We Can’t Always Get What We Want: Why Governing Americans is So Hard [TaxVox]
Basically it’s because as a group, we’re children. We throw tantrums until we get what we want and stomp around the living room when we don’t.
“[O]ur demands on policymakers are so inconsistent and irrational that we make governing nearly impossible. We hate big deficits, but oppose the actual tax increases or spending cuts that we need to dam the flood of the red ink. We are furious that government passed an $800 billion stimulus last year, but feel lawmakers are not doing enough to get the economy going. We want government to “do something” about the gulf oil spill but reject government interference in private business.”
Women CFOs Holding Steady [CFO]
In the Fortune 500, there are 44 woman CFOs, the same number as last year.
“What are the prospects for women breaking the 10% barrier? At least some are hopeful the numbers will climb in coming years, albeit not dramatically. ‘Anecdotally, I am seeing a next generation of female finance leaders who can and want to rise to the CFO role,’ says Lorraine Hack, executive recruiter with Heidrick and Struggles. She adds, ‘I have seen a lot of companies becoming more cognizant of diversity, or the lack thereof, and making a conscious effort to recruit, retain, and grow such talent.’ ”
U.S. Business Groups Air Policy Concerns [WSJ]
“Washington’s major business groups plan a united front Wednesday in their confrontation with the Obama administration over economic policy, calling on the White House to cut taxes and curb its regulatory agenda.
Business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable and the National Federation of Independent Businesses will air a list of concerns about government policy at a “Jobs for America Summit” at the Chamber’s offices Wednesday.”
Wall Street Fix Seen Ineffectual by Four of Five in U.S. [Bloomberg]
“Almost four out of five Americans surveyed in a Bloomberg National Poll this month say they have just a little or no confidence that the measure being championed by congressional Democrats will prevent or significantly soften a future crisis. More than three-quarters say they don’t have much or any confidence the proposal will make their savings and financial assets more secure.
A plurality — 47 percent — says the bill will do more to protect the financial industry than consumers; 38 percent say consumers would benefit more.
‘Banks and the government are making out, not the ordinary person,’ says Lenore Critzer, a 70-year-old retiree and poll participant who lives in Nelson, Ohio, about 40 miles from Cleveland. ‘We’re going to have another crisis and worse.’ ”
A tax credit for summer camp? IRS says it’s true [Kansas City Star]
Unfortunately, expenses for overnight camps do not qualify. So parents will have to squeeze the sex in during the day somehow.