From the former Secretary of Labor, a plan to get the economy to work for everyone

With his characteristic humor, humanity, and candor, one of the nation’s most distinguished public leaders and thinkers delivers a fresh vision of politics by returning to basic American values: workers should share in the success of their companies; those who work should not have to live in poverty; and everyone should have access to an education that will better their chances in life.

An insider who knows how the economy and government really work, Reich combines realistic solutions with democratic ideals. Businesses do have civic responsibilities, and government must stem a widening income gap that threatens to stratify our nation. And everyone must get involved to help return us to a society that works for everyone.

Robert B. Reich, a professor at Brandeis University, is author of eight books, including Locked in the Cabinet and The Future of Success. His radio commentary has been heard biweekly on public radio’s Marketplace, and his writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

With his characteristic humor, humanity, and candor, one of the nation's most distinguished public leaders and thinkers delivers a fresh vision of politics by returning to basic American values: workers should share in the success of their companies; those who work should not have to live in poverty; and everyone should have access to an education that will better their chances in life. An insider who knows how the economy and government really work, Reich combines realistic solutions with democratic ideals. Businesses do have civic responsibilities, and government must stem a widening income gap that threatens to stratify our nation. And everyone must get involved to help return us to a society that works for everyone.

Robert B. Reich, professor at Brandeis University and founder and national editor of The American Prospect, is author of eight books, including Locked in the Cabinet and The Future of Success. His radio commentary can be heard biweekly on public radio's Marketplace, and his writing has appeared in The New Yorker, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and many other publications. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

CONTENTS

Preface

1. Whatever Happened to the Social Contract?

2. Corporate Citizenship

3. Work That Pays, Insurance if It Doesn’t

4. Lifelong Learning: Education for the Twenty-first Century

5. The Day I Became a Feminist: Real Family Values

6. The Long View: A Decent Working Society