[Kevin M]

The problem with a flat tax is simple. You would either drastically raise taxes on the lower and middle classes, or cripple the federal budget. And of course, taxes on the wealthy would decrease. As has been discussed here before, the system we use is certainly flawed, but the basic principles of tax brackets based on income are fair in the eyes of the vast majority of citizens. Most wealthy taxpayers would love to pay fewer taxes, but surprisingly few of them disagree with the idea of paying a higher percentage than those who don't make a lot of money.