Suppose we decided that we wanted to discourage the consumption of alcohol so that we taxed all alcohol products manufactured in the United States. Then, realizing that people will simply switch to buying untaxed alcohol produced overseas, we start taxing alcohol that is imported from countries that don't put their own tax on the manufacture of alcohol products. Are we putting sanctions on countries that don't tax their own production of alcohol?
According to the NYT we are. The NYT told readers that a House bill to restrict greenhouse gas emissions "would impose sanctions on countries that did not accept binding emissions cuts." That is a very peculiar way to describe the nature of the carbon import taxes in this bill.
I’m writing to you today with a sense of urgency that I haven’t felt since I began my journalism career. As executive editor of The American Prospect, I’ve witnessed firsthand how independent journalism serves as a crucial bulwark against the erosion of our democratic institutions. Today, that role is more vital than ever. Can you step up today and show your support?
The winds of authoritarianism are blowing stronger. We’re seeing alarming signs of a coordinated effort to silence critical voices and undermine the very foundations that support progressive causes. As Bob Kuttner presciently wrote in our August 2024 issue, a weaponized IRS could attack the very foundations of the progressive movement. We need readers to step up and help us dig in for the long haul.
We’re falling behind in our spring fundraising campaign, and with so much at stake we can’t afford to come up short. If you value fearless, independent journalism that holds the powerful accountable and defends democracy, now is the time to step up. The American Prospect depends on reader support to stay in the fight. Pitch in today and help us close the gap. Please consider making a donation today.
–David Dayen, Executive Editor
Copyright 2025 | The American Prospect, Inc. | All Rights Reserved