[tonyz]

The devil is always in the details - but we as a country do need a new, simpler, predictable and efficient tax structure - one that is used predominantly to raise revenue and not for playing political games. I believe that is near impossible in our current political and economic environment.

The formula exists however - lower the rates and broaden the base - more people paying less.

Do away with most all deductions and using a low rate across the board for an income tax, a flat tax, a consumption tax, or whatever we can agree on.

It (a simple and fair tax system) can be designed, but for all the rice bowls and political cowards. I work in and have worked in the industry advising some of this country's largest corporations. EVERYONE admits that the current structure is cumbersome, inefficient and too complicated (and too expensive). Many smart folks working in the tax consulting industry are smart enough to retool and would welcome a simpler structure. Others, are unwilling and continue to throw roadblocks to feather their own nest.

The politicians, the bureaucrats and the CPA's and Tax Lawyers often are short sighted and look only to their current jobs or fee stream. The CPA's and Tax Lawyers are smart enough to find additional value added work. The pols and bureaucrats...I'm not so sure.

We as a country need a simpler and fairer system - culturally - I'm not sure that we currently have the politicians to do what it will take to get us there. I know that the bureaucrats will fight tooth and nail against a simpler system. They of the ilk that refer to a banana in regulations as elongated yellow fruit...good luck.