Today's items:
(1) Taxes: Since it's tax day, it's time to dispel some of the myths around taxation. For this purpose I like Mark Engler's recent post over at Dissent's "Arguing the World" blog, busting the myth of "Tax Freedom Day." Here is part of his post:
Read the whole post.
And David Leonhardt's column in yesterday's NYT targets the "47%" myth (which I'd never heard about—guess I don't listen to the right right-wing radio shows?), according to which 47% of Americans supposedly don't pay any taxes, unfairly burdening the remaining hardworking folks. Here's a sample:
On taxes, also check out United for a Fair Economy's Tax Pledge, which has been getting some attention in the national media.
(2) The Greek Debt Crisis: The spotlight on Greece and its debt crisis intensified this week, as European leaders finally agreed to a rescue package.
Yesterday we posted a comment by Mike-Frank Epitropoulos on the Greek debt crisis; Mike argues that Greece has become a demonstration project for other European countries with "overly" militant populations. Here's the beginning:
Click here for Mike's analysis. Our May/June issue will also include an explanation of the kind of "pressure from the bond market" that the Greek government is facing. (On this topic, in connection with Greece and the financial crisis more broadly, see Kevin Gallagher's recent Guardian piece, The Tyranny of the Bond Market.)