The recent embarrassment of some of President Obama's staff and their inaction on their taxes uncovers a symptom of our failed tax system.

For one, it shows a double standard in the justice system. Timothy Geithner is still in the Obama White House, and Tom Daschle should have been outed and disgraced a long time ago.

The second point is that a tax system that is so burdensome and ineffective erodes confidence and trust in government. Ronald Reagan pointed this out in 1985 in a televised speech. The people of this country dread tax season, and why shouldn't they?

The income tax system is wrong on many fronts. It allows government to take what it doesn't earn and redistribute it. It creates a hostile attitude of envy and strife. That is, it makes those who have to pay taxes envy those with more money and resources to withstand the taxes. It also creates a hostile environment for those high achievers whose capital and resources create thousands of jobs for Americans.

If Obama wants to help Americans, pass tax reform. Assemble the best minds in economics, business, and government to come up with tax reform. It could be a percentage-based flat tax, suggested by Steve Forbes. It could be a flat tax proposed by John Linder and championed by Neil Bortz.

If you seek prosperity, if you seek change, President Obama, fix our tax system. If you seek a better America, if you seek a true stimulus plan, fix our tax system.

Joe Garrison

West End