Flat tax option: the freedom to choose

Providing an option is the fairest approach, because many people have made good-faith financial decisions based on the existing tax code — such as the mortgage-interest deduction for their home. They should not be penalized for those decisions. Still, the simplicity of the Flat Tax “postcard” is an attractive alternative that will be appealing to many Americans.

If America is to attract new investment, spur entrepreneurs, start new businesses, and get the economy growing again, America needs to simplify its tax code. This is not only good economics, but also good for democracy. American taxpayers — the people who own and pay for our country — should be able to understand how much they are contributing to government. Though a flat tax will not fix all that is wrong in Washington, it will lift a stressful burden off of everyday Virginians and Americans. This will enable them to pay attention to productive work, operate their businesses, and spend more time with their families without all sorts of bookkeeping, adding up receipts and paying for someone to decipher the frustratingly complex tax laws.

George Allen is a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Virginia, where he was formerly governor and U.S. senator.