Where even the flat tax is a liberal dream

As Democrats and Republicans squabble over the expiration of the Bush tax cuts, it’s worth noting that at least in one corner of America, even the flat tax is considered too progressive. It used to be the case that if you landed between Whitechapel Road and King’s Cross Station (or their local equivalents) you were forced to pay $200 or 10% of your assets, which ever was lower. Now, bearing in mind that even this amounts to a marginal tax rate which decreases as one’s wealth increases (and is thus less progressive than a flat tax), apparently it wasn’t enough for Rich Uncle Pennybags. Now everyone must pay $200, regardless of income. Oh the humanity!