The Need for the Flat Tax

One of the most pressing issues facing the United States today is our rising debt and lack of money to pay for it. I believe it is time to change our tax system to the flat tax, in order to raise the revenue stream into our government. The flat tax is one proposal that is being debated among various groups of people that would drastically change our tax system for the better. It would simplify the process, provide more money, and hold people accountable to pay their taxes. It is essentially a national sales tax, which would replace the income tax.

I am in favor of this and believe we should change to this for two fundamental reasons I feel strongly about. The first is that our debt and deficit is completely out of control. With more money going out than going in, this would help offset that and hopefully turn things around. Washington is spending our money like no tomorrow on a host of government programs and pork barrel projects. The crème de la crème will be a government run healthcare system that seems to be lurking in the corner, unless responsible leaders can stop it. By increasing revenue, this would allow more money flowing in that could theoretically go towards paying some of our bills.

The second reason I believe in the flat tax is because of equality. For far too long Washington has been overtaxing the upper class and in many respects the middle class in order to pay for welfare systems for the lower class. While many people in the lower class do work very hard, many do not. They do not have to pay income taxes and get a free ride courtesy of you and I. Well not under this plan. Every person would pay the same amount tax rate. If you buy more, you will pay more naturally, but those that don’t have to pay income taxes will now have to pay something into the system. Those who cheat the system have taken advantage of it for far too long and this is a good way for them to pay the piper. Also, all those undocumented illegal immigrants will now have to ante up. Instead of getting free public education and emergency room visits for free and being illegally in the country (hence no income tax they have to pay), will now have to pay like everyone else. This is the best way to ensure fair taxation. The wealthy will still continue to spend more money and be taxed for all that they buy, but those who skate by with a free pass will now have to pay something, which is better than nothing.

It is doubtful that this flat tax will be passed anytime soon (Democrats vehemently oppose it because they like to give out government hand outs), but I have hopes that if Republicans are ever in power that they will pursue a plan similar to this. The middle class and upper class cannot and should not be saddled with anymore of the tax burden. Our taxes pay for the free services that the illegal immigrants and the lower class use. It is time that we all pay into the system and reap what we sow.