The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

Charles Dickens opened A Tale of Two Cities, perhaps his most famous tome, with the now iconic line, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” The book is set in London and Paris during the late 1700s, the lead up to the French Revolution. While...
Have We Hit Peak Inequality?

Have We Hit Peak Inequality?

When should we be alarmed about so much wealth in so few hands? The Great Recession and its anemic recovery only deepened the economic inequality that’s drawn so much attention in its wake. Nearly all wealth and income gains since then have flowed to the top...
America’s Grand Fortunes Go Overboard

America’s Grand Fortunes Go Overboard

Imagine yourself part of the typical American family. Your household would have, the Federal Reserve reported in September, a net worth of $81,200. That’s not a whole lot of money. But half of America’s households would actually have less wealth than you...
WhatsApp with the Estate Tax?

WhatsApp with the Estate Tax?

What does Facebook’s recent purchase of WhatsApp have to do with the estate tax? Actually, a good bit, if you’re concerned about America’s concentration of wealth. Why? Because an economy needs effective checks and balances. A tax on inherited...