In America, the left at moments of popular strength was unlike the state-centered socialist parties of Europe. They also advocated decentralist economic measures supportive of small business, cooperatives, and local action. Flacks' framework consists of a progressive platform for democratization which he believes activists, organizers, and intellectuals should use to mobilize citizens. These range from the programs of HUD that have changed into tools for community self-organization, to the national economic policy changes necessary to stabilize local and regional economies and promote sustainable development. But the emphasis should be on what builds democratic organizations and civic capacities, not on what can mobilize constituencies around a left agenda.
Work engages people's self-interests in a wide variety of contexts.
Public work develops individual, institutional, and communal civic practices, such as skills in working with diverse groups, and a larger vision of what is important. Public work also promotes the forging of political relationships across racial, cultural, religious, and ideological divisions. Renewal of public work holds potential to engage groups far beyond those who would call themselves liberal or leftist. Flacks' listing of sources of political energy is far too narrow. Yet all are concerned with democratic renewal.