Ideas toward a more perfect union

Revenue: Tax dividends, capital gains and carried interest as ordinary income. Taxes on foreign subsidiaries in the year earned. Don't defer until repatriated. End step-up-in-basis for inherited wealth. End or reduce most subsidies and tax breaks. Encourage competition. Close tax havens Jail for tax evaders. Balance budget from increased revenue, not decreased spending.

Programs: Single payer health care: medical, dental, vision, orthodontics, mental health. Free college; pay off college loans. End unemployment with government as employer of last resort. Daycare for working parents. Universal preschool. Quality education K-12. End homelessness. Restore the deductibility of all consumer interest. End poverty; cash grants. Minimum-wage tied to inflation. Strong environmental controls. Promote renewable energy.

Results: Rapid increase in economic activity. Rising wages as employers compete for available workers. Less crime.

Kent Kirkwood

Mount Prospect