Does anyone who isn't a lobbyist oppose drastic simplification of the tax code? In my ideal world, a no-deduction tax code with one rate of tax would be my preference. But we can and probably should decouple a single rate from the concept of a much simpler code. There's a right-left deal to be struck here - as Matt Yglesias and Chris Edwards reveal.
If I were to propose two single policy proposals to revive the right, I'd champion a gas tax hike, offset by a payroll tax cut; and removal of all tax deductions - corporate and personal - except charity. Imagine how hard the lobbyists would fight the last one. Imagine how wonderful it would be if they lost.
This article available online at:
http://www.theatlantic.com/daily-dish/archive/2009/02/a-consensus-on-taxes/205833/
