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Michael Hiltzik: Why would the public miss Ed Kleinbard
Some things set Ed Kleinbard apart from an army of taxation experts who spent hours studying the details of tax laws.
For one thing, he is smarter than others. But more importantly, after developing his knowledge store at an elite corporate law firm and then as the highest congressional adviser, he chose to disseminate it for the public benefit – as a law professor at USC, as a widely read commentator on taxes. policy and as an irreplaceable book writer on how to make the function of fiscal policy to improve American life.
We are flooded today by economic noise and haze that are designed to produce superficial rationality because what is basically just a jerk-like instinct.
Edward D. Kleinbard, 2015
Kleinbard died Monday at the age of 68, after a long battle with cancer. He has been my guide through taxation stacks since I first profiled it in 2014 and has been a source of dozens of columns since then. He was always friendly, clear, and funny when I bothered him because of his insight, even during his fight with illness to the end. His death will be greatly felt by his family, colleagues, my readers and a world that is much poorer because of that loss.
Let’s learn the reason.
We can start with the career trajectory. After graduating from Yale Law School in 1976, he moved to law firm, rising to a partnership at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. In 2007, he jumped into the public sector as chief of staff on the Joint Congressional Committee on Taxation, then joined the USC Gould Law School in 2009.
“Only people who practice law at a very high level know exactly how companies do things like move income to minimize taxes and other tax games played by big corporations,” said Kleinbard’s friend, biking friend, and USC Law colleague, Gregory Keating. “And most people who have that kind of knowledge work with companies. Ed has that expertise and is committed to providing solutions as academics and policy makers who are public minded and open minded. “
Coupled with that is the interesting personality that his colleagues remember as “funny, loyal, passionate, and acerbic,” as Daniel N. Shaviro of NYU Law School put it in valedictory speech on the TaxProf blog.
Kleinbard has a way to clarify difficult concepts so that they can be better understood by policy makers. One that he wants to remember is the term “stateless income,” which he coined to define the foreign income of companies that are held by multinational companies in countries with low taxes.
Kleinbard estimates this amount to be $ 3 trillion by 2018, allowing “many well-known multinational companies (to) enjoy a single-digit effective tax rate on their foreign income.”
His formulation might have encouraged the Republican Congress to include provisions in the 2017 tax cut law aimed at encouraging companies to bring this money back home, even though it might not be as effective as he wants.
In any case, he refused to join the praise choir which was later sought after by companies like Apple for repatriating billions of their foreigners. When Apple boasted paying a “record” of $ 38 billion in taxes to bring home $ 252 billion in exiled foreign profits, he observed:
“Apple paid a record tax because for the past two decades, Apple has become a world champion in global tax avoidance. They … pay taxes that basically have no place to talk about that income. “
Kleinbard’s worldview can be obtained from the title of his 2015 book: “We Are Better Than This: How The Government Should Spend Our Money.”
This book is designed as a balance of learning about the sacredness and hypocrisy that infects fiscal policy making.
“My values are old-fashioned progressive values,” he said in the introduction to the book. These values stem from his awareness that much of what he has achieved in life – and what other special people have achieved – is a product not only of genuine talent but also of luck.
Those who “look at the scorn of people who have not yet achieved comparable success,” he wrote, see fiscal policy through the prism of “narcissism thinly veiled, or embracing the cartoon version of Calvinist predestination. Both are unpleasant and not American.”
That brings it to an important point that Kleinbard might make during our first meeting, namely that the conversation about government fiscal policy always understands the problem from the wrong end by focusing on taxation rather than spending.
“We asked how much pain we wanted to cause to ourselves, and the answer was always ‘not too much,'” he told me. “Question Should what can we do together through investment and insurance to improve our lives – and how much can we pay? “
A tax-centered perspective, he wrote, was a trick to reduce the size of government in the interests of the rich. “We have arbitrarily set projections of tax revenues to levels that are too low, and are now debating which expenditure program should be cut to fit the income constraints we have imposed on ourselves.”
Among the programs that undervalued a tax-centered perspective, he observed, were public education, social insurance and infrastructure development. All of them produce immediate and long-term benefits, especially in contrast to tax-cutting policies that place more money in the pockets of the rich but erode the ability of the federal government to provide for its citizens.
“Which is better for the wealth and happiness of our nation,” he asked in his book: “A small number of very wealthy Americans are using the lower classes as dog makers and pruners, or a greater commitment to publicly financed infrastructure that results in both improved stronger direct and middle class productivity, through the work created by the projects? “
Kleinbard likes to poke the arguments of academic theorists who bring water to the rich. “We are flooded today by economic noise and haze that are designed to produce superficial rationality because what is basically just an instinct like a jerk” for the preservation of rich people’s resources, as he wrote in the introduction to his book.
He found their work morally blunt and economically bad. Among his targets was Milton Friedman, a god among conservatives for his statement that “capitalism and freedom of association,” as Kleinbard said, adding, “This world view leaves little for governments to articulate shared values beyond what is needed for masters home of the laissez-faire economic tournament. “
Kleinbard withered about Milton Friedman who was so “confused by the existence of a national park” that he could write: “If the public wants this kind of activity to pay for it, private companies will have every incentive to provide such a park.” Because Friedman himself does not feel the excitement in depth from public parks or their contribution to shared national pride, he concluded that no such values could exist.
For this and other similar crab visions from a market-dominated world, Kleinbard rightly calls Friedman a “politically and socially stupid person.”
It would be very interesting to have Kleinbard’s view of conservatives who just couldn’t be contacted for the purpose of eliminating or cutting unemployment benefits provided for victims of business closures related to the corona virus. The argument is that the added benefit makes people not want to go out and get a job.
It may be that Kleinbard’s disease prevented him from discussing this argument directly, but fortunately we have his comments about the same argument in general: He thinks it is nonsense.
Kleinbard’s discussion of the argument in his book uses conservative economist Casey Mulligan of the University of Chicago as a whip. Mulligan argues, basically, that programs such as unemployment insurance and food stamps should be cut to the end because they encourage laziness at the expense of responsible taxpayers.
As Kleinbard digested Mulligan’s message, “Hardworking Americans who work well now find their income ‘redistributed’ to others who choose not working, because the federal government has made laziness so comfortable that they have no reason to find work. “Mulligan’s recipe is to cut programs to give ordinary people an incentive to get out of their clothes.
This is a variation on the “poor unworthy” image that conservatives love. As Kleinbard explained, it is full of flaws. The truth that long-term income earned from work far exceeds the short-term income from unemployment benefits, which most Americans are not burdened with the work of concocting the theory from behind the desk at a large university is well understood.
Ed Kleinbard left us with a standard of public spirit that all those who have learned to make policies and laws from within should aspire to do so. His contribution to my understanding of public policy will not just stop, because his book stays close to my bookshelf. But he will be missed.
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Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those looking to add length, strength, and style to their natural nails. Whether you’re new to the world of acrylics or a seasoned nail enthusiast, there are always questions that arise about the application, maintenance, and overall care of these enhancements. This guide will answer all your acrylic nail questions to ensure your next manicure is a complete success.
What Are Acrylic Nails?
Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. When combined, they form a hard protective layer that can be molded into various shapes and lengths. Once hardened, they provide a durable and long-lasting canvas for nail polish, art, or simply a natural look. For more in-depth information, check out Acrylic Nail FAQs to get all the details you need before your next salon visit.
How Are Acrylic Nails Applied?
The application process of acrylic nails begins with the preparation of your natural nails. The nail technician will clean your nails, file them down, and apply a bonding agent to help the acrylic adhere. The acrylic mixture is then applied in thin layers, sculpted to the desired shape, and allowed to dry. Once set, the nails are filed, shaped, and buffed to a smooth finish.
Acrylic nails can be customized in terms of length and shape, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their look.
How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?
Typically, acrylic nails can last anywhere from two to three weeks before requiring a fill. During a fill, the nail technician will replace any grown-out acrylic and maintain the structure of the nails. With proper care, acrylic nails can be worn for extended periods, but it’s essential to give your natural nails a break occasionally to maintain nail health.
How Do You Care for Acrylic Nails?
Caring for acrylic nails is crucial to ensuring they last as long as possible and that your natural nails remain healthy underneath. Here are some essential tips:
- Avoid excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken acrylic nails, making them prone to lifting or damage. When washing dishes or cleaning, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails.
- Moisturize cuticles regularly: The acrylic application process can sometimes dry out your cuticles. Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and prevent hangnails.
- Be gentle with your nails: Acrylics can be strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or scrape things, as this can lead to breakage.
- Schedule regular fills: As your natural nails grow, gaps will appear between the acrylic and your cuticles. Regular fills ensure your nails maintain a smooth, polished look and help prevent lifting.
How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails Safely?
Proper removal is crucial to avoid damaging your natural nails. It’s highly recommended to have acrylics removed by a professional at the salon. However, if you prefer to remove them at home, follow these steps:
- Soak in acetone: Start by soaking a cotton ball in acetone, then place it on each nail. Wrap your fingers in aluminum foil and allow the acetone to work for about 20 minutes.
- Gently scrape off the acrylic: After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. Be patient and avoid forcing the acrylic off, as this can damage your natural nails.
- Buff and moisturize: Once the acrylic is completely removed, buff your natural nails to smooth out any rough spots and apply cuticle oil to restore moisture.
Are Acrylic Nails Safe for Your Natural Nails?
When applied and removed properly, acrylic nails should not cause significant damage to your natural nails. However, improper removal or overuse without giving your nails time to breathe can lead to thinning, weakening, or breakage of your natural nails.
If you plan on wearing acrylic nails long-term, it’s a good idea to take breaks between applications and ensure you’re nourishing your nails with oils and treatments.
What Are the Best Acrylic Nail Shapes?
Choosing the right nail shape is essential for creating a look that complements your hands. Some of the most popular acrylic nail shapes include:
– Square: A straight-edged, classic look perfect for shorter nails.
– Oval: A soft, rounded shape that elongates the fingers.
– Coffin: Also known as ballerina shape, this trendy look features a tapered edge with a flat tip.
– Stiletto: A dramatic, pointy shape ideal for those who want a bold statement.
Each shape offers a unique aesthetic and can be tailored to suit your personal style.
Are There Any Alternatives to Acrylic Nails?
If you’re looking for a different type of nail enhancement, consider these alternatives:
– Gel nails: Gel nails offer a glossy finish and are cured under UV or LED light. They’re less rigid than acrylics and can feel more natural.
– Dip powder: This method involves dipping the nails into a colored powder and sealing them with a clear coat. It provides a similar look to acrylics but is generally less damaging to the natural nails.
Conclusion
Acrylic nails are a versatile and durable option for achieving customized, beautiful nails. By understanding the application process, knowing how to care for them, and safely removing them, you can enjoy long-lasting manicures that enhance your style. With the ability to choose from a variety of shapes and designs, acrylic nails offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Remember to take care of your natural nails in between applications to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, acrylic nails can be a fantastic way to express your personality and keep your nails looking flawless for weeks.
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When sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine, their objectives were twofold: to reduce Russian military capacity by limiting modern weapons and to lower Russian revenue streams. While in the beginning, the sanctions indeed weakened the Russian economy, they have fallen short of their initial objectives – mostly because Russia has found ways to circumvent many of them. The Kremlin has exploited international corruption, relied on foreign third parties, and utilized loopholes in trade restrictions. One such individual who allegedly provides services to Russian-linked companies is Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, a Geneva-based Dutch citizen.
Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is married to Niels Troost, an oil trader sanctioned by the United Kingdom. He and his company, Paramount Energy & Commodities SA, are among the 50 individuals and organizations blacklisted in response to the business connections with Russia. His wife, Jacqueline, helps to facilitate financial transactions for Niles Troost and Russian oligarchs including Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire oil trader and Putin`s close associate.
Gennady Timchenko and his family have been sanctioned in many countries for backing the Kremlin’s war machine. However, with the help of Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, he seems to find ways to evade sanctions and continue his financial operations. In these illegal schemes, individuals like Jacqueline often serve as a front person for sanctioned oligarchs and their business assets. Russian-linked companies set up subsidiaries around the world, often registering new entities in offshore havens or countries where regulations are relatively lax or non-existent. To obfuscate the arrangements, the daughter companies spawn offspring in the form of subsidiaries, as the chain of concealment stretches on and on. The result is like a giant Matryoshka doll.
Jacqueline’s involvement in financial transactions that potentially support Timchenko’s interests raises significant concerns about the efficacy of Western sanctions. The fact that Jacqueline Troost Omvlee continues to operate without facing sanctions herself highlights a significant loophole in the enforcement mechanism. Various shady schemes and tactics designed to circumvent sanctions often hide the activity of individuals such as Jacqueline, making it difficult for authorities to detect and punish them for their involvement.
Jacqueline Troost Omvlee’s role in her husband’s financial dealings as well as her alleged ties to Russian business schemes, emphasizes the need for stronger international sanctions. Her actions not only aid in sanctions evasion but also diminish the overall effectiveness of the measures designed to isolate and pressure those supporting the Russian regime. Therefore, sanctioning Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is not only a matter of addressing her individual actions but also a necessary step to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. By targeting individuals who play a key role in evading sanctions, authorities can send a strong message that efforts to undermine international sanctions will not go unpunished. This measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sanctions system and ensuring that it achieves its intended goal of isolating and restraining those who support destabilizing activities.
European countries and the US need to expand their sanctions-tracking and investigative actions to improve the monitoring of sanctions compliance and to introduce new measures against systematic violators of law. The sanctioning states have the resources and capacity for this, and need to take action now.
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Ensuring a long and healthy life for your Hermann’s Tortoise requires a combination of proper care, nutrition, and habitat management. Hermann’s Tortoises, known for their charming personalities and distinctive shells, can live for several decades with the right conditions. Understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how you can support your Hermann’s Tortoise in living a long, happy life.
Creating an Optimal Habitat
One of the most critical factors in promoting the longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise is the creation of a suitable habitat. Providing an environment that mimics their natural surroundings is essential for their overall health. An appropriate habitat helps prevent stress and supports their well-being. For detailed guidance on setting up an ideal habitat, including specific requirements for outdoor enclosures, visit this comprehensive guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise.
- Outdoor Enclosure: Hermann’s Tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures that provide ample space to roam, bask, and forage. An outdoor setup should include a secure, predator-proof area with access to natural sunlight. Incorporate areas for basking and shade to allow the tortoise to regulate its body temperature. Additionally, include plants, rocks, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
- Indoor Habitat: If an outdoor enclosure is not feasible, an indoor habitat can also support a long lifespan if set up correctly. Use a large, well-ventilated enclosure with appropriate heating and UVB lighting. Provide a substrate that allows for burrowing and offer various hiding spots and enrichment items.
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.
- Leafy Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Supplement their diet with other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
- Calcium and Supplements: Provide a calcium supplement to support shell and bone health. A cuttlebone or powdered calcium can be added to their food. Ensure that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Regular Health Checks
Routine health checks are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular veterinary visits help ensure your tortoise remains in optimal condition and addresses any health concerns promptly.
- Observation: Monitor your tortoise’s behavior and physical condition regularly. Changes in appetite, weight, or activity level can indicate health problems.
- Preventative Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular exams help catch any issues early and keep vaccinations and other preventative treatments up to date.
Environmental Enrichment
Providing environmental enrichment helps keep your Hermann’s Tortoise mentally stimulated and active. Enrichment can reduce stress and prevent boredom, contributing to a better quality of life.
- Foraging Opportunities: Hide food items around the enclosure to encourage natural foraging behavior. This not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural hunting practices.
- Variety: Change the layout of their enclosure periodically and introduce new objects or plants to keep their environment interesting and engaging.
Conclusion
By focusing on creating the right habitat, providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular health checks, and offering environmental enrichment, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and well-being of your Hermann’s Tortoise. For further details on creating an ideal habitat, including tips for designing an outdoor enclosure, refer to this helpful guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise. Implementing these practices will help ensure that your tortoise enjoys a long, healthy life.
Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.
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