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.