By all accounts, a flat tax would actually raise taxes on most Americans.

FORBES: Fairness and Taxes

And then much like the flat tax, a consumption tax could easily be perverted by future Congresses eager to raise it in return for some favor handed out to a narrow part of the electorate.

FORBES: A Flat Tax Would Be Fine, A Consumption Tax True Perfection

The EFSF is supposed to raise the money through selling AAA bonds guaranteed by the European Union (many of whose members are flat broke), then give the money to the Spanish government which in turn doles it out to the spendthrift banks.

FORBES: Spain: Liar, Liar, Pants On Fire