© 2024 KALW 91.7 FM Bay Area
KALW Public Media / 91.7 FM Bay Area
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Your Call

Patriotic Millionaires support taxing the rich, a living wage, and political equality

Charlie Simmons, Patriotic Millionaire

  

On this edition of Your Call, we speak with a member of the Patriotic Millionaires about their battle against the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the few.

In 2010, a group of high-net-worth individuals got together to demand and end to the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. They call themselves the Patriotic Millionaires, and are proud of being considered “traitors to their class” for wanting higher taxes on the rich. One analysis says the overall level of wage inequality now is similar to what we saw prior to the Great Depression. How are these wealthy individuals using their influence to promote political equality, a livable wage, and fair taxes?

Guests:

 

Charlie Simmons, retired Silicon Valley executive and member of the advocacy group Patriotic Millionaires

 

Dean Baker, senior economist with the Center for Economic and Policy Research

Web Resources:

Patriotic Millionaires:Why I Am A Patriotic Millionaire: Charlie Simmons

San Jose Mercury News: Opinion: Does the gig economy mean it’s time for Medicare-For-All?

USA Today: Don't cut taxes for rich people like me: Walt Disney grandniece Abigail

 

Rose Aguilar has been the host of Your Call since 2006. She became a regular media roundtable guest in 2001. In 2019, the San Francisco Press Club named Your Call the best public affairs program. In 2017, The Nation named it the most valuable local radio show.