income tax started was just 7%. within ten years, the top income tax rate from 7% to 70%. it's remained high ever since. that's why i've always believed steve forbes had it right. we ought to go back to an 18% flat tax, get rid of the deductions, all the loopholes. make it as simple as possible. collect the money you need but don't create the special interest groups. by the way, the people most opposed to the flat tax are people in washington, d.c. because you take the power away from washington. >> when we went into revolt 1774, 1775, americans in the colonies were paying 2%. our oppress sores, the brits in london were paying 20%. it's expensive running an empire. we need to go back towards 2%. i like that better than 18. [ applause ] >> 2% would be -- to be clear, we're at 40% about if you