In a column in the Washington Post, Robert J. Samuelson wrote: "As for what's caused greater inequality, we're also in the dark. The Reagan and Bush tax cuts are weak explanations, because gains have occurred in pretax incomes.... Up to a point, inequality is inevitable and desirable."
a. What are pretax incomes?
b. Do you agree with Samuelson's argument that income inequality may be inevitable and desirable? Briefly explain.