Originally Posted by smooth

I would consider meeting part-way, however. For example, if we used a self-sufficiency standard instead of the current poverty threshold, I would be amenable to a consumption tax to see how it pans out for temporary. That would mean that in Orange County, you would agree to exempt my first $38,000. That is the researched figure that I would need to meet my basic needs: housing (2 bedroom for a family of 4), food, clothes, transportation, & etc, That amount doesn't allow me to go hog wild out on town. Housing wacks about 24K right off the bat. So you can start thinking to yourself how far the other 14K would get me--especially if you want me to save for my healthcare and retirement each month (and childcare hopefully). Whatever disposable income I have left would be spent on necessities.