A data-driven conversation about the American Dream.

Inequality is at a boil. The basic government services that provide for economic freedom are under assault. We are in a fight for the American Dream. The Level Field brings data, analysis, and global perspective to that fight.

Don Leonard, PhD is Assistant Professor of Practice in City and Regional Planning at The Ohio State University.

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The Bargain

A Coda For The American Worker

When it comes to dividing up the pie, every year Americans are left fighting over fewer and fewer crumbs. This was not an inevitable consequence of globalization. It was a political choice.

“Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You.”

The first real shots of the US-China trade war have just been fired. How did it come to this, and where do we go from here?

Some think he called for unfettered capitalism. They're wrong. Here are 3 lessons from the founder of free markets on how to save capitalism from itself.

FEATURED SERIES

The Bargain

Why don’t we get more
for our tax dollar?

Government taxes society, and we expect something in return.
That ‘something’ is The Bargain.

Part 1: The Ketchup Problem

We can’t pick governments like we pick groceries. Even if we could, there are no labels to help us compare. Let’s make one.
Read more

Part 2: Here Are The Receipts, Cardi

Last spring, Cardi B asked some pointed questions about what Uncle Sam is doing with all her tax money. I rounded up the receipts.
Read more

Part 3: A Sick Deal

Who has the best health care system in the world? And why isn't it us?
Read more

Part 4: Why National Wealth Doesn’t Buy National Health

Pitting America's medical system against ten of the best can help us solve our spending puzzle. Here are 5 key pieces.
Read more

Part 5: Inequality is Fiscally Irresponsible

What if poverty is the root cause of our national debt crisis? As it turns out, governing a society is much more expensive when it is gripped by inequality.
Read more

A Coda For The American Worker

When it comes to dividing up the pie, every year Americans are left fighting over fewer and fewer crumbs. This was not an inevitable consequence of globalization. It was a political choice.
Read more

Load More

DASHBOARD

The data that drives the analysis.

Filter Categories
All
Debt
Government Spending
Inequality
Taxes
Health Care
Trade

How is national income divided up in the US vs. Western Europe?

US manufacturing jobs (millions), 1939-2019

Chinese import tariffs and manufacturing exports

China's rise as industrial power

Chinese exports to the US under special tariff protection

Among wealthy countries, US diabetes and poverty rates are both highest. Coincidence?

A data-driven conversation about the American Dream.

A Coda For The American Worker

BRIEFS

“Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You.”

Paging Adam Smith

FEATURED SERIES

The Bargain

Part 1: The Ketchup Problem

Part 2: Here Are The Receipts, Cardi

Part 3: A Sick Deal

Part 4: Why National Wealth Doesn’t Buy National Health

Part 5: Inequality is Fiscally Irresponsible

A Coda For The American Worker

DASHBOARD