News and Commentary

Ideas, Principles, Philosophy The Philosophy Gap by Michael Tomasky The American Prospect February 22, 2005 An excellent, dead on analysis about the need for ideas – for philosophy – in the Democratic Party. A must-read for anyone interested in a Democratic Renaissance. Happiness Is Back by Richard Layard Prospect Magazine March 2005 An article from Britain’s “Prospect,” which argues for making happiness a central part of public philosophy. Growing incomes in western societies no longer make us happier, and more individualistic, competitive societies make some of us positively unhappy. Public policy should take its cue once more from Bentham's utilitarianism, unfashionable for many decades but now vindicated by modern neuroscience. A House Divided, and Strong by David Brooks The New York Times April 5, 2005 Brooks describes how Party strength comes from having a public philosophy, or rather debating public philosophy vigorously. All God’s Children Got Values by Michael Walzer Dissent Magazine Spring 2005 Philosopher Michael Walzer thinks about values, principles, and zeal. This article is notable because Walzer actually outlines a direction for where the left should go. Taking Liberty by William Galston Washington Monthly March 2005 Galston argues that liberals ignore and conservatives misunderstand America’s guiding value, freedom. The last section, “A New Liberal Freedom Agenda,” is particularly interesting. The Liberal Project Now by Paul Starr American Prospect June 2005 An excellent, must-read, article on the need think about principles and use them to connect to the next generation of Americans. Political Economy The Global Delusion by John Gray The New York Review of Books April 27, 2006 Disturbing and insightful thoughts pepper this review of three new books on globalization. The article captures many of the challenges we face in the years ahead. Not Your Father's Detroit by Harold Meyerson The American Prospect April 8, 2006 A compelling article on the need to rethink economic policy and to debate industrial policy. Meyerson clearly explains the challenges American economic dominance and prosperity will face in the long-run. The New Boss by Matt Bai The New York Times Magazine January 30, 2005 A compelling article on the future of the labor movement, the need for international economic regulation, a business school approach to organizing, and the impact all this might have on the future of the left. A Mind of His Own by Jeff Madrick The New York Review of Books May 26, 2005 This review of Richard Parker’s biography of John Kenneth Galbraith is an excellent overview of his life and ideas. Galbraith’s ideas certainly provide important insights for a progressive thinking about political economy. Sisyphus as Social Democrat by J. Bradford DeLong Foreign Affairs May/June 2005 Review of Parker’s Galbraith biography. DeLong does an excellent job of explaining Galbraith’s approach to political economy. Political Structures Can Dean Give ‘em a Winner? by E.J. Dionne, Jr. The Washington Post February 13, 2005 A brief discussion of some of the issues Howard Dean must address as Chairman of the Democratic Party. A Party Inverted by Bill Bradley The New York Times March 30, 2005 The famous article presenting the pyramidal structure of the conservative machine and the inverted structure of the left. A must-read. Faith Moderate Evangelicals Preach Their Own Politics by Stevenson Swanson Chicago Tribune February 14, 2005 Evangelical Leaders Swing Influence Behind Effort to Combat Global Warming by Laurie Goodstein The New York Times March 10, 2005 How Fundamentalism is Splitting the GOP by Andrew Sullivan The New Republic May 2, 2005 Environment and Climate Change The Death of Environmentalism by Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus January 13, 2005 This long but visionary article by two leading figures in the environmental movement has been making waves for its analysis of the gap between presenting sound policy ideas and altering fundamental political realities. The Climate of Man by Elizabeth Kolbert The New Yorker April-May 2005 This must-read three part series describes the crisis of global climate change. For those who know little, or care little, about climate change, this series will completely revise your thinking and your priorities. Domestic Policy Health Care Is Not an Issue to Tinker With by Matt Bai The New York Times Magazine January 29, 2006 Bai argues that now is the time to transform American health care and that it can be done to the benefit of both consumers and employers. The Joy of Federalism by Franklin Foer The New York Times March 6, 2005 An article thinking about a Progressive return to Federalism. The Quality Cure? by Roger Lowenstein The New York Times March 13, 2005 Bold thinking on Health Care that could redefine how to approach the debate. Reclaiming Federalism by David Barron Dissent Magazine Spring 2005 Harvard Law School Professor David Barron presents a compelling argument for “Progressive Federalism” in legal discourse and decisions, while capturing the nature of the Rehnquist Court’s Conservative Federalism. Foreign Policy/International Affairs The Future Belongs to China by Fareed Zakaria Newsweek May 9, 2005 The rise of China will be one of the defining features of the 21st century. Zakaria presents some thoughts on the challenges, threats, and opportunities presented.