From: utzoo!utcsrgv!jrc Newsgroups: can.politics Title: Re: Fixed rate vs progressive tax Article-I.D.: utcsrgv.1015 Posted: Fri Feb 11 10:45:15 1983 Received: Fri Feb 11 12:32:58 1983 I think that the real point of the messages from Steve and others is that the present income tax system is far too complex, and that ANY set system of tax is better than what we have. Being middle class types, they perceive the present effective income tax curve as having a big rate bulge in the middle, and a quick fall to zero in the high incomes. This is because of tax incentives and "loopholes" designed to encourage certain kinds of investment and ersatz philanthropy. The suggestion that there be a fixed rate is not really a suggestion to solve perceived "unfairness" of progressive tax, but rather as a blanket policy which includes an elimination of tax incentives in the bargain. I too am for elimination of any and all tax incentives, especially those relating to political contribution. On the other hand, it is clear to me that we should continue to use a progressive tax scheme rather than fixed rate. Jim.