To the Point
Tax Cuts and the National Debt
Raising taxes has been anathema in Washington for 30 years, but the national debt has raised fears across the political spectrum. Are Americans willing to pay more?
By Warren Olney • • 49m ListenRaising taxes has been anathema in Washington for 30 years, but the national debt has raised fears across the political spectrum. Are Americans willing to pay more? How important is fairness? Also, Standard & Poor's lowers its outlook on the US, and no naps for air traffic controllers.
Banner image: Elizabeth Krasovitov, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, advertises for a tax preparation office on April 14, 2011 in San Francisco, California. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesStandard & Poor's Lowers Its Outlook on US to 'Negative'
The ratings agency Standard and Poor's is taking a new look at what has been the world's most secure economy. Nearly $14.3 trillion in debt has led to what's called a "negative" outlook on the United States. This morning, that caused a drop is stock prices and a rise on interest rates on US Treasuries.
Read the story7 minToday's Taxes and Tomorrow's Financial Problems
On tax day, nobody wants to talk about paying more but, despite the Republicans' 30-year line in the sand, that may be unavoidable, and it won't be just the richest Americans. The national debt is too big for them to do it alone.
Read the story35 minAir-Traffic Controllers Get New Anti-Fatigue Rules
Saturday night -- for the sixth time this year -- an air traffic controller fell asleep on the job, this time at a regional control center near Miami. Other controllers were on duty and no landings were missed, but Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the incident has strengthened his resolve to do something about it.
Read the story7 min
