Why don't the Democrats simply reducing the AMT from current 26%($100k-$175K),28%($175K+) back to the to 20% and 21% rates that existed before Clinton raised them. This would prevent the AMT for most hybrid buyers.

The Democrats instead bundled an AMT reduction with a tax increase by treating some capitol gains as regular income.

The Republicans tried to eliminate the AMT in 1999 but Clinton vetoed that effort. The AMT turned into a tax windfall for the government that it never intended or anticipated from it's onset, it should be eliminated.

I see the Democrats posturing that they'd fix the AMT if only the Republicans would let them. Bush will veto it if it ever gets past the Senate, which it probably won't. A responsible government would eliminate the AMT all together and cut spending to make up for it.

Democrats have already suggested tax increases that would push tax rates way higher than the 28% AMT which would fix the AMT in another way.

Anyone that doesn't feel they are paying enough federal tax is always free to give more than the government requires.