AP: Bush Touts Estonia's Flat Income Tax

[Eugene]

Bush Touts Estonia's Flat Income Tax
By DEB RIECHMANN, Associated Press Writer
1:56 PM PST, November 28, 2006

TALLINN, Estonia -- President Bush says the United States should have
a simpler tax system. Apparently he has found one he likes -- Estonia's.
In a brief stop in the Baltic nation on Tuesday, Bush managed to tout
Estonia's flat income tax three times.

"They've got a tax system here that is transparent, open and simple,"
Bush said in Tallinn after getting a look at how Estonian citizens can
file their taxes online.

In a toast about an hour later to Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves,
Bush said, "I am amazed to be in a country that has been able to effect
a flat tax in such a positive way."

And before fielding reporters' questions with Ilves, Bush again praised
Estonia's approach to taxation.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-bushs-tax-envy,1,7156606.story

Shrub talks as if he won a mandate this November 7th.

[sofa king]

1. But can he find Estonia on a map?

[Hosnon]

2. Alright, I officially believe in conspiracy theories:

This was a question on Jeopardy! yesterday.

If this isn't coordination I don't know what is. Don we now our gay apparel:

:tinfoilhat:

[AlamoDemoc]

3. Estonia wants to join the EU....but their tax system is opposite of joining the EU

"Estonia agrees with the Commission in that the EU must keep the promises made to states taking part in the enlargement process pursuant to on the pace of reforms in the countries. Estonia also agrees with the position of the Commission that in accordance with the fundamental treaties establishing the EU, all European states must have the opportunity to become candidate countries.

Conditionally is clearly defined and compulsory for all states aspiring to join the EU."

http://www.vm.ee/eng/euro/kat_313/7940.html

[MannyGoldstein]

4. The US Middle Class Would Actually Be Helped By A Flat Tax...

...as long as we were honest and called Social Security a tax.

The wealthiest Americans only pay 17% or so of their income in taxes. The Middle Class pays at a much higher rate, if you include Social Security.

Sad, isn't it. (Not that anyone really seems to care...)

[1932]

5. or, more accurately, it would help the rich, but not as much as the current

tax code.