I have an idea that would significantly cut spending, and it is derived from how credit card purchases work. Suppose the government gives $300 a month in food stamps to worthy recipients. The problem is that the government gives $300 to the merchants who give these customers food. I want you to know that credit card companies only give about $290 to the merchants. Why can't the government do the same? The same is true for all money the government gives away. For the purposes of this email all this money and credit will be referred to as "Independence cards." However, this idea would probably be effective only if the government passes three bills:

BILL #1: Because merchants may react negatively to this idea, the government must require all supermarkets and other businesses accepting credit cards to accept Independence cards as well, as determined by the relevant authorites (the government should decide who). [It would be unfair to require this of businesses not accepting credit cards for obvious reasons. Debit cards should not necesarily count as credit cards for the purposes of this law. Please note that this way, the recipient would not be able to spend the money in a way that is luxurious. Please also note that I don't know what the current law is concerning this issue.]

BILL #2: Merchants accepting Independence cards must report within 30 days (this is arbitrary) of desiring compensation to [Social Security or Department of Human Resources] which credit cards they accept. [The purpose of this legislation is to determine how much the government should give the merchant. For example, American Express and Paypal deduct more from the value of the payment than Visa and American Express. Therefore, if the merchant accepts Paypal for example, the government would deduct more from the payment than if the merchant only accepts Visa and Mastercard.] If there are any changes in which credit cards the merchants accepts, the merchant must report within 30 days (this is arbitrary). [Please note that there are 2 types of violators for this law: Nonreporters vs. Liars/Deceivers. Also, please take into account accidental violators when determining fines.]

BILL #3: No merchant is allowed to require minimum purchases to users of Independence cards. Since credit card companies charge a minimal fee for each transaction, the government may want to do this too; however, this may not be a good idea if it interferes with profit for the merchant.

Please note that I'm unqualified to determine the fines for breaking these laws. The government would have to take into account accidental violations and repeated offenses, too.

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

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No opinion

I disagree