welcoming and inclusive of all people willing to listen. I discovered at my first FairTax meeting that if my uncle was not there I as a liberal democrat would have ran away and never come back. To look at the crowd before me today, it is safe to assume that the majority of you are not Democrats. Democrats are not here for the same reasons I was ready to runaway. At the meeting volunteers were discussing inviting Sarah Palin to speak at an event, and pro-McCarthyism to name a couple of the topics that made me uncomfortable. I was thinking to myself. “What on earth am I doing attending an event with right wing republicans? I need to re-evaluate the FairTax, if this is an example of other supporters.” I am happy to say, I now have great relationships with everyone at FairTax KC. I talk to Earl and John at least once a week. Never would have guessed how well we get along and how many things we are in agreement on. Thankfully, I was able to explain how isolating their unconscious actions were to an outsider. Now we remind each other that all social issues are left at the door. If you want to discuss the War in Iraq go right ahead, just NOT at a FairTax meeting or FairTax event. All of FairTax KC pamphlets, emails, and speeches are examined to insure that they are inclusive of all people. We have formed a strong grass root organization that thrives on diversity and stays focused on what matters: the FairTax. A year ago, we had 200 email addresses after reevaluating and marketing our ideas to be inclusive of all political parties and organizations we now have over 4,000 email addresses. We have to take the time and make the effort to be inclusive, Not exclusive. I am standing here today as evidence that a staunch liberal democrat does support the fairtax without compromising my liberal views on social issues. Thank you!
I am here to speak about why I, a democrat, support the FairTax. Why other Democrats must support the FairTax. And why it is crucial that the FairTax is a nonpartisan issue both on a local and national scale.
My top 3 reasons for supporting the FairTax are it will increase jobs, widen our tax base, and gives me control over the money I earn.
The FairTax increases jobs by eliminating some of the major reasons, such as the capital gains and corporate income taxes, that caused and continue to cause U.S. companies to leave the U.S.
The FairTax widens our current tax base. Under the FairTax; People making money from criminal activity such as drugs pay taxes. Illegal Immigrants pay taxes. People being paid under the table pay taxes. People who once used accountants, attorneys, and financial advisors to find loopholes in our current system pay taxes. Everyone in the U.S. who buys anything new will pay taxes.
With the FairTax; I will finally have control over my money. Managing a nonprofit in Kansas City earning $30,000 a year I was bringing home $418 a week. With the FairTax in place I would be brining home my entire pay check of $576 a week. That’s an increase of $632 per month, totaling $8,216 for the year. A college graduate with $21,000 in student loans would be able to pay off the loans within 3 years using only the increase in salary. I will no longer have to wait a year to receive a refund on the money I earned that the government borrowed interest free; my money will be there every payday.
Fellow Democrats must support the FairTax because it simplifies our tax system, boosts our economy, and is far more Progressive than our current tax system.
We all agree that our current tax system is complex and hard to understand with over 70,000 pages of tax code. According to Money magazine, 99% of us will pay a tax professional to file an incorrect tax return! Democrats want a simplified tax system. The Fair Tax is the simplified tax system! Pay a tax once on new items purchased and that’s it. Buy anything used clothing, books, house, car there is NO Federal tax.
The FairTax will boost our economy in a number of ways. The most important way due to our current unemployment is it will creat jobs. There is over 13 trillion dollars in offshore accounts. The FairTax will bring back an estimated 2-3 trillion dollars in the first year alone to be invested here at home.
The third reason Democrats must support the FairTax is that it is far more Progressive than our current system. Under the FairTax Low-income households experience five times the benefit increase as compared to high-income households. This gives us a greater opportunity to move up the economic ladder and achieve the American Dream.
It is crucial that the FairTax has nonpartisan support. On the National level the FairTax cannot pass without bipartisan support. Our current Senate is made up of 57 democrats, 2 independents, and 40 republicans the House of Representatives is made up of 256 democrats and 178 republicans. We must persuade those on both sides of the aisle to gain passage of the FairTax.
I can not stress enough the importance of nonpartisan support at the local level. Imagine if my uncle never gave me the book, or if I was close minded and unwilling to learn about the FairTax because of all the issues we disagree on. There are entire families of strong Democrats that don’t have an Uncle to persuade them to take the time and learn about the FairTax. If we supporters of the FairTax dismiss the Democrats, we lose 50% of our potential supporters. Everyone must decide if the FairTax is their number 1 issue above all other issues, that is the only way the FairTax can succeed. Most Democrats don't realize they have a vested interest in the FairTax. Simply because they are unaware of the facts and have been convinced that the FairTax is a Republican issue. We must show them that the FairTax is an American Issue. We have to be welcoming and inclusive of all people willing to listen. I discovered at my first FairTax meeting that if my uncle was not there I as a liberal democrat would have ran away and never come back. To look at the crowd before me today, it is safe to assume that the majority of you are not Democrats. Democrats are not here for the same reasons I was ready to runaway. At the meeting volunteers were discussing inviting Sarah Palin to speak at an event, and pro-McCarthyism to name a couple of the topics that made me uncomfortable. I was thinking to myself. “What on earth am I doing attending an event with right wing republicans? I need to re-evaluate the FairTax, if this is an example of other supporters.” I am happy to say, I now have great relationships with everyone at FairTax KC. I talk to Earl and John at least once a week. Never would have guessed how well we get along and how many things we are in agreement on. Thankfully, I was able to explain how isolating their unconscious actions were to an outsider. Now we remind each other that all social issues are left at the door. If you want to discuss the War in Iraq go right ahead, just NOT at a FairTax meeting or FairTax event. All of FairTax KC pamphlets, emails, and speeches are examined to insure that they are inclusive of all people. We have formed a strong grass root organization that thrives on diversity and stays focused on what matters: the FairTax. A year ago, we had 200 email addresses after reevaluating and marketing our ideas to be inclusive of all political parties and organizations we now have over 4,000 email addresses. We have to take the time and make the effort to be inclusive, Not exclusive. I am standing here today as evidence that a staunch liberal democrat does support the fairtax without compromising my liberal views on social issues. Thank you!
Comment
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Comment by Josh Gregg on July 14, 2009 at 12:57pm -
awesome!
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Comment by Frank Gilbert on July 1, 2009 at 5:06am
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Great speech Jessica. I have only one question. If a republican in the election strongly supports the FairTax and his democrat opponent does not, who do you vote for? I am a lifetime republican and I tell you this, If a democrat candidate comes out in strong support of the FairTax and his republican opponent does not (wether he is an incumbent or not), I will vote democrat. I'm putting my money where my mouth is. Thats something we all need to be willing to do. Please keep up the great work you do in support of the FairTax.
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Comment by Jean McCrady on June 29, 2009 at 11:40am -
Jessica, thank you for raising our hopes that the FairTax can IN DEED be promoted as a nonpartisan issue. We conservatives need to keep ourselves reminded that while we "say" we want to see more action for the FairTax by those who don't agree with us on social issues, we often "behave" in ways, even at our FT meetings, that are counter productive. Thank you for posting your speech. Jean McCrady, District 4 Director, Alabama
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Comment by Winford Nettles on June 28, 2009 at 12:20pm
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Thanks for that well thought out speech, Jessica. I hope that it serves to enlighten and educate a whole bunch of folks that we need in this non-partisan movement, namely, the Democrats. As many have stated, it does not matter what your political affiliation is, the FAIRTAX will benefit all citizens by eliminating the income tax and a whole bushel basket full of other onerous federal taxes.
Heck, a person would have to be a bit off mentally to turn down the chance to determine the fate of their paycheck, given the chance to do so.
Of all the folks that I have talked with over the years about the FairTax, only 2 have ever stated that they wanted to keep the income tax. One was wearing a federal ID badge on his belt loop, and the other did not talk coherently about any other subject, so, I guess he may have been in dire need of some psychological or psychiatric aid.
Please keep up the good work. President Obama has stated that he desires change, and, I believe that we Americans can provide some significant change with regards to tax policy that would be very beneficial to our country and to our bank accounts. Let's do it now.
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Thank you, Jessica. As you point out, the FairTax will happen with and only with non-partisan efforts. Your speech reminded me of some divisiveness, minor but still divisive, at rallies here in Florida. I would prefer that we not wear T-shirts with party labels, especially Republican labels. In addition, we should wear no T-shirts with "causes" other than the FairTax. We seem to find many reasons to be different.
Our well-studied Founders over many years formulated the Constitution to be simple, less than 40 pages, and balanced** in guaranteeing life, property, liberty, and our beneficial pursuits. Some Founders warned against parties and divisive issues.
The 16th Amendment resulted in imbalance. The FairTax should fix this.
**A "flaw" in the "census" was in Article I. This Article counted some people as 3/5ths of a person for the purpose of representation and taxes.
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Comment by Jeff G on June 28, 2009 at 7:59am
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Great speech Jessica! Hope you don't mind, but I posted it at FairTaxBlog.com (if you do mind, let me know and I'll pull it).
You mentioned that you had "written an organizing manual to be used by Fair tax supporters across the country". Could you post a link to the organizing manual? Thanks!
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Comment by Dave Boone on June 28, 2009 at 7:34am
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Well done Jessica As a Republican activist, I have been frustrated by the total ideological polarization which prevades our country. You hit the nail on the head when you said we need to ease up on the rhetoric over social issues, and concentrate on our commonalities. The FairTax should be just that! My prayer is that it will not take another world war or great depression, for us to take ownership of the concept of Americans First.
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Comment by Phil Claypool on June 28, 2009 at 6:55am
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I'll steal a quote from Elrushbo " You're doing the Lord's work" Thanks for what you are doing and keep it up.
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Comment by Bobbie Godfrey on June 27, 2009 at 10:59pm
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What a great speech! It's nice to hear a democrat speak out for the Fair Tax. Politics does not belong in the fight for the Fair Tax. It is an all-American effort. Thanks for pointing that out.
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Comment by Marc Bohemier on June 26, 2009 at 8:38am
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We sure could use a speaker like you in some areas here in S.C. What we all need to remember is that the Fair Tax bill was co written by a democrat. The debate on how we spend tax dollars will never end in this country, but the debate on how we collect them is a no brainer once we cross party lines to educate all Americans on the Fair Tax.
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