Q: Is the American tax system fair?

• Yes, quite fair - 138 (4%)
• It's relatively fair - 971 (28%)
• It's quite unfair - 1,028 (30%)
• It's extremely unfair - 1,280 (37%)

Your comments:

"I cannot understand why widows and widowers are treated as "Single" status. Just when an individual needs the help the most, the system discriminates. Also did you ever notice whenever organizations sell tickets, they charge a higher price for one ticket and a lower price for couples.I usually boycott such an event as a matter of principal. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to express our opinion." Marie, Prospect

"I think that the taxes are way too high. I also think that it's the Government's fault that the taxes are too high because they don't know when to stop borrowing money. I think the tax plan that Bush is coming up with is bull because (his) tax plan is in favor of making the rich richer and the middle class families poorer. But all in all I think that taxes really suck to pay. Why should we have to pay the government the money we worked hard for? And the tax return bull is just what I said -- BULL -- because I thought the whole point to a tax return was for the government to give back the taxes we have paid. Instead we still have to take taxes out of our tax return. So in the end the tax system is a bunch of BULL!" Keith, Lisbon

"34% polled feeling the Internal Revenue Tax is extremely unfair and this number will grow! Just think what we could accomplish as a unified public in taking back our country. Apathy is the downfall of our great country. We have become subservient to the power hungry politicians. Of the P... by the P... and for the P... who is in charge here?" Rick, Groton

"We tax ambition and subsidize laziness." P.S., Woodstock

"Does the American public know ANYTHING? The Federal,State, an Local goverments DO NOT exist to make MONEY, only to spend it! I would like to know who provides this money? The more we give the more 'THEY' will spend. It's not the 'poor' who provide this money, but the people who 'EARN' it. The elected officials believe it is their 'RIGHT' to tax working people to help those who can't help themselves. (UTTERLY IGNORANT!) Without a group of informed citizens (mostly liberals) we are sure to make the truisim 'DEATH & TAXES', cannot be avoided." J.P.A., Wolcott

"What's unfair about it is that everyone pays too much in taxes. The government spends and gives away too much money. They talk about the national debt. We're in debt because the government spends too much. Let people keep their money. This is not a socialist country." Al, Bristol

"I'm 17 years old and I worked 20 hours a week, for a year. I was suposed to get back in all about $950, but because I made over a certain amount that year I'm only getting back $350 in all. I worked so hard just to lose out on $600. That much I don't like." Joe, Lebanon

"I wonder how the liberals will blame G. W. Bush for the energy crisis in California. Evidently they want us all to live without heat and lights. Tell me why your 'boys', Billy Boy & Al didn't take care of that the 8 years they were in office. why did they take until the last day in office to sneak a clean air bill in." Brian, Shelton

"The tax system is so unfair that only the middle class pays taxes and the poor and the rich get away with out paying the same tax. The plain fact is that to save money don't tax the poor at all when we get it all back any way! The cost is greater then the amount of return for most and we could save that much money and give back the money to the people we save!" G.L., Guilford

"Living during a time in which people obsessing with 'being fair' isn't it a wee bit odd that 'fairness' within the realm of taxation is seen as 'taboo'? Therefore, I suggest a 'fair' tax across the board - 12% for all taxpayers! I am sick and tired of hearing from groups (such as the 'citizens for fair taxation') tell us that it is right (or preferable) that some pay much more just because they are successful and to excuse many who lack the incentive to push themselves and no I am not 'one of the winners of life's lottery' I am a blue collar worker give me a tax break!" R.K., Dayville

"I think that it is quite unfair only because it is so complicated. The basic taxing rates are fair but there are so many loopholes that those who have an involved income and expense status and can afford a tax "Expert" to compose their tax returns, in most cases do not end up paying their fair share. The dollars paid may be as much or greater than a lower income return but not their fair share." Ted, Shelton

"When our state or our country amasses a great surplus, the money gets spent on pet (read 'pork') projects so the politicians can show their constituents how they care about that certain community....yeah, right. They're only spending money in the places they have too to show they really care about that particular area to get their votes, and you can be certain they get their money back several times fold!! The IRS always concentrates on the wrong segment of society!" Kim, No Town

"Why not ask the question how should the US Government collect the money it needs to run the country? Like who should pay for the Military? Who should pay for the roads and highways? Who should pay for education? Who should take care of the elderly? Who should support our welfare recipients? Who should pay for drugs for the elderly? Since more than 65% think the tax system is unfair or wrong ask those smart people how they would runs the country without any money to fund the services everyone wants but is not willing to pay for out of their pockets." R.P.C., Mystic

"Huh? Extremely unfair? do you people think that you don't have to pay for the roads you wear out when you drive on them every day, the trash you create to be picked up or the land you damage by walking or doing other things on it?" Anthony, Enfield

"A flat tax based solely on net income is the only fair tax -- the only deductible item should be medical expenses, e.g., insurance premiums payments to hospitals and doctors and prescription drugs." C.F.D., Bridgeport

"He continues to reward the rich and punish to those who can least afford it." C.J.W., Enfield

"The only fair tax system is a flat percentage of your total income. Close the loopholes and make everyone pay even those on assistance (Welfare etc.) The total amount would be small and the more you make the more you pay. Do this for the individuals as well as the business and corporations. Include tax-free organizations and charities as well. Everyone pays!" E.M., Branford

"I realize this isn't a scientific survey but the results really should not add up to 101% since there is no possible way such a figure can exist." L.B., Willimantic

Editor's Note: Rounding error in the program -- it happens occasionally.

"I'm sick of paying for people who are as health and able as we are but get breaks because they don't want to do what it takes to work at a decent paying job." G.A., Putnam

"Fairness is not the major issue ... the major issue is the complexity which results from devious politicians that are obsessed with control.Dick Armey stated it correctly,'There is no fairness or justice in a tax code that only highly paid accountants can understand'." G.H., Bethany

"Tax is very unfair. The old who can't make money anymore are living on money made 30 years ago but are being taxed on this years formula.Middle aged housewives who married 'forever' are being divorced for younger models and forced to work 2 & 3 jobs to make ends meet and are being taxed out of thier minds. I am being forced into situations I cannot control, I'm losing my children in more ways than just moving and I can't do anything about it. Please don't put me on a jury about children or wife abuse or a murder trial for some murdered abusive husband I KNOW HOW I'D VOTE." Wish I were a WIDOW, Meriden