Super:
I don't think anyone believes that lowering taxes to 0% would really get receipts up.
But, there does exist some point along the curve of tax rates where receipts can be maximized - I think this concept is generally accepted.
Laffer was basically looking for the optimum point (tax rate) where government could maximize receipts. He stated that both a 100% and 0% tax rate would generate no revenue.
I think folks like me argue that the point of maximizing receipts
does not exist above where rates are now in the US.
Arguing that tax levels do not affect the flow of capital into or out of the USA, or that tax rates do not play a role in the propensity of folks with money to invest and take risks is silly, IMO.
I think we all might agree that the current code itself is too complicated and overburdens people and businesses via compliance costs AND is a coveted tool of power for the legislators.