SK: My comments were regarding campaigns and their funding. If a certain industry perceives a candidate will press for favorable tax treatment ( or legislation ) then they will donate to the campaign. More dollars, better advertising and usually a win. Rub my back, I’ll rub yours. Including large industry who realist the cyclical nature of the parties in power which donates to both sides to keep in good standing and access.
The tax code is very complicated as a result of these special favors. Both for industry as well as social engineering — sorry buzz words again 😉 –providing incentives for changes on behavior. For example, tax credits for investing in certain technologies like solar or tax exempt for groups like an art conservatory.
As discussed later in the thread, a flat tax allows for only one lever and a much more visable one. This is the control I’m referring to and its positive effect. It would also save companies lots of money in the tax accounting and save taxpayers the cost of a large IRS. Sure there are some problems that need to be addressed, for example how to incentivise people and companies to donate to charity. It would also bring the underground cash economy to the surface and make for easy collection of the tax. Companies spend lots of unproductive time trying to outguess the government’s next tax move. A straight tax would reduce this considerably enabling them to make more accurate long term plans for growth, which I believe will make them more productive. As the the regressiveness of it, I like to look at the total amount of tax paid by a firm or individual. Not the percentage. Treats everyone fairly and those with more, spend more.
So we can agree the use of tax code in this manner is a tool of control?
