The issue of taxes is so convoluted that nobody is sure of what they paid in taxes total so what is the point of any of these numbers? Unless you can trace each and every product from the time it hits the shores till it gets to you (assuming it is imported) or the cost of the item for production, it is worthless. We have so many taxes here and there that it gets added on in ways nobody can calculate. All you can tell me is "I paid $X to the IRS". As such, if I wanted to get elected or re-elected, I lower that tax amount (visible taxes) and raise the other amounts (invisible taxes) and get back the same number and make you happy.

Assume a simple scenario at the supermarket. You must buy eggs, milk, meat and cereal. I lower the egg prices by $1 but raise the milk, meat and cereal by $0.50 each. I get more out of it but I have that huge sign that says $1 off eggs and make you happy.

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