Yesterday, President Biden gave a surprisingly fiery, populist State of the Union address.
This week in OtherWords, Karen Dolan highlights some of the main takeaways from the bold agenda for working families Biden laid out. But she argues that if Biden’s serious about accomplishing it, he’ll need to use executive actions much more aggressively.
Rebekah Entralgo zeroes in on one idea in particular: the billionaire minimum tax, which would ensure that America’s wealthiest people aren’t paying lower tax rates than secretaries or firefighters. This Congress may not pass it, Rebekah writes — but state governments can and should.
Finally, Sonali Kolhatkar looks at the dark undercurrents of the GOP response, which heavily featured so-called “culture war” grievances. Sonali explains the damage the party’s war on abortion rights, LGBTQ rights, and education is doing and argues that it’s not simply a poor substitute for a real economic agenda — it’s deadly.
In Case You Missed It…
Biden Presented a Bold Agenda. Can He Back It Up? | Karen Dolan
The president had much to celebrate in his State of the Union address. But to finish the job, he needs to take executive action.
Biden Is Right: You Shouldn’t Pay a Higher Tax Rate Than Billionaires | Rebekah Entralgo
The president has renewed his call for a “billionaire minimum tax.” If Congress won’t listen, states should.
The GOP’s Culture Wars Would Be Laughable If They Weren’t So Deadly | Sonali Kolhatkar
The party has no agenda for working people, only cruel attacks on people who deserve better.
Cartoon: The Far Right Cancels Ilhan Omar | Khalil Bendib
Now what could the reason be?
In Case You Missed It…
Teach Black History — Don’t Ban It | Tracey L. Rogers
Politicians fire teachers and ban books, but more and more Americans are standing up against this effort to erase our history.
Don’t Let Politicians Cut Housing Aid | Pamela M. Covington
Housing vouchers and food stamps helped my family escape a dangerous situation. Will families today get the same chance?
Social Security Is America’s Contract with Working People | Tom Conway
Fairer taxes on the rich could fund the program. Instead, the far right wants to stiff workers who’ve already paid in.
Taking a Hard Look at Police Killings | Sonali Kolhatkar
Police killed more people last year than any other on record. Can reimagining city budgets make our communities safer?
