Economics

Why American Workers Pay Twice as Much in Taxes as Wealthy Investors

What’s best for the country? What’s fair? And will either matter when Congress takes up tax reform this fall?
Illustration: Aaron Fernandez

Let’s say you and I are neighbors. You’re an emergency room doctor, and I don’t work, thanks to a pile of money my grandparents left me.

You spend your days and nights stitching up gunshot wounds and helping children survive asthma attacks. I’ve gotten really good at World of Warcraft, winning EBay auctions, and frying shishito peppers to just the right crispiness.