>If he did then that certainly mitigates my point. Still, I believe in a progressive tax system (and did when I was making a lot of money). It's not exactly a new concept, in this country or any other western nation. A flat tax is the new concept, conceived by those with high incomes who want to less income tax. Well, duh, if self-interest is all one cares about.

I think you are referring to the 'The Fair Tax' which was introduced in 1999.

I hardly think it would create less tax for the wealthy. From the fairtax site:

Yes, the FairTax is fair, and in fact, much fairer than the income tax. Wealthy people spend more money than other individuals. They buy expensive cars, big houses, and yachts. They buy filet mignon instead of hamburger, fine wine instead of beer, designer dresses, and expensive jewelry. The FairTax taxes them on these purchases. If, however, they use their money to build job-creating factories, finance research and development to create new products, or fund charitable activities (all of which help improve the standard of living of others), then those activities are not taxed.


http://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_faq_answers