TAX REFORM AS PART OF FISCAL REFORM

Are there elements of discretionary spending that need to be capped and cut?  Definitely, but there is an equal if not greater need to reform the tax system in the U.S.

Without taking issue or making argument concerning the various alternatives that may exist regarding reform of the system, it is abundantly clear that in order to correct deficits, to balance the budget and to put this country back on the right track to sound fiscal footing and prosperity TAXES WILL HAVE TO INCREASE as SPENDING IS DRASTICALLY DECREASED!!!

Now let's be clear.  They should not increase so much that a disincentive is created that stifles productivity but taxes are artificially low today and the country would benefit immensely from a sound, less volatile long-term tax policy that keep taxes equivalent with those imposed during the Clinton Administration with similar tough budget controls as were also imposed then.  Perhaps even a BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT would be timely and of great benefit to unborn generations.

If "UNCERTAINTY" alone was removed from the system at very least, businesses would know precisely what they were up against from a tax perspective and they could then make their longer-term plans on that basis.  The uncertainty extended for another two years by the recent extension of Bush Era Tax-Cuts is a very real disgrace and was a mistake that should never be repeated again!!!!

USE TAX, FAIR TAX, FLAT TAX, CONSUMPTION TAX, PROGRESSIVE TAX STRUCTURE???...Those are all important but are purely tactical questions.  Let us first get the great strategic questions right...We can debate tactics once the overarching strategy is sound!!!