Taxpayers would then see how much of their income had been seized by government before voting. They would feel the real cost of the supposed benefits provided by spendthrift politicians, enabling them to make a truly informed electoral choice. Only a public outcry is likely to stiffen the backbone of congressional Republicans, whose watchword these days is pre-emptive surrender. Absent a miracle, the budget will grow and regulation will expand, just like under the Democrats. House Speaker Newt Gingrich's reaffirmation of his support for income tax reductions cannot undo the damage caused by his proposal to hold off debating taxes until Congress passes a balanced budget, after which the GOP loses its leverage over the president.
Real reform is even less likely.
Yet it is fundamental change that is most likely to generate popular interest and support. Americans don't like the current system, which they perceive to be simultaneously incomprehensible and unfair. Most important, Congress should lighten the tax burden, and the best means of doing so is to cut income tax rates across the board. The Tax Foundation figures that Americans didn't finish paying their taxes last year until May 7. A recent survey of 275 IRS workers found overwhelming support for tax simplification.