100% correct. The problem is, it's a ratchet. No politician wants to quit being Santa Claus long enough to cut spending, even by 1%.
While we're on the subject, I've grown to detest the term "Deficit Hawk." John McCain is often called a Maverick Deficit Hawk because he hates cutting taxes. Why does the Deficit only matter when we're talking about tax cuts? Why isn't anybody a "Deficit Hawk" when the subject on the table is spending?
One of my church friends on Facebook is furious that the credit for adoption is being eliminated in the new tax bill.
That, my friends, is the crux of the matter. Most people like the idea of a flat tax but still want the deductions that matter to them.
In states with high state income taxes, they want to retain that deduction.
Everyone seems to want to retain the homeowners deduction.
I like Ted Cruz's plan. Taxes filed on a postcard, flat rate, no deductions.