[flashbunny]

'deductions' are either one of two things:

1. an attempt at social engineering - influencing behavior by rewarding what you want done by allowing the serfs to keep a few more coins

2. A way to buy influence and get donations from certain groups.

In a just country, there would be a flat tax for all taxpayers, no deductions allowed. But that would eliminate the ability of lawmakers to get campaign contributions by promising deductions, and would limit their ability to try to micromanage our lives.

In short, it would no longer be fun for them. And they just can't have that.

[drt1]

Agree re: The rationale for deductions and the need to eliminate their corrosive influence. The problem is, the deductions will be eliminated for the Middle Income Homeowner sector but the marginal tax rates will remain the same or increase resulting in a substantial increase in the taxes paid by what is arguably the most deserving of tax relief.