Agreed – it is worrisome. Gingrich seems aware of the threat as well as gives the impression that he has an idea of how to deal with the threat.

I also like a lot of what Newt has to say and like a lot of what I read in his contract. He also seems to have a solid handle on foreign policy and the need for a comprehensive strategy to fight global terrorism.

And while I agree with your comments about Cain’s experience (or lack thereof) in foreign policy and government, I would a) point you to this article about his new foreign policy team: http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/10/26/raising_cain_inside_herman_cain_s_new_foreign_policy_team and b) note that one of the things that is appealing about Cain is his successful career outside of government.

Cain is running as a problem solver. His 9-9-9 plan falls in line with that position. Basically what Cain is saying is that I have a history of solving problems. The US has a lot of problems. Let me have a crack at solving them not from a political perspective but from a real-world success perspective.

It has pros and cons.

For me, Cain and Newt are the two most impressive GOP candidates right now.

Cain’s tax plans have been ridiculed by even the most right wing economists with any intelligence:

Well, Art Laffer seems to like it: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204346104576637310315367804.html.

The pros on cons of 9-9-9

* Widens the tax base
* Eliminates loopholes, deductions, etc. (and all the politics that come with them
* Eliminates hidden taxes
* Creates clear, visible, easy-to-under stand tax system
* Exempts those under the poverty level
* Allows for the creation of opportunity zones (lower tax rates in the most economically depressed areas of the country)
* Creates a more business friendly tax environment

Cons

* Some claim that the corporate tax may function as a value added tax (Cain disputes that charge – either way, it seems like a technical (as opposed to an inherent) problem, one that can be fixed by properly structuring the corporate tax)

* Some fear that creating another revenue stream (aka national sales tax) will give congress more taxing power

* Some claim that it will bring in less revenue (Cain and Laffer dispute this). Either way, it’s a mute point – if that is true then make it 9.5 – 9.5 – 9.5 or 10 – 10 – 10).

* Some claim it’s regressive (Cain also disputes this). There’s some truth and some falsehood in this. Those below the poverty line are exempt (and may benefit with the opportunity zones). A lot of hidden taxes and unseen taxes will disappear. Used goods are not taxed nor or savings. On the other hand, the sales tax may hit some harder than others (although that may be balanced by the removal of the hidden taxes in the current prices of goods).

* It will create a double-sales tax with BOTH a national and sales tax. Cain has rightly noted that this is not a real criticism. People will pay states sales tax regardless of whether or not 9-9-9 is implemented. His plan doesn’t create a new states sales tax. It doesn’t relate to sales tax at all. It simply replaces the FEDERAL tax system with a new one. This criticism is an unfair one.

All in all, this is a serious, well-thought-out plan. There are pros and cons to it, but any ridicule thrown it’s way shows more about the one ridiculing the plan than the plan itself.

P.S. When I note that Cain disputes objections to the plan – I mean he gives reasoned arguments for disputing the objections.

I spoke this past week with a few gedolim about having the site be banned because of the obvious for profit nature and forum for sinas chinam and loshon hara as well as belittleing of talmidei chachamim. If you would like to respond my email is tzvi@tmo.blackberry.net

The payroll tax, which is dedicated to social security, medicare, and in another year or so, to Obamacare, is the primary tax paid by most people. You don’t feel it as much as the one paid on the 1040 since the payroll tax is taken directly from you salary and some of it is paid for you directly by the employer before you even see the money. ONCE YOU INCLUDE ABOLITION OF THE PAYROLL TAX in the equation, it makes Cain’s plan quite reasonable. The critics deliberately ignore this and act as if 999 was a substitute for the “1040″ income tax alone. In addition, 999 means that general revenue will be supporting social security and medicare.

The main establishment objection to Cain is that in the establishment view, all Blacks (like all Jews) are expected to be left wing Democrats dependent on government handouts, and supporting a liberal social agenda. There is a fear that many the many Blacks with strong religious ties might switch parties. While Jews not voting Democrat is important only in New York City, if less than 75% of Blacks vote Democrat it would make a different in over a dozen states.