[quote=gandalf]
Regressive is what we have now, in large part because of all of the loopholes and avoidance. Tax policy is one of the reasons for the astronomical changes in wealth and income distribution in the past 30 years. The current regressive policy is not fair.

[/quote]

I have to partially disagree with this. Payroll taxes are regressive. Sales taxes are regressive. Property taxes in CA are a mishmash because of Prop 13, but they are kind of progressive. (Wealthier people own more expensive homes, their property taxes are higher, prop 13 notwithstanding.) Income taxes are mostly progressive. Loopholes do exist, but not near as many as existed prior to the 80’s.

And “taxing each according to their means” is progressive taxation without the label. It may not elicit the kneejerk reaction from those who think “progressive” or “redistribution” means socialism, but the differences are slight.