Inequality and oligarchy

What the right doesn't get about Piketty

Fighting the tyranny of concentrated inherited wealth doesn't mean fighting wealth or even inheritance -- it means spreading the wealth around so everyone can enjoy some.

Summers vs Piketty on the Forbes 400

In 2013, 25 hedge fund managers earned $21.1bn

The top 25 hedge fund managers brought home more than double the combined salaries of every single kindergarten teacher in America last year.

Thomas Piketty doesn’t hate capitalism

The author of the best-selling Capital in the 21st Century explains what's wrong with America's tax system, and more

No, inequality doesn't help the economy

The notion of a stark tradeoff between inequality and efficiency is one of economics' most cherished myths.

Study: a 90% top tax rate could grow the economy

A new study argues that higher tax rates could help the economy by giving us fewer bankers and more teachers & scientists.

The case for really high taxes

There's more to taxation than money. If we're serious about tackling inequality, we need to consider tax rates that are so high they won't raise any revenue at all — they'll just deter high wages and maybe boost middle class incomes.

Why are the Bucks worth $550 million? Inequality

Suddenly the worst team in the NBA is worth half a billion dollars. The story of how that happened is the story of rising economic inequality in America — cartels, crushed unions, and soaring wealth that also serves as a form of consumption.

The rich vote in much higher numbers than the poor

This chart explains a lot about American politics.

The Doom Loop of Oligarchy

Wealth becomes political power. Political power becomes more wealth. We see it happening right now.

The short guide to Capital in the 21st Century

Thomas Piketty's Capital in the 21st Century is the most important economics book of the year, if not the decade. If you don't have time to read all 700 pages, we've got you covered right here.