11 Comments
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Ed Eekam's avatar

"Tax the rich is not a solution."

Really?

According to a ProPublica investigation, Jeff Bezos paid a "true tax rate" of 0.98% on $4 billion in 2014-2018.

Trump: 0% for years.

There are 902 billionaires in the US.

Imagine if they only paid 20% in taxes instead of the pittance they pay.

Nor did I hear "tax the corporations." Effective tax rates:

Amazon 2024: 13.5%

Google 2023: 13.9%

Microsoft 2022: 13.1%

2021: 19 Fortune 100 companies paid nothing or next to nothing.

https://www.americanprogress.org/article/these-19-fortune-100-companies-paid-next-to-nothing-or-nothing-at-all-in-taxes-in-2021/

Tax 'em all.

In 10 years we'll be running a surplus.

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Irena's avatar

Mr. Bernstein could you respond to these numbers and provide your findings?

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Sally Fell's avatar

How privileged to be privy to, and part of, a discussion between two of the greatest experts on the economy ... at such a pivotal time in our nation! Both speak with such clarity and rationality, the informative purviews they shared actually had a calming effect on me! But, perhaps the most special moment, for me, occurred when Jared Bernstein, first learning that the Senate had passed that horrible atrocity of a bill, seemed to get choked up. This truly IS an immoral bill, that reflects Trump's corrupt nature and self-interest. Though I also suspect the Republicans are now representing their "constituents," the ones who are buying their elections with limitless campaign contributions. Very, very sad!! You'd think the Supreme Court, in interpreting the Constitution, might pay a little attention to the impact of their decisions on democracy, and the intent of the founders!

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Bert Lindler's avatar

Thanks, Jared Bernstein and Jason Furman for showing the depth of your humanity as you reacted to news of the passage of the big bill by the Senate...

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AM Reyes's avatar

It is a hard pill to swallow that congress will pass, and trump will sign a bill that says WE DON'T CARE ABOUT YOU. I don't know about you, but I feel billionaires need to feel the punch financially with lessor consumer purchases and subscriptions. I recognize many will lose their jobs in billionaire places. But I feel it is necessary to selectively shop when it is necessary in places that support the local community. As I stated in a previous message, "hold on to your pants because that might be the only thing you will own," after this bill passes.

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Pat Jones Garcia's avatar

Good explanation of deficits and debts. And important points made about budgeting, including savings actually made and those possible. Spillover examples helpful to know more about. Medicaid and all heaih care cuts are so awful to consider--too many legislators have no care for us at all, no consideration for consequences. Learned from this talk. Thanks much.

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Larry R Rivera's avatar

Right on, Bro

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Wendy horgan's avatar

Hi Jared, Just checking a strange email I received from you that invited me to contact your personal broker, Mr. Taylor, about an investment opportunity.

It came to me as a reply to a comment I made.

Thought you would want to know.

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Irena's avatar

There was also a comment "like" posted to me using a "scrambled" name for Jared Bernstein. It is not a legitimate Substack name. Scammer time.

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Wendy horgan's avatar

Thx Irena.

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Pat Jones Garcia's avatar

Re "crazy" Fed chair and committee, hope it won't work as the Health and Human Services, destroying our previously high place in health research and services.

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