EDITORIAL: Why the Democratic Socialists of America’s ‘Tax the Rich’ won’t work

Las Vegas Review-Journal August 22, 2026 - 9:00 pm British historian Paul Johnson once noted that those in Mahatma Gandhi’s entourage used to quip that “it costs a lot of money to keep Gandhi in poverty.” It will likewise cost a lot of money to keep all of the young democratic socialists rolling in “free stuff.” With that in mind, Adam N. Michel of the Cato Institute has provided a useful service by examining a list of the proposals advocated by the socialists who have recently become the voice of the Democratic Party. This includes providing health care, housing, college, energy, family leave and child care at no cost for most Americans. In addition, Mr. Michel explains, the socialists want jobs guaranteed by the government, fossil fuels eliminated and reparations paid to Black Americans.