Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Rebalancing the American Economy

Bob Herbert reviews Robert Reich's new book Aftershock and says it shows both the reason for the economic condition we're in and some solutions:
Americans are not being honest with themselves about the structural changes in the economy that have bestowed fabulous wealth on a tiny sliver at the top, while undermining the living standards of the middle class and absolutely crushing the poor. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have a viable strategy for reversing this dreadful state of affairs. (There is no evidence the G.O.P. even wants to.)

The U.S. economy needs to be rebalanced so that the benefits are shared more widely, more equitably. There are many ways to do this, but what is most important right now is to recognize this central fact, to focus on it and to begin seriously considering the most constructive options.
I'm pretty sure that simply rebalancing the economic output away from the upper class and toward the middle class won't by itself accomplish all that we want, but it would be a start.  And undoing the 'Bush taxcuts' would be a good start.

No comments:

Post a Comment