Second, no bold initiative in any of these directions can make it through a Republican-controlled Congress. Smart politics, however, might dictate boldness on the part of Democrats. How delightful to hear Sen. Phil Gramm complaining that even a modest extension of Medicare is too much. If Republicans were to add to that by sharply opposing another increase in the minimum wage, Democrats would gain additional House seats in 1998. Right now there is widespread resignation to the status quo.
People are cynical.
They believe, with certain justification, that the government is in the hands of the special interests and the wealthy. But I believe we will experience a progressive revival in the next few years. As the economy slows, it will be like the tide ebbing. We'll be able to see the hardships rising on the mudflats, the hardships in terms of so many people being left behind. Robert Reich, secretary of labor from 1993 to 1997, is professor of social and economic policy at Brandeis University.