"Just imagine the effect of having everyone having to write a check to the government each and every payday."
One obvious and completely predictable effect would be an exponential increase in enforcement costs. Can you imagine the bureacracy that would have to keep up with paychecks as reported by employers vs. tax remittances coming in from individual taxpayers?
Or would you recommend implementing such a system on the honor basis?
"One obvious and completely predictable effect would be an exponential increase in enforcement costs. Can you imagine the bureacracy that would have to keep up with paychecks as reported by employers vs. tax remittances coming in from individual taxpayers?"
Nothing new. It's done now. Just try to run a business without following the law on witholding.