http://www.fairtax.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=10177
Where we go from here
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
By: Ken Hoagland
There is much to say in these, the days after the election so I'll be brief as I share a few thoughts about the FairTax in the days ahead.
FairTax.org is non-partisan, but I know the same cannot be said for many of our supporters. And, as such, I suspect yesterday's results came as a disappointment for some. For me, I look at things through many lenses--as a father, as a taxpayer, as an American, as National Communications Director for FairTax.org. For my FairTax.org role in particular, I see both challenges and incredible opportunities in the days ahead for our great cause.
Let me explain.
In the past year, the FairTax has achieved historical support in Congress mostly via Republican backing in the House and Senate. With yesterday's returns, GOP ranks--including FairTax supporters--were thinned both by retirement decisions and the ballot box, meaning come January we'll be rebuilding our co-sponsorship levels. Yet, that challenge is a welcome one for it affords us the opportunity to remind grassroots supporters, as well as national political figures, that the FairTax is not a Republican issue. Nor is it Democrat. It's an American one and in this, one of our darkest financial hours in decades, it's the solution we need to save the American economy.
So for Republicans or Democrats (or any other political stripe for that matter) with their retirement or college savings plans being decimated by a falling stock market, the FairTax is the solution. For Republicans or Democrats trying to make their mortgage payments and keep a roof over their heads, the FairTax is the solution (after all, most banks don't bother asking your political party when foreclosing). For Republicans or Democrats whose jobs were shipped overseas for cheaper production costs and favorable taxation, the FairTax is the solution. And for a way to jumpstart the American economy with a $10 trillion dollar stimulus program funded with private investments, the FairTax is the solution.
You know, we heard a lot about change this election and we couldn't agree more. Let us focus on real change: Bringing power back to people, not just powerful Washington insiders. Don't think for a second that "our enemy" is either Democrats or Republicans. Indeed, the tax code is manipulated by both parties in Congress alike with reckless abandon to punish enemies and reward supporters at the hands of well-heeled lobbyists and their privileged access to Congressional tax-writing committees. Ending that practice is the kind of change we seek.
So what happens now?
In short: We press on. We'll be working hard to forge new relationships in Washington, while continuing to grow our base at the grassroots level online and via new offline activities, including our new FairTax Advanced Tactics "camp." State leaders are forging ahead with new strategies to help each other and expand the base outside our centers of strength. We've seen several FairTax "distorters" turned back at the polls. We've made incredible progress in the past year, and we plan to continue that momentum. Our campaign has always been the people of America--of all political beliefs--versus the entrenched interests that surround the income tax system. In this, nothing has changed. We need now to work harder than ever to tell union members how the FairTax will keep jobs here in America, and explain to political leaders how the FairTax can unburden the poor, give small business the needed tax freedom to form and prosper and unlock the genius of American productivity and investment.
Furthermore, FairTax.org leadership is continuing to work to bring in new high-profile advocates, including some key Democrat leadership figures. We're also thrilled to announce a closer relationship with Governor Mike Huckabee, the former GOP presidential candidate and major FairTax supporter. As you know, Huck helped gain national attention for the FairTax during his run for the White House. Look for promotion of the FairTax on his new Fox show "Huckabee," on radio and in print with his new book, Do the Right Thing, in the coming days.
As you can see, the days ahead hold incredible opportunity for the FairTax cause. Let's go!
Ken Hoagland
National Communications Director
FairTax.org
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