Bleak as this picture is, problems will inevitably worsen in the next few years because countries are committed to reducing their governmental deficits. In addition, many people have decided to change their priorities away from consumption. Ecological feedback loops also require us to do more with less. These three emerging realities will reduce demand still further and worsen job losses dramatically. In addition, the impacts of technology will hasten and broaden the emerging crisis.
Republican policies are therefore disastrously wrong-headed.
Welfare reform, medicaid changes and alterations in policies toward the poor all assume that good jobs will be available if only people are educated and willing to seek them. All the evidence is to the contrary. On the other hand, we do know that Democratic strategies were no longer acceptable or really effective. Sweeping them away was perhaps inevitable. We should urgently create a coalition which will think beyond the conventional wisdom.