Anyone who cares about democracy should be disturbed that “respect the Constitution” now sounds Republican
Budget & Taxes
Why Austerity Is a Dangerous Idea
When everyone tries it at once, austerity makes the debt bigger, not smaller
America’s Forgotten Economic Challenge
As the economy recovers, too many distressed areas will once again get left behind
How Not to Compromise
What Americans need now is not compromise for its own sake; it’s smarter compromise based on finding the real middle in negotiations
The Baby Boom and Financial Doom
To rightsize spending, entitlement programs must be reformed
The Making of a Cliffhanger
Is the term “fiscal cliff” too alarmist? The man who coined it thinks not
Why the Fiscal Cliff Negotiations Are More Complicated than We Think
This isn’t just a two-party conflict. It’s an obstacle course with two fractious teams that requires complicated strategies
It’s Time To Make Taxes Nontoxic
As budget negotiations begin, citizens and leaders need to remember why taxes exist
The Rich Haven’t Always Hated Taxes
Once upon a time, the wealthy elite took pride in the fact that they paid higher rates than other Americans
Behind the Chicago Teachers’ Strike: Why Talks Must Be Made Public
With city officials and the Chicago teachers’ union at an impasse, both sides should heed Louis Brandeis’ call and start negotiating in the open
Forget Wisconsin. The Unions’ Biggest Loss Was in California
Pension reform will help cities balance budgets, but will their schools still be able to attract talented teachers?
Why Voluntary Taxation is a Bad Idea
If, instead of the “Buffett Rule,” we just decided to make it optional for millionaires and billionaires to give more, then why would we ever raise taxes?
The Tragic Death of the Temporary Tax Cut
I love the holidays in Washington. Christmas trees at the Capitol, carols at the National Cathedral — and another partisan cat fight over taxes
