"If we could agree that 'fair' was defined as 15% (or whatever number balances the budget), would everyone agree to removing all the loopholes and having EVERYONE pay 15% of ALL their income? If not, how do you define 'fair'?"
I think that the flat tax that Republicans have been talking about is a good place to start. Unfortunately, the Dems keep fighting it. I guess they like the fact that the IRS keeps tabs on everyone.
Part of the problem is that Democrats don't want to work for fair taxes. People like Hillary want a socialist (I'd say communist) society where all your money goes to the government and the government decides how all money is spent.
An example of the Dem disagreement was when Bush tried to reform Social Security. His plan would have allowed people like me who wanted to invest in stocks and get a better return to do so. The Dems won't be satisfied until they have their hands on 100% of everyone's money.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.