[Wphile]

Actually, a good way to effect some real change would be to scrap the whole tax code and institute a flat tax on personal income only. Tax gross income. No deductions, no exceptions. Like Steve Forbes said, "you could do your taxes on a postcard." Eliminating the business tax would greatly reduce all the lobbying, etc. Not likely a politico is going to propose this, however.

[posterkid]

Why on income and not on what you spend? If interest received from savings is considered income, we will still be taxed multiple times on the same money. You'll also never gain a penny off the criminals out there making money in illegal enterprises. They don't tend to report that income.

(I agree with the flat tax... but not on income.)

[grania]

Actually, a good way to effect some real change would be to scrap the whole tax code and institute a flat tax on personal income only

But it isn't going to happen. Too many individuals and groups depend on tax breaks. For self employed people getting a standard deduction, even in a lower tax bracket, it is painfully obvious how ridiculously high taxes are. Whenever the code is simplified, the exceptions start almost immediately.

I really think people who have lost their life savings or their jobs while people at the top have done just fine might form a core demanding reform...and it won't be about changing taxes but about no special protections for the elite. But it's going to take an awful strong leader to affect change...the powers that be are going to marginalize and ridicule anyone who tries.