[lbo-talk] Wealth tax

[John Thornton]

Paul Papadeas wrote:
> Is it plausible to have a citizen's movement on pushing our elected representatives for a "swiss-style wealth tax" in this country as Doug discussed the benefits in his book "Wall Street". I'm fascinated by some of the measures that can be taken at this point realistically to create an equal level playing field so to speak.  
>    
>   Where do Obama and Hillary stand in relation to these measures (including Tobin Tax, admitting to support higher Income Taxes for the Billionaires and millionaires, taxing of domestic financial transactions, etc). Are they for highly regulating the financial industry as well as getting rid of the idea of Corporate Personhood? 
>    
>   Paul

None of this is realistic in the near term in the US. I have never seen 
Clinton or Obama address the idea of corporate personhood but would be 
shocked beyond belief if they supported anything but the status quo.
On the Tobin Tax there is a chance Clinton would appoint Stiglitz to a 
position, possibly Fed Chairman if what I've read is true, and he favors 
a Tobin Tax last I heard.
I don't know what Obama's position is but none of his current advisors 
has ever spoken in favor of such a tax as far as I know and some have 
spoken against.

John Thornton