Oh my, I've never seen this board so political before! I guess Presidents' Day is more than just a Monday Holiday (PRICES SLASHED!!) around here.
Flat Tax: I think the problem with a "flat tax" is the way the political system in this country works. As soon as a Flat Tax Bill is introduced in Congress, there will be deals made to get it passed. And one of the deals will be an itty-bitty rider granting just one itt-bitty and necessary exception. And then two. And then three. And once it gets passed, the next year will see a couple of laws granting exceptions and exeptions to the exceptions, and before long we'll be right back where we are now.
Of course, if by some miracle a pure flat tax law did take effect, the devestating unemployment among accountants might cause an economic upheaval.
Marriage and Saving the Family: I know that France and other European countries have a rather sensible system. Civil marriage is in no way whatsoever related to religious ceremonies. You can have a $10,000,000 wedding in the middle of the Champs Élysés officiated by the Pope himself, but you are not married in the eyes of the law until you have a ceremony officiated by a civil clerk.
It always seemed rather absurd that in our country a religious professional is able to perform a ceremony that is recognized by the civil authorities.