[HankReardon]

Are you suggesting that taxation is deliberately used to alter the free market forces? Tariffs come to mind. But domestic free market? Come on people, let's believe in America!

[alloysteel]

Tax policy IS used to alter and control the "domestic free market".

A lot more alter than control, though. Corporate tax lawyers are very ingenious people, especially when they get an opportunity to have input on writing of tax laws. Legislators don't read most of the legislation they vote on. They rely on staff people to interpret it for them. The regulations that apply the laws are definitely written by specialists, and sometimes, the impact of the regulation comes out to be 180° opposed to the intent of the law, certainly making an abrupt 90° turn at times.

[Cacophonous]

As an aside, you mention tariffs being used to alter free market forces. Is China really a free market? Or, does China, when considered as an element of a vast, global market place, really contribute to that vast, global marketplace being free?

[scottlang]

ONe problem with the tax cuts, Over half of the money my wife and I will be getting back from this tax cut this year will go to pay my INCREASED local and state taxes. What is left will not cover our grocery budget for a month.