Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Bush's briefing book for Estonia

Any guesses as to what the 2nd and 3rd of the three bullet points were in the sheet provided to him by his handlers before the visit (the first being coalition of the willing)?

PRESIDENT BUSH: It's an amazing country you have here. They've got an e-government system that should be the envy of a lot of nations. They've got a tax system that is transparent, open and simple; people file their taxes over the Internet.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, thank you very much, and, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you, as well, for your gracious hospitality ... I am amazed to be in a country that has been able to effect a flat tax in such a positive way. I am impressed by the e-governance that you have here in Estonia.

PRESIDENT BUSH: .. We also discussed how Estonia has built a strong economy and raised the standard of living for the people. I appreciate the fact that you got a flat tax, you got a tax system that's transparent and simple. I also am amazed by the e-governance you have here in your country.

UPDATE: The WSJ also notices the emphasis; also see here for a debunking of the flat tax myths.

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