Talk about "taxes" is a diversion, especialy during election season. It shifts the focus from the substantive issues, and the process that would be necessary to make real progress with a state's economy. ... "It's the programs, stupid!" Before one can rationally talk about "taxes" there needs to be a discussion of the programs we buy with that form of currency. Like the politician who wants to "cut taxes" but refuses to talk about defense spending and social security, and the other programs that make up the bulk of government expenditures, anyone who talks about "taxes" without talking programs is just blowing smoke -- and may be deliberately trying to impede your vision. ... However politically impossible it might be to do, wouldn't it be at least interesting to know what the consequences would be if the federal and state income taxes were the sole source of government revenue? No property or sales taxes. Fewer distorted, tax-driven, decisions by individuals, businesses and governments. A transparent, data-driven public discussion of public programs that could be easily grasped, and participated in, by all.