News on Global Warming, Election '08 and Taxes

Here are a few interesting clips I've come across today:

Utah has implemented a flat income tax of 5%. Interestingly, despite cutting taxes for most people, the new tax is actually more progressive based on the elimination of some deductions. More states should experiment with major changes to the tax code. Let's see what works best.

The US dropped its carbon dioxide emissions 1.8% in 2006. Didn't hear about that one on the news? Total greenhouse gas emissions dropped 1.5%. The economy grew 2.9%. So, to be clear, the economy grew while naturally occurring innovation and lifestyle changes brought about through the free market achieved something that Europe has not been successful at doing over the past few years despite their mandatory rules to cut carbon. Isn't that the darnedest thing?

Anti-immigration madman - and erstwhile presidential contender - Tom Tancredo is said to be dropping out of the race. Good riddance.