In response to the previous post, Reagan increased spending massively during his terms while cutting taxes. The sum of the debt and interest paid on Reagan's debt is well into the trillions of dollars. Politicians always talk like it is someone else who is the problem when it is really them. In terms of a flat tax, it doesn't matter how creative you are in collecting taxes as long as the tax revenue equals spending. If you want to overtax the poor and middle class, then fine. When markets for everything except basic essentials like food, clothing, and fuel dry up because non-rich people have no disposable income, at least the wealthy and those invested in essential industries will have their money.