Populism 101: Crackdown on Tax Cheats

In my earlier article for the American Prospect, I discussed how red-state progressives were using economic populism. And out here in Montana, Gov. Schweitzer is giving national Democrats a fine display about exactly how to do that. Today, the Associated Press reports that he unveiled a plan "to crack down on cheating taxpayers that he said could mean an additional $20 million in tax collections for the state over two years."

"The long-term consequences of abusive tax shelters could be severely detrimental to Montana's economy," Schweitzer said, invoking populist themes. "Montana's hardworking and law-abiding citizens do not deserve to be ripped off by high net worth individuals and multistate corporations who aren't playing by the rules."

This is a perfect example of how progressives don't have to avoid tax issues - they can take the lead on them in a way that appeals to most hard-working citizens. All it takes is a little courage.