But the fact that his "Flat Tax" got so much attention highlights what everyone already knows, that the current tax system DOESN'T WORK. It isn't fair. It has been manipulated and corrupted to the point that the lower middle class and poor are paying to run the nation. And so, I propose this change to the tax system:
A True Flat Tax.
The difference? No exemptions. Well, one exemption. Private citizens making below a certain percentage of the national average. The national average would be computed based on the previous year's reported income. I think the current national average is something like $35k a year? I may be wrong on that... Anyway, I figure anyone making one third of the national average is in trouble and needs a break. If you make over that amount, you pay a percentage of your income as taxes.
Now, I'm not in a position to say what that percentage should be, but I think the percentage expressed as part of that unnamed presidential candidate's proposed "Flat Tax" scheme was quite high. If big business and the rich had to ante up as well, We could definitely drop that percentage a few points. I once heard 2% bandied about, but I suspect that is extremely unrealistic.
Ok, so let's assume that in my infinite wisdom {cough} I've now fixed the tax system. That's only half the problem. How our taxes are spent is another. Currently we have no real control over how our money is spent, and we need desparately to fix that. I have a few major changes that I think should be implemented:
1. No more contributions allowed to a congressman from
businesses or organizations. All donations *must* be from
private citizens...
AND
2. Congress can no longer vote itself a raise.
The fact that congressmen can vote themselves a raise is staggering
to me. The PEOPLE should vote them a raise. Or a pay cut, depending
on the job they do. The only people that would be against this
would be the career congressmen themselves. Too bad. When the
PEOPLE hold the purse strings and Congress doesn't, the constituents
will again be represented, not the special interest groups and
big businesses.
3. Expenditures should be decided by the People. Now that taxes are flat rate with no exemptions, there's no need for a tax form. Exit the 1040. Enter the Budget Form. You, as the tax payer, can now tell the government what major areas you want to see your taxes go into. By percentages you can tell the government to spend your money on defense, agricultural research, housing and food programs for the homeless, the war on drugs, the legalization of drugs, anti-abortion legislation, pro-abortion legislation, research to determine a cow's favorite color, repairs to the Hubble telescope, a mission to Mars, save the trees, cut the trees, give the trees names, WHATEVER! Break it down into major categories and let the people decide where their hard-earned money is going to go. And say you didn't specify where about 10% of your taxes should. Whatever is left over, Congress can play with to it's evil little heart's content. But you can bet they wouldn't just piddle it away -- or they won't get a raise from their collective boss, the People...