National Sales Tax

To lessen the deficits looming,
One must levy new taxes; presuming
That investment and work
One would rather not shirk,
One is taken with taxing consuming.

"Try This," says the cover of the current Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and the feature article inside includes nine innovative ideas from around the world to help America out of our current slump. As compiled by economics editor Peter Coy, such ideas include a Canadian-style national sales tax. A consumption tax could help to plug the deficit without discouraging productive activity in the way that greater income or capital gains taxes might. As the saying goes: "So crazy, it just might work."

Overheard in Quebec

"It's a comfort, whenever I'm sick,
Zat our système, while not magnifique, 
Is financially sound, 
Unlike zat to be found 
In l'États-Unis d'Amérique."