Citing her proposed 70% marginal tax rate as radical and socialist, conservatives largely believe that Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s proposal is too drastic for the American economy.  However, America’s history is littered with examples of high marginal tax rates, with rates even reaching 94% for families making more than $200,000 during World War II. In fact, tax rates did not lower drastically until the Reagan administration, which saw a noticeable drop from 70% in 1980 to 50% in 1982. The hands-off approach to the economy thrived during Reagan’s presidency, as did the national debt. Reagan’s laissez-faire economic style has remained a defining attribute of the American economic system.  Supporters typically cite a correlation between lower tax rates and economic growth to argue against tax rate increases, although this correlation has since been proven statistically insignificant. Knowing that the tax rate is not related to economic growth, lawmakers arguing that Ocasio-Cortez’s 70% tax rate would devastate the economy are clearly mistaken, as the Green New Deal would likely improve the American economy by increasing the abundance of employment opportunities and decreasing the $240 billion spent annually on adapting to the consequences of climate change, from natural disasters to diseases caused by air pollution.

Beyond the economics, a glance at the current state of American environmentalism leaves much to be desired in terms of legislation and social progress, with only 58% of Americans believing that climate change is real and mostly caused by human activities. Despite what a minority may claim, climate change is real and has caused an abundance of economic and social issues, costing Americans billions of dollars annually. A serious response is needed, and little has been done, so I have to believe in Ocasio-Cortez’s Green New Deal because no one else is putting forth legislation to deal with this serious problem.