Editors' Picks — August 4, 2013
Up this week, history’s most cost-efficient food, the after-effects of the Australian mining boom, US corporate tax rates, the middle class in North America, and increasing tax rates on cigarettes. Read on for your latest fix of eco news.
The Greatest Food in Human History – Kyle Smith
What is the cheapest, most nutritious, and bountiful food that has ever existed in human history? The food item that has taken out the crown on a cost-per-calorie basis may surprise you. It’s an interesting exploration into the effects of labour costs and how it could impact the different classes within society.
How we learnt to stop worrying and love the boom – Jim Minifie
On the back of the biggest mining boom in Australian history since the 1850s gold rush, the question remains whether or not the windfall has left an overall positive effect on the Australian economy. Productivity Growth Program Director at Grattan Institute, Jim Minifie, examines whether the boom has favoured mining states, the impacts of the high dollar, and whether the Commonwealth Government appropriately handled the situation.
Obama offers ‘grand bargain’ on corporate tax rate, infrastructure – Reuters
After many months of heatedly divisive political debate over how best to reduce the American budget deficit, Obama this week sought to break the impasse with a new and comprehensive proposal for the US economy. Seeking to balance Republican demands for lower corporate tax rates with Democratic interests in economic investment and jobs creation, only time will tell whether the two parties can eventually find common ground.
Why Americans All Believe They Are ‘Middle Class’ – Anat Shenker
While there is statistical consensus that the middle class makes up less than a third of the American population, recent studies into individuals’ perceptions of their own social standing would suggest that half the nation fits within this demographic. Read on, as The Atlantic poses the obvious question, exactly what is it that makes this socio-economic label so seemingly attractive?
Tobacco Money: Can Cause Loss Of Political Will – Mike Seccombe
A proposed increase in the tax on cigarettes has put Abbot in an undeniably uncomfortable position. Labor’s latest ad campaigns focus around the relatively high level of donations that have been accepted by the Liberals from Big Tobacco companies. However are the numbers proposed entirely accurate and fair? Furthermore, who are the Crosby Textor Group and what influence have they had on the political arena?