I just emailed my Congressman to ask him to support H.R.25, the Fair Tax Act of 2003. (Hat tip to Anne Wilson for bringing this to my attention). This bill would eliminate the Federal Income Tax and replace it with a national sales tax. As Anne points out, this would be the best bill for the environment ever passed since the sale of used items would not be taxed, but new items would be (thus stimulating an increased demand for used and reliable equipment and a decrease in planned obsolescence). It would also help fight urban sprawl by making new housing more expensive and encouraging urban development. I doubt this bill will even pass the House and it is certain not to pass the Senate, but it may lay the groundwork for a future change in taxation. I urge you to write your representative and ask them to support and promote this bill.
When I wrote my Congressman, I found this note on his web-site.
Letters mailed to my Washington office have to go through a two to six week irradiation process, following the procedures now implemented upon the anthrax-tainted letters arriving to Capitol Hill last October. I would urge you to continue contacting me; however, emailing me is the best way to ensure a timely response.
What a world! Hopefully we can make it better for our children.