COFFEE BREAK 380
+ updated at 3:07pm EST, Friday 11/8/13
+ Here is what Robert Reich just posted on Facebook as he reflects on the recent elections. He is very wise and informed and compassionate.
Always listen for the day-after adjectives, which give a clue as to how candidates and issues will be framed in the future. In talking about Chris Christie's win in New Jersey, the Washington Post writes of "pragmatic, as opposed to ideological, governance." But in describing Bill de Blasio, the media uses the adjectives "left" or "left-leaning."
In an era when almost all economic gains are going to the very top, when poverty is increasing, and when median household incomes are dropping even with two wage earners, to be in favor of raising taxes on the wealthy and providing better schools to everyone else should not be considered "left." I'd call this pragmatic. By the same token, to be against raising the minimum wage -- as is Chris Christie -- is not a sign of "pragmatism." I'd call this ideological.
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