Our feel-good
tales about American Exceptionalism have entered a new chapter. People are
starting to talk about the American
Precariat, particularly, the NYT’s
David Brooks. The term describes people who feel that the ground beneath them
may be crumbling, so says Mr. Brooks:
Precariat seems more hunkered down, insecure, risk averse, relying on friends
and family but without faith in American possibilities. This fatalism is
historically uncharacteristic of America
Reports
are that Europe, that socialist haven of health care for all, may be passing us
(or matching us), in social mobility, and even in their faith in capitalism as
a successful economic model. More from Mr. Brooks:
over 65 believe America stands above all others as the greatest nation on
earth. Only 27% of Americans ages 18 to 29 believe that. As late as 2003,
Americans were more likely than Italians, Brits and Germans to say the “free
market economy is the best system on which to base the future of the world.” By
2010, they were slightly less likely than those Europeans to embrace capitalism
Capitalism has been a useful and a powerful force. But
left unregulated, it can lead to bad decisions.
Here is today’s homily topic: Capitalism
is like the fisherman who uses dynamite to feed his family. He knows full well
the fish will be all gone before his children grow up, but he doesn’t care.
Cable industry consolidation won’t improve the little
guy’s life. Who cares?
Only way the main stream media covers joblessness:
Obamacare messaging depends on corporate message: (h/t Monty)
Missouri football player tackles NFL:
RIP Sid:
UN censures Vatican to no effect:
Boehner skates on Debt Ceiling increase:
