The original tax was designed to be placed on the rich really or anyone who made their money by investments. Money made by the sweat of your brow was pretty much exempt. That is until they realized where the real money was. Since Woodrow Wilson (a progressive racist) and his party pushed for the tax we have added a standing military, bases around the world where we will never see any profit (unlike PR or PI), and an obligation to support a massive infrastructure (FAA, EPA, DOT, DHS, HEW, DOE, etc). Disagree with the programs or not if there was less money then there would less activity.
here you go Tex (the ass watcher)