A Tale of Two Tax Codes

From Robert Reich on tax day:

"A study released yesterday by Oxfam shows the astonishing political power of big corporations. For every $1 the nation’s 50 largest corporations have paid in federal taxes since 2008, they’ve received back $27 in corporate welfare – bailouts, federal loans, loan guarantees, and subsidies. How is this possible? Because of their campaign contributions and lobbying clout. For every $1 they’ve paid in lobbying, they’ve received $130 in special tax breaks, and more than $4,000 in federal bailouts, loans, loan guarantees, and subsidies. All this corporate welfare means less money for education, infrastructure, and the poor. Meanwhile, corporations are contributing less and less: Back in the 1950s, corporate taxes accounted for almost a third of all federal revenues. Now they account for only 11 percent. You and I make up for the shortfall. Happy tax day."