For example, at a micro-level that adds up when applied to tens of millions of us, a few big sources of economic inequality that start well before we get into the very rich zone include home mortgage interest deductions (need to have enough $ to "own") a home to get one, tax-preferred retirement accounts (need to have enough money to put some away in those and benefit more from them (up to limits) if your marginal income tax rate is higher), preferred tax rates on capital gains (many, maybe most, people don't have any), etc. I don't think I'm an especially bad guy and I don't think any of those things are good for a tax system that should be simple and based on multiple sources of revenue (i.e., sales, property, and income tax) with broad bases and low rates, but I sure as hell take my home mortgage deduction, stuff my 401 (k), and pay only what is required on capital gains because like any other human, I don't want to be a sucker, and I want to provide for me and mine as best I can. I also take advantage of preferential credit card deals (mileage bonuses, cash back ...) even though those are paid for by excessive vendor fees on business and exorbitant punishment of the less fortunate and less money-smart who don't pay the balance off every month.
