I think what you meant to say is half pay no federal income tax as opposed to "NO taxes whatsoever". If that is in fact true, the number is actually a bit below 50%. If you get a paycheck (as opposed to being paid under the table), you are paying FICA tax so you are paying some tax. There is also sales tax, gasoline tax, property tax (also paid indirectly through rent), perhaps state income tax, etc. The bigger issue, however, is that that statistic (assuming you meant federal income tax) is a cherry picked number provided without context. The statistics are skewed by the fact that many elderly do not have enough income to have a federal tax liability. This doesn't mean they didn't have 40+ years of paying federal income tax. The elderly are often given other tax breaks such as a reduction on property taxes. Also, many people might have a short period of time where they don't earn enough to have a federal tax liability but move up economically rather quickly. I believe many people interpret the number as representing a permanent group of people who don't ever pay federal income tax. That is really not the case as people move up and down the economic ladder so the people who are not paying federal income tax changes continually. However, I do believe it is a good idea for everyone to have a little skin in the game.
I don't see anything unconstitutional about a progressive federal tax rate. If it was, I would think it would have been challenged? I agree that there is a better way for the federal government to raise revenue. Given the lack of term limits on Congress and effective lobbying, I don't see a revolutionary change in the future.
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Originally Posted by MDLNB
I agree. Half of the citizens that enjoy this great country pay NO taxes whatsoever. Time for EVERYONE to pay taxes. It seems to be UnConstitutional for the rich to pay at a higher rate than anyone else. Sounds like a case of discrimination. Either a flat tax or a federal sales tax make everyone equal.
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