Sales Tax
As a recent convert to a National Sales Tax, i find the argument of it being regressive a fair one, however, if you move beyond it, and examine the merits of a sales tax, i dont see why no one cannot be persuaded to accept it.
A sales tax is progressive, because it discriminates on the ability to pay. If you are on a low income, you wouldnt be hit on a high end big ticket item. For the poor, discretionary spending is limited, due to the percentage of income going on food, housing and transportation.
To me a National Sales Tax offer a far more simpler and more efficient way of administrating the Federal taxation system. At the moment, the Federal tax code runs into excess of 9000 pages, and leaves no accountant, lobbyist or wealthy political donor behind.
A NST would widen the tax base, catching non nationals into paying taxes,but also those folks who used to work in the underground economy. It is estimated that 9% of GDP is lost to people who evade paying taxes, but operating in a cash in hand market.
Any NST would have to have exemptions, with Food, Children clothing/footwear, home heating. From a personal perspective, i find it morally unjust to levy any sales tax on food, as it punishes the poor.
But beyond the how we collect revenue, we also should ask, shouldnt the electorate decide how tax dollars are spent.
For way too long, with politicians funnelling money to buy voters or reward campaign donors, why can't voters decide where the money should be spent. Would you prefer that public schools receive money, instead or Blackwater and KBR?
To be honest, i cant think of a perfect system, but voters should have input into where spending should go.