This won't sell in Peoria: We debated the Value Added Tax a while ago. Here's a short snippet from the Economist on the VAT in restaurants vs. take out (or as the Brits say, "take away"). You tell me. Would Americans stand for a 20% bill on every meal they eat out-of-home in exchange for no 1040-EZ? Maybe. But when you put that VAT on everything they buy? That's a tough sell.