Presenting America’s Ten Greediest of 2011

One puts on football pageants. Another makes mega millions on a virtual farm. They all remind us how much needs to change, economically and politically, in 2012 and beyond.

America’s Tilt to the Top: The Deepest Stats Yet

All sorts of federal agencies publish income inequality data. But only the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office directly takes on America’s income inequality deniers.

The New Forbes 400 — and Their $1.5 Trillion

America’s 400 richest now hold a fortune almost as large as their 2007 pre-Great Recession record. By Sam Pizzigati How swell a year have America’s 400 richest enjoyed over the past 12 months? This good: Google billionaires Sergey Brin and Larry Page each saw their personal fortunes jump by $1.7 billion over the year — [...]

For Top 400 U.S. Taxpayers, a Near-Record Year

America’s super rich, new IRS income data show, partied on right through the depth of the Great Recession. And they shared precious little of their good fortune with Uncle Sam.

Inequality’s Impact: A New Debate Opens

If the wealth of the wealthy really bothered Americans, flacks for grand fortune enjoy declaring, our political system would be shaking something fierce. They don’t see a whole lot of shaking. Should we? Read more . . .

America’s Greediest: The 2010 Top Ten

They came, they saw, they took it all. Welcome to the world where thieves have no honor and those most honored — with lavish rewards — hone their talents hammering the rest of us.

A USA Cheer for the 21st Century: ‘We’re Number 12!’

How much does inequality cost us? The United States holds far more wealth than any other nation in the world. Yet average people in 11 other countries, says landmark new UN research, are enjoying a higher standard of living than Americans.

The Difference More Global Equality Could Make

Despite our current global economic hard times, says a new study from banking giant Credit Suisse, the world has more than enough wealth to ensure every adult on it a significant personal net-worth nest egg.

How Billionaires Could Race to Our Rescue

A modest tax on all U.S. personal fortunes over $1 billion could raise more than enough revenue from the Forbes 400 alone to erase the combined budget shortfalls of every state in the nation.

One Decade Down, One Decade Wasted

The 21st century has opened with ten years that have seen the vast majority of Americans go backward economically. Just-released Census stats tell that tale — but not the whole income story. Read more . . .