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From: phil@amdcad.UUCP (Phil Ngai)
Newsgroups: net.legal,net.taxes
Subject: Re: Abuse of social contracts. (tax system)
Message-ID: <701@amdcad.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 20-Feb-85 02:44:17 EST
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Posted: Wed Feb 20 02:44:17 1985
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> the tax code is enormously complex, and those who have the means
> need not pay income taxes if they choose not to.
> Ordinary working people do not have the means and the system is not
> voluntary for them.

I file the long form every year and don't believe that people who
don't pay income taxes are getting away with something. I'm sure
they got in that position by taking a real loss of some kind.
It may be no money from their pocket to the IRS but it's money
out of their pocket. Come on, it's easy not to pay income tax.
Just don't have any income. Big deal.

As for what the average citizen thinks, those turkeys think it's
great when they get an income tax refund. I think I did something
wrong when I get a refund because the government has had use of
that money interest free all year. 

> 	To conclude, a very simple flat tax with no deductions, no credits,
> and only a simple per capita exemption would be correctly perceived
> by everyone.  Graduated rates would be acceptable too (to me at least)
> as long as the simplicity were retained.
> 
> David Hough	

You obviously don't own a house. The mortgage interest deduction is
probably even more of a sacred cow than Social Security. (well,
it is to me!) And I claim there are benefits to society in
encouraging home ownership. Real property (land) owners are less
likely to want to mess up the system. Indeed, they are the system.
Surely you've seen what renters can do to their apartments.

I'd be interested in your opinion of all this after you become a
home owner with a wife and 2.3 kids. You might find your opinion changed.

-- 
 This is my opinion, I guess.

 Phil Ngai (408) 749-5720
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