[harryh]

No.

The standard deduction essentially establishes a 0% rate on a "minimum $ necessary to live" salary. Marginal tax brackets establish a progressive tax system which is consistent with diminishing marginal utility of money.

The problem that valuearb refers to is completely different. Because of inflation I could buy an asset in 1 year, sell it 5 years later and show a nominal gain (sale price > purchase price) but have actually made any real money. By most standards it would be unfair to tax me on this sale.