But, of course, none of this is going to happen. Madrick writes that virtually no one in power, Democrat or Republican, is going to put any significant tax increase on the table. It\u2019s easier, and more politically expedient, to blame the vulnerable for the deficit, cut \u201centitlements\u201d and other important programs. and continue to protect the wealthy. \u00a0But that approach is a foolish one.<\/p>\n

Better government, not weaker government, is the path to prosperity. The nation requires sophisticated education for all; high-speed, low-cost transportation; universal access to the Web; efficient energy usage; and adequate support for the poor and the elderly\u2014all of which demands more government revenue.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If we are going to thrive as a nation, we need better government. When necessary government services and programs are underfunded, or not funded at all, because of a lack of adequate tax revenue, the entire economy falters. In the end, everyone suffers.<\/p>\n

Madrick concludes with the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is no debate of good conscience in America about how to pay for the nation\u2019s most profound needs. If there were, raising taxes would be a major part of it. Instead, the lower and middle classes will bear the brunt of deficit reduction.<\/p>\n

Politicians and ideologues are playing a cruel game by keeping serious tax increases off the table, but it is especially hypocritical to do so in the name of fiscal responsibility. America\u2019s budget problem is a revenue problem, not a spending problem.<\/strong> The current national conversation about tax hikes is a fine example of political deference to the rich and powerful. It is not good economics.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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