5 proposals that may improve America's financial situation

America's economy is flourishing — the healthiest it's been in years, and yet still, our national debt continues to build at a rate many an expert have declared unsustainable. The 14-digit representation of America's financial obligation will almost certainly take decades to dent. But isn't it time to start chipping away? We could cut benefits, sure. Tax the people more, perhaps. But here at OZY we like to think outside the box. And though we recognize a majority of our ideas will fall short, it's the few winners that make everything worthwhile in the end. Sometimes, the greatest ideas are those nobody else had the courage to propose.

Get rid of income taxes! A simple tax system that didn't try to manipulate behavior could be pro-growth and progressive.

Lay off the corporations, too: It's not investors who bear the burden of corporate taxes, but rather workers — and the whole economy suffers for it.

Let's put all of our highways underground: Cities — and a national economy — can benefit enormously by putting the yucky stuff underground.

Tax the meat lovers: That juicy hamburger costs much more than you're paying for it. Do it for the vegans.

And quit buying homes! You can be happy renting — and happier than owning. Really.

OZY is a Paste BN content partner providing general news, commentary and coverage from around the Web. Its content is produced independently of Paste BN.