Thursday items: Sirico on the Vatican's economic statement; Woodhil and Moore on competing tax proposals; O'Grady and Epstein on inequality.

From The WSJ, Fr. Robert Sirico explains the Vatican’s recent linking of the current economic crisis to Bretton Woods’ breakdown.

At Forbes, Louis Woodhill compares the tax plans of Cain, Perry and Romney.

In The WSJ, Stephen Moore wonders if Gov. Romney will introduce his own tax reform plan.

On The WSJ, Mary Anastasia O’Grady rebuts wealth inequality arguments:



From Alhambra Partners, John L. Chapman highlights the work of Art Laffer and the new Laffer Center.

At RCM, John Tamny exposes GDP’s flaws.

In Forbes, Rich Danker reviews Lew Lehrman’s gold standard transition plan.

On NRO, Larry Kudlow analyzes the European debt deal.

The WSJ worries about the World Bank’s new “Doing Business” report:

In 2007, the U.S. ranked third in the "ease of starting a business" category. This year it ranks 13th. On the "paying taxes" front we've dropped to 72nd place from 63rd. The cost of starting a business, measured as a percentage of per capita income, has doubled to 1.4% from 0.7% in 2007. On "ease of registering property" the U.S. has dropped to 16th from tenth. In the "trading across borders" category, we've dropped nine spots to 20th. In 2007, the "cost to import," as measured in dollars per container, was $625. Today it's more than doubled to $1,315.

PBS features Richard Epstein discussing inequality, tax rates, and transfer payments (h/t: Randy Barnett):



From Bloomberg, Amity Shlaes argues a capital gains tax cut would spur jobs.

Steve Forbes suggests Occupy Wall Street focus its anger on the Fed.