[jaguar]

We cannot. Well not though tax. I don't think we need a reward points system for those that invent cool stuff, the financial benifits are enough in most cases, but i see you arguement.
A flat tax system is stupid as far as i'm concerned. I think there is an arguement for aboloshing income tax and intead doing what we have here and in parts of Europe, VAT(Value Added Tax) or GST(Goods and Services Tax): a tax on what you buy instead of what you earn. We have both here at the moment, just having the second is far better. Firstly its far harder to avoid than income tax so hopefuly some of those bastards who earn less than their pool cleaners would actually have to contribute to society like the rest of us. Secondly you can discriminate effectivly, low tax on basic items, high tax on luxury cars, boats, etc which better spreads the tax budren to those who do not shoulder their weight. The fact is the majority of tax is paid by the middle class. The upper class pay no tax because they are rich enough to know how to avoid it and the lower class pay negligable tax. By making the upper class pay their fair share we create a fairer system all round and one which would benifit the lower and middle classes making it politically viable. Pity those in politics are in the upper class.

Would not be perfect, but it would be better.