There should be an air of caution when reviewing the numbers, though. Bush's tax cuts began in mid 2001 but their full effect probably wouldn't be noticeable until 2002-2003. It will be interesting to see if the trend continues.

Regarding the consumption tax, <sigh> I can only hope and pray for the day.

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In this country, we don't need reasons to make things legal; we need reasons to make things illegal. - Startup