Analysis Of Brandon King's Essay 'Confronting Inequality'

If you were rich would you think it is fair to be taxed at a higher rate? In the essay, "Confronting Inequality", Krugman believes that income inequality is an enormous issue in America today. He refuses to accept that everyone has the same opportunity because he believes that in America, "class-inherited class- trumps talent" (566). Taxing the top one percent of America would be a giant step to reaching income equality according to Krugman. On the other side of the issue, Brandon King, author of "The American Dream: Dead, Alive or on Hold" has a slightly different opinion on the topic. He infers that the American dream is very much alive and that keeping it alive will help America achieve income equality. The dream is based on a person’s view

on life and their willpower to get to where they want to be. He also states that, "government funding for Wall Street and struggling businesses makes the economy healthier" (613) (USE THIS QUOTE HERE?). The rich stimulate our economy. When looking at the two different opinions on today's economy and equality in America, there are many matters to take into account. Many valid points can be made towards both ends of the spectrum, but the question is: which way is the best way to look at this? The American dream is still possible to achieve, giving everyone the same opportunity to earn the income they desire with hard work and dedication.

TOPIC SENTENCE: (Krugman claims, “equality of opportunity is a fantasy in America today” (566).)Income inequality is affecting the lower and middle class families and giving debt to the middle class.

The income gap in America makes the middle class no longer able to afford housing in respectable school districts. Not only is this inequality affecting our middle class families, but also our government policies. Since majority of our political leaders tend to be wealthy, they have much influence over certain government situations and rulings. (In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson stated, “If there are men in this country big enough to own the government of the United States they are going to do it” (567) (qtd. )). The problem is there are men that are “big enough” in America today and are capable of influencing the government. Krugman thinks these “rich” people could help America’s economy by paying extra taxes. For instance, the tax break on hedge fund managers is costing America about six billion dollars a year. If no corners were cut and these very wealthy people paid taxes at a higher rate, the revenue could be providing help for the lower and middle class families (?). The Democratic Party will not remove the hedge fund loopholes because they help fund the Democratic political campaigns. Krugman emphasizes, “the hedge fund loophole is a classic example of how the concentration of income in a few hands corrupts politics”

(568).
Page 573
An increased minimum wage could potentially help stimulate the economy and assist the journey to income equality.