Economy and Business
Overthrow Wall Street
One reason the media can’t quite grasp what the Occupy movement wants is that it’s not really anxious to find out.
Good News and Bad News about GDP Growth
Wealthy Tax Cheats
Tax systems that heavily tax the rich are asking for trouble — or so the politicians who cater to the 1 percent incessantly argue. The higher the tax rate on high incomes, their argument goes, the greater the incentive the rich have to waste time and energy figuring out ways to pay less.
Dollar Democracy
Corruption is as American as apple pie. “The quality of government is seriously compromised when decisions made by elected politicians benefit those who funded their ascent to power,” says the anti-corruption watch-dog group Transparency International. That sounds like just another U.S. election campaign.
Uncle Sam Is Sheltering the SWAG Economy
The wealthiest Americans — and deep pockets everywhere else — are spending epic sums on artwork.
We’re No. 27!
“USA: We’re No. 1!” Oh, wait — Iceland is No. 1. But we did beat out Poland and Slovakia, right? Uh…no. But go on down the rankings and there we are! No. 27, fifth from the bottom. So our new national chant is, “USA: At Least We’re Not Last!”
How the 1 Percent Could Do Its Share to Rebuild America
I’m a member of the 1 percent. I’ve watched my income tax rates fall over my lifetime, from a top rate of 91 percent under President Dwight Eisenhower to the current low rate of 35 percent. When taxes were higher, this nation built a vibrant middle-class life for millions. Our schools, libraries, bridges, railways, and roads made the United States the envy of the world.
Get Jobless Americans Back to Work
I’m not apt to make impossible New Year’s resolutions. Gumbo and red beans and rice will be safe on my plate for another year. But at the beginning of every New Year, I do like to pause to affirm my highest intentions.
Tax the Rich
America’s Skimpy Minimum Wage
In 2012, the 63 million Americans who depend on Social Security are getting their first cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in three years: a 3.6 percent increase in benefits. In other words, one in five Americans are getting a raise. For the average beneficiary, this amounts to an extra $38.95 a month.
