October 19th - Susan Smith

Susan Smith, a registered nurse specializing in neo-natal intensive care, says she understands the  social responsibility of government, but in the tradition of Reagan Republicans she believes in trickle down economics, increased defense spending and the implementation of the Fair Tax.

Susan Smith worked in her garden planting a new Japanese Maple Sunday Oct. 19th, 2008 in the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta.

Smith says that she is nervous about the increasing ability of the government to “unfairly tax those in the middle class,” especially with the increased spending of the federal government. A solution to her woes, the Fair Tax, a 15-percent consumption and income tax levied by percentage and regardless of income, is being advocated by incumbent Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga). Smith believes would result in a more profitable and equal tax code.

“No matter what you make, or if you are an illegal immigrant, you still pay 15-percent, it’s a consumption tax,” Smith said.

The modern income tax, first implemented during the Civil War is the main revenue stream of the Federal government, and increases in accordance to individual income levels. For Smith, this seems like a penalty for achieving financial success.

“You bust your butt so hard to make it and then all of a sudden you get there and you are getting taxed really high,” Smith said. “As you get older you have to start paying for your kids college tuition and sick parents.”

Smith agrees that there are some people who need assistance, but is worried  she’ll be saddled with responsibility of caring for the changes in her life but also for the bills from a government bailout.

“This is a tough time for some people but I think we should get some equality on our tax system,” Smith said.