Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/rural-white-rage-and-failed-peace/
In the realm of economics, a paper published last year by Gerald Auten and David Splinter has sparked a debate over the rise in income inequality in the United States. The authors argue that the perceived increase in inequality since the 1960s is largely a statistical illusion, a claim that challenges the widely accepted narrative. The disagreement hinges on the treatment of unreported income and the definition of “income” itself. While both camps base their estimates on IRS audits, newer research suggests that the top one percent’s unreported income may be higher than previously estimated. The debate underscores the limitations of economic analysis and the importance of considering lived experiences when studying inequality.
In international news, a confidential document outlining a failed Ukraine-Russia peace deal from April 2022 has been obtained by The Wall Street Journal. The draft treaty proposed Ukraine becoming a permanently neutral state, with limitations on military alliances, foreign weapons, and military size. The future of eastern Ukraine was left for further discussion between Putin and Zelensky. The negotiations ceased in June, with reports suggesting the UK discouraged the deal. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction.
Meanwhile, Germany is investigating an alleged eavesdropping incident after Moscow claimed a recording of German officers discussing weapons for Ukraine and a potential strike on a bridge in Crimea. The authenticity of the recording, which was posted on a Russian state TV journalist’s Telegram channel, has not been independently confirmed. The potential leak is being treated as “very serious” by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
In the United States, the upcoming November election has sparked a wave of media attention and commentary. A recent MSNBC segment featuring University of Maryland political science professor Thomas Schaller and op-ed writer Paul Waldman has drawn criticism for its portrayal of rural white voters. The authors, promoting their new book “White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy”, labeled this demographic as “racist” and “anti-democracy”. The segment has been criticized for its overt stereotyping and generalization of an entire demographic.
Sources
Mainstream Media Faces Backlash for Racist Comments Toward Rural Voters
“They are the most racist, xenophobic, anti-immigrant, anti-gay, geodemographic group in the country,” Schaller said.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Germany Investigates Alleged Eavesdropping on Call Discussing Ukraine Weapons Deal and Crimea Strike
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking on a visit to Rome, called the potential leak “very serious” and said it was “now being clarified very carefully, very intensively and very quickly”.
Source | Submitted by Sebastian N.
WSJ Reveals Details of Failed Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal from April 2022
The draft treaty states that Ukraine, while being allowed to pursue European Union membership, wouldn’t be allowed to join military alliances such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization," according to the report. “No foreign weapons would be allowed on Ukrainian soil.”
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Debate Rages Over Accuracy of Income Inequality Data
But the deeper I dug into the debate, the more I felt that both teams were underestimating the extent of inequality in America.
Source | Submitted by Barbara
