Jeff,
I agree with you. Whether democrats or republicans hold the balance of power in the government, the middle middle class gets screwed over, in varying degrees. They're not poor enough to get benefits and government aid, but they're not rich enough to comfortably support themselves, what with rising living costs, rising college tuition costs, etc. I worked in the financial aid office of my college answering calls and the people who were in the most despair were usually those in the lower-middle and middle-middle classes. Granted, I guess there weren't too many extremely poor students, but the ones towards the bottom of the scale got lots of aid. Anyone who thinks that republicans spend less is fooling themselves. As you said, the Republicans have spent more than the democrats (I'm not including the war and 9/11) but instead of being responsible about it, they just borrow and defer the burden to future administrations and generations. The flat tax in itself would be a good start, but getting rid of all the tax loopholes for the corporations and the elite that would make it an even tax playing field would be even better progress.

John, I also agree with your comments on progressive taxes, and responsible monetary policy, and economists. Too bad others can't see those different layers making up our complex system.

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside