New Books Network John L. Campbell, "Pay Up!: Conservative Myths about Tax Cuts for the Rich" (Cambridge UP, 2025)
Sep 26, 2025
John L. Campbell, a retired sociology professor and author of *Pay Up!*, dives into pervasive conservative myths surrounding tax cuts for the wealthy. He argues that U.S. taxes are not excessively high compared to other nations, and tax cuts do not boost economic growth as often claimed. Campbell illustrates how higher taxes can fund vital public services and investments, drawing comparisons between the U.S. and Denmark. He also discusses the political rhetoric that sustains these myths, revealing the complexities of fairness in tax policy and its impact on collective freedom.
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Lunch That Sparked A Book
- John Campbell decided to write the book after a lunch conversation about conservative obsession with tax cuts.
- He sketched five myths on a pad by the fireplace and began writing the next day.
U.S. Taxes Aren't Unusually High
- U.S. taxes are low historically and among the lowest in advanced economies when measured by overall burden.
- Effective rates (after deductions) are about average, so the claim 'taxes are too high' is misleading.
No Simple Link Between Taxes And Growth
- Cross-national data show no clear statistical link between tax levels and GDP per capita or growth.
- High-tax countries like Denmark can match U.S. performance by investing tax revenue in productive areas.
