From a long piece by John Nichols in The Nation on the spirit of Wisconsin, written early in March. (emphasis added)
One of the most popular signs on the streets, distributed by National Nurses United, said, Blame Wall Street. Instead of concessions, the nurses argued, it’s time to focus on the corporate CEOs and speculators; as they point out: “In U.S. states facing a budget shortfall, revenues from corporate taxes have declined $2.5 billion in the last year. In Wisconsin, two-thirds of corporations pay no taxes, and the share of state revenue from corporate taxes has fallen by half since 1981.” The same is true in other states. These facts must be stressed, repeatedly and aggressively, if the debate is going to shift from cuts in public services and education to demands for fair taxes and the revenues necessary for services and schools.
When I read polling statistics, I get the impression Americans don’t hold corporations or the finance industry accountable. This article provides evidence to the contrary, at least in Wisconsin.
Related posts:
Union busting and the inequality of wealth
Income inequality and American politics
Inequality and the financial crisis
Health care in America: You get what you deserve
Life expectancy of the rich and the poor
The end of the American dream?
Resources:
Image: The Daily Beast
John Nichols, The Spirit of Wisconsin: How Scott Walker’s unionbusting spurred a popular urising, The Nation, March 3, 2011
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