Michael Moore: Asshat or patriot?

[Guest NoCalMike]

The problem is, no matter what tax system exists, the wealthy will find ways to use and abuse it and get out of paying taxes. Now yes, there are PLENTY of honest, hard working, wealthy citizens out there willing to pay taxes, but everyone knows for a fact, if you are a millionare or higher, you are much better equipped(and a lot less likely to be audited or gone after) than some middle class citizen making between $50 - $150,000 a year.

[Guest DrTom]

I'd actually prefer a national sales tax as opposed to a flat tax. That way, you keep what you make and pay taxes on goods when you buy them. Things like medicines, dairy, etc -- things most states don't tax -- would be exempt, and it would be easy to make percentages of home and auto purchases tax-free. The result is probably the same as with a flat tax; I just like the idea better.

[Guest Bosstones Fan]

I'd actually prefer a national sales tax as opposed to a flat tax. That way, you keep what you make and pay taxes on goods when you buy them. Things like medicines, dairy, etc -- things most states don't tax -- would be exempt, and it would be easy to make percentages of home and auto purchases tax-free. The result is probably the same as with a flat tax; I just like the idea better.

You also make it much more difficult for all those "rich guys" and others who find ways around paying income taxes to get out of paying their fair share, since the taxes would be owed immediately when goods are purchased, as opposed to the current system where income can be deducted or hidden via tax law loopholes.

 

The downsides are that charitable organizations would probably scream bloody murder about seeing reduced contributions because folks would (theoretically) stop giving to charity because they wouldn't get a tax break for it any longer. Plus, when people aren't spending money in the economy, we'd be subject to having shortages in government revenue, much like many state and local governments are supposedly having now.

 

Overall, however, I don't think it's a terrible idea. It's certainly worth discussing.