Kevin and Duncan* both point out that the VAT (see post below) is somewhat regressive. True ’nuff. So why do it? Mostly because it’s safer than the alternatives. Reasoning below the fold.

Ezra Klein is a former Prospect writer and current editor-in-chief at Vox. His work has appeared in the LA Times, The Guardian, The Washington Monthly, The New Republic, Slate, and The Columbia Journalism Review. He’s been a commentator on MSNBC, CNN, NPR, and more.