Subject: Flat Tax is best Comment: I see no viable option here for reform other than a fairer, flatter tax. By this, I favor ONE RATE for all brackets with no minimum, and only a modest personal exemption and a limited charity deduction. While this goes against special interests, WE THE TAXPAYERS elect our officials, not special interests. I, for one, will vigorously campaign against ANY official that opposes tax simplification in the form of a simpler, flatter tax. Unfortunately, a sales tax or VAT will ultimately be a NEW, ADDITIONAL tax, with special interests already pushing for exceptions and is thus DEAD in my view. Too bad because, if we could eliminate income tax TOTALLY, a consumption tax needs little more than food, clothing, and housing exception to be fair to all. It encouages saving, favors US in international trade, and taxes non-essential spending from all directions--rich and poor. As I said, this is too bold a step and a half step would be disastrous! |