These are great questions, and, I agree, they must be answered:
– You claim that the tax cut will create so much growth that it will pay for itself. This is what Republicans say before every tax cut that they pass, and it is always wrong. Why is this time going to be different?
– Sixteen years ago, George W. Bush made exactly the same arguments you’re making, in defense of a similar tax cut. The results were abysmal: a huge deficit; poor growth in GDP, jobs, and incomes; and eventually a financial cataclysm. What did Bush do wrong?
– Your tax plan looks remarkably similar to the plan Sam Brownback passed in Kansas, which everyone agrees has been an abysmal failure. Why would it work differently at the federal level?
– The administration’s position seems to be that giving a dollar in benefits to a wealthy person is better for the economy than giving a dollar in benefits to a poor or middle-class person. Can you explain how that’s supposed to work?
– Let’s say you’re wrong and the tax cuts increase the deficit, as has always happened in the past and as every serious economist says says will happen. Would you be willing to come back in two or three years and repeal the cuts?
– Your plan eliminates the inheritance tax, which right now is paid only by wealthy heirs who inherit over $5.49 million. How does that help grow the economy?
– Exactly how much will President Trump personally benefit from the tax changes you’re proposing?
Every Republican who supports this plan should have to answer these questions.
There ought to be a second round of questions for the Democrats who spent the Obama Admin hand wringing about the deficit and the debt. And that second round should start by asking — Can we assume that you are as concerned about making sure that this effort does not increase the debt or deficits as you were for Obama era programs?
“The administration’s position seems to be that giving a dollar in benefits to a wealthy person is better for the economy than giving a dollar in benefits to a poor or middle-class person.”
It is an article of faith for all Republicans that those who have the most, have too little and those who have the least, have too much.