3 chapters across the catalog
The European Commission ordered the Netherlands and Luxembourg to recover up to 30 million euros each in back taxes from Starbucks and Fiat Chrysler, respectively. Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager ruled that the companies received illegal state aid through special tax arrangements. The hosts suggest these rulings represent an economic "retaliation" against U.S. corporate tax avoidance strategies like the "Dutch Reach-around."
Former Governor Gary Johnson delivers his acceptance speech for the Libertarian presidential nomination. He pledges to submit a balanced budget, veto deficit spending, and advocate for the "Fair Tax." Johnson also calls for ending the wars in Afghanistan and the war on drugs, positioning himself as the only candidate supporting both "gun rights and gay rights."
The conversation turns to the practical impacts of EU governance, such as a mandatory 3% tax increase on diesel to combat CO2 emissions starting July 1st. The hosts speculate that the lack of local control could eventually lead to a civil war if member states like Spain or Portugal resist the central authority. They note that non-member countries like Norway and Switzerland have avoided these complications by maintaining sovereignty.
