At least Cain is trying to think of alternatives to the current system, which is causing others to come up with some kind of plan too. You have to throw something in somewhere to begin discussions on a real overhaul of the system. Hasn’t ever been seriously touched on before.
That’s why my comments were about the “optional” nature of the Perry plan.
I like Cain’s plan without the Sales Tax piece. Then simplify the Income Tax piece to eliminate the exclusions and treat all income the same, even if it is from capital gains or inheritance or was spent on charities. The Business Tax piece is fine as-is.
Then cut the spending to fit in the $2.5T revenue this ‘9-9’ plan would generate.