Topic: Millionaires

Washington State legislators are moving toward passing a "millionaires tax" of 9.9% on earnings over a million dollars, despite a state constitutional ban on income tax. Opponents, including Representative Jim Walsh, argue the threshold will eventually be lowered to apply to all citizens. Mimi Smith-Dvorak notes that the Washington Association of Cities is a primary lobbyist for the tax and expresses concern over the integrity of the state's mail-in voting system.

Michael Bloomberg challenged Bernie Sanders during the debate regarding his status as a millionaire with three houses. Sanders defended his property ownership, citing his work in Washington and a summer camp in Vermont. Bloomberg countered by emphasizing that he pays his taxes in New York City rather than utilizing offshore tax havens.

A critique of modern game show pacing focuses on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," specifically the tendency for contestants to over-analyze simple questions. The discussion highlights frustration with television networks that interrupt programs for breaking news without pausing the broadcast, causing viewers to miss key moments or answers.

Beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, owner of City Lights Bookstore, criticized the rapid gentrification of San Francisco driven by the tech boom. On his 96th birthday, Ferlinghetti described the new "dot-com millionaires" as having "bags full of cash and no manners." The hosts discuss the backlash against Ferlinghetti's comments, where tech supporters labeled him a "crank" and a "fogie."

Curry provides a brief political update on the rhetoric surrounding tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. He notes the Democratic claim that Republicans intend to lower taxes for the wealthy while raising them for the middle class.

A segment from the TV show "Castle" depicted the use of Homeland Security data to track every GPS-enabled phone in a plaza, reflecting real-world surveillance capabilities. This is contrasted with a critique of "The Millionaire Matchmaker" on Bravo, which is described as promoting a cynical and transactional view of relationships.

Senator Mary Landrieu clarified the distinction between "millionaires" (those with $1 million in assets) and those with an annual income over $1 million during a hearing. She argued that the proposed tax increases target high-income families rather than those who have simply accumulated assets through hard work. The hosts comment on Landrieu's appearance and her debate with Senator Marco Rubio.

The House Committee on Health and Human Services passed a healthcare bill featuring a 5.4% surtax on individuals earning over one million dollars annually. The tax plan utilizes a sliding scale starting at $500,000, drawing criticism regarding its impact on entrepreneurs and the definition of wealth in the modern economy.

The multiple Oscar wins for Slumdog Millionaire are characterized as a political move driven by Indian investment in the American film industry. Steven Spielberg reportedly secured $1.2 billion from Indian sources as traditional Hollywood funding from hedge funds dried up. The film's critical acclaim is questioned, suggesting the accolades were a strategic nod to the "Bollywood" money entering the system.

The hosts discuss a supposedly leaked list of winners for the 81st Academy Awards. Predictions include Mickey Rourke for Best Actor, Heath Ledger for Supporting Actor, and Slumdog Millionaire for Best Picture. They use the Documentary category winner, "Man on Wire," as a litmus test for the list's accuracy.