Richard K. Armey: “as a result of decades of social engineering, the United States Tax Code has evolved into a complex maze of deductions…”

“as a result of decades of social engineering, the United States Tax Code has evolved into a complex maze of deductions, credits, exemptions, and special preferences under which taxpayers with same incomes can pay vastly different amounts in taxes. This uneven treatment of taxpayers is fundamentally unfair and it is at odds with the American value of equality under the law. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, Vice President Al Gore's economic plan would make things even worse. Although the Vice President claims to provide middle class tax relief, he actually provides meager relief only to those individuals who agree to live the government-approved Al Gore mandated life-style. As a result, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday 'families earning identical amounts of money would pay widely different taxes and families earning more money than others could pay significantly lower taxes.' Those who choose the Gore life-style get a tax break. Those who choose to live their own lives get nothing. For example, if one purchases a costly electric car, the Vice President gives one a tax break. If one purchases a Ford pickup truck, one gets nothing. That is not my definition of fairness. That is not my definition of freedom.”