In a rather nasty hit piece on those protesting on Wall Street who Brooks imperiously deems to be "milquetoast radicals" not only does he forget the reasons for the debt
1] The Bush tax cuts that turned surplus to deficit
2] Two unpaid for wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
3] Highway robbery and unbelievable excess by the banks that then had to be bailed out
He may be right that those with the most radical agenda may be the one wearing suits, what he seems to forget is when a movement is just getting started it has plenty of time to get really radical.
So David you want radical? OK
1] End the wars today and slash the military budget by 50%, that should save $3 to $4 trillion over the next decade at least.
2] Forced repatriation of offshored profits and tax them at 70% for the trouble.
3] Simplify the tax code by closing loopholes and have top tax rates at 40, 50 and 60%
4] Tax corporate profits at 30% unless it is reinvested in America close tax right offs and deductions for frippery [corporate jets, limousines, luxury offices, overpriced meals, seminars at the latest hyper luxury resort] bring some austerity to the board rooms.
5] Tax unearned income at the same rates as any other income.
6] Tax share and commodity transactions say at ten cents a unit.
7] Invest this new revenue and savings in the infrastructure and schools across America which some estimate requires $13 trillion dollars to bring them up to standard.
8] Invest heavily in education.
9] Give subsidies for green and hi-tech technologies and spark a whole new industry and way of life whilst protecting a planet.
10] Raise taxes once America is back to work to pay off what remains of the deficit.
Perhaps introducing campaign finance reform to prevent the 1% from maintaining its power base might also be appropriate?
So David do you want radical, or is it just posturing on your part since you offered so little in your piece.
Is getting America back to work too radical?