Why is it shameful? It's not a "wacky correlation" - it's arguing that there is causation. It's basically saying "we have data proving the Laffer curve exists." That's not wacky. That's giving credence to a theory.
Low, flat-taxes are helpful but not politically tenable in the United States.
1. They are doing it with logic.
2. Do you consider the New York Times, or Washington Post, or any other major daily to be the newspaper of the poor? Give me a break.
It's incredible to see your post get so much karma given that your argument is so wrong.
You really should learn some statistics yourself - total revenue for the government happens to be a function of tax rates. Using examples such as "software piracy" just destroys your credibility.
Journalists in general are terrible with statistics as is the general public because the concepts of statistical significance and correlation versus causation are lost upon them.
In this case however, the article isn't making a statistical fallacy. Given the tremendous portion of government revenues collected from those in the Top 1% of income, it makes sense to analyze whether there is any sensitivity between the highest marginal rate and total revenue.
Furthermore, it makes sense to ask whether things like marginal tax rates and capital gains tax rates have an impact on GDP growth which in turn effects revenue growth for the government.
Low, flat-taxes are helpful but not politically tenable in the United States.