Current debates about ideas to revive the economy generally fall into alignment with either classical or Keynesian economic theory. Some suggest that growing U.S. debt is a strong incentive for tax reform. (1) Should we have a flat tax? Why or why not?

 What are the merits and risks of other tax-based reforms? Please assess at least one additional reform. Examples include, but are not limited to: a national sales tax, value-added taxes (VAT), and eliminating a variety of deductions or credits.