by Ted Halstead

New America Foundation

08/15/04

Each era in American history is defined by a couple of big ideas: the Homestead Act, the GI Bill, Social Security, the Marshall Plan or the race to space. Such major social or economic innovations are usually advanced by our political leaders in response to national turning points. Few would disagree that the United States has reached another
historical juncture. Where, then, have all the big -- and good -- ideas gone? ...

So here are seven big ideas for improving our national condition, each of which defies the conventional political spectrum and could be ripe for the picking by either party: * Every baby a trust-fund baby. * Universal coverage for universal responsibility. * Tax consumption, not work. * End all farm subsidies. * Family-friendly workplaces. * A race to energy independence. * Building a global middle class." [Editor's Note: read the whole article to see beyond the "headlines" - ST]

http://tinyurl.com/6mhkn


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp