Challenging the Economic Smokescreen

The corporate unraveling of the employee safety net—healthcare benefits, stable jobs, pensions—has been callously celebrated as the dawn of an "ownership society," as in, "I've got mine, you're on your own." Democrats have not yet roused voters with a new vision of a more just, more prosperous society. Still, there is a clear choice between the two parties.

Despite its timidity, the Democrats' "New Directions" program offers a clear contrast to Republican follies. It pledges to:

• Require Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices.

• Raise the minimum wage.

• Repeal tax incentives for moving jobs abroad.

• Cut college loan rates in half.

• Launch a drive for energy independence.