The End of Equality

In this ambitious , accessible and intellectually nourishing policy treatise, New Republic senior editor Kaus proposes a plan to avoid the ``end of equality'' that threatens America as the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. For equality and capitalism to coexist, Kaus argues, we must create a public life in which money has limited influence. Thus he calls for compulsory national service and universal health care, renovated public spaces and reformed politics. Maintaining equality would become government's goal. While he names his program ``Civic Liberalism'' and pitches it to Democrats, Kaus is no traditionalist. He reproves ``Money Liberals'' for pursuing, through tax legislation, chimerical ``money equality.'' To integrate the ghetto ``underclass'' into society, he recommends a national jobs program that would transform the ``welfare state'' into the ``work ethic state.'' Kaus believes that if we guarantee jobs to all, while discontinuing welfare compensation for the able-bodied who refuse employment, work will become America's ultimate common denominator. There's something here for everyone to disagree with, but with his crisp, metaphor-rich writing and his command of history and political philosophy, Kaus proves persuasive. (Aug.)