What is the purpose for income tax?

[xoxoxoBruce]

Personal Income tax is only half the picture.

2008 projections
1,146 billion - individual income taxes
275 billion - corporate income taxes
906 billion - social security taxes
81 billion - excise taxes
25 billion - estate and gift taxes
25 billion - customs duties
47 billion - miscellaneous receipts
TOTAL - 2,506 billion

But personal income tax rates are subject to checks and balances.

The poor ain't got no money - moot

The middle class have lots of votes - check

The rich kick in more campaign funds - balance

Ain't easy being a politician.