World's richest are waging war on the poor, says Columbia University professor
'Unfortunately we are not seriously governed right now'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The world's richest people are waging a war on poor people, a Columbia University economics professor has said.
Jeffrey Sachs urged Republican senators not to support tax cuts or proposed changes to health care, which he warned were examples of "populism by the super rich."
In an interview with Bloomberg Surveillance, Mr Sachs said: "Well this war of the rich on the poor is really astounding.
"On top of a huge budget deficit, unprecedented inequality in America, largest wealth soaring at the top, they want more, and more, and more."
Asked what he would advise Republican senators who were on the fence about tax cuts or changes to health care, Mr Sachs replied: "Patriots should oppose this, period."
He added: "Because our budget deficit is already huge and rising and this is pure populism. An unusual kind of populism. Populism by the super rich. But it's pure populism."
Going on to talk about the $1.5trn tax cut passed by the House of Representatives last week, he said: "We cannot afford tax cuts. The idea that somehow has gotten into our heads in recent weeks that 'oh, $1.5 trillion, that we can give away', is unbelievable in any serious country."
The economist continued: "Unfortunately we are not seriously governed right now. Governance is flakey in this country. How you start out with the idea we can make a gift of one and a half trillion to the super rich for the heck of it is really shocking.
"I've never seen anything like this in being part of and watching policy in this country for three and a half decades."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments