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Hmm.. real term... "totally screwed up?"  "Unfair?"  "a product of lobbying power?"  "illogical?"  I don't know.  Take your pick.

Which is exactly why everyone should have to pay something.  That way, they don't see government as something someone else runs for their benefit.  That way, they understand that there is no free lunch.

Well, not necessarily the same percentage.  The progressive income tax is still a good idea. 

But at least a token.

Yes, he is paying a lot less on his interest income, taxed at the long term capital gains rate, than a middle class person would pay on earned income.  There are two different rates, one for those of us who earn our money, another for those who just sit back and let the interest build.  I wouldn't say that Buffet is a snake.  The lawmakers who set up an unfair system are the real snakes.  Why did they do it?  Could it be that most of the people making the tax laws get their money from investments rather than wages?

Tax all income the same, regardless of source.  That is the only fair way.