IF we can agree that a consumption tax, is the same as VAT, and sales tax (only more broad based)...then unfortunately reality is different from what you think. The people in the UK and EU have not seen a decrease in the size or scope of their governments and now most of those governments are insolvent. Just look @ Greece, their bond holders are being forced to take a 75% haircut. The USA is now officially a 'Banana Republic' as the debt that the government actually counts is 107% of GDP Many states have an Ad Valorem tax every year on vehicles...which I believe the Latin translation is 'Added Value" as IF the vehicle gained value over the past year. Think that would disappear with your 'consumption tax'? I seriously doubt it. The only way to stop this is LIMITING Government...Now if that requires a new paradigm such as electing people in November that are "Unemployed" that is what should be done!