Killing the Sacred Cows

In this clear, if brief, compilation of innovative economic proposals, Crittenden argues for more investment in education and infrastructure, and suggests we should ``accept a broader, less narcissistic definition of prosperity.'' The author, a former financial writer for the New York Times , is an exponent of what some call neoliberalism and others the ``new paradigm.'' Rather than increased taxes, she suggests the elimination of corporate tax breaks, such as those for advertising. Though it may seem politically impossible, she argues for means testing of government entitlements and of tax breaks to individuals. She proposes a ``new G.I. bill'' and a training program for former military personnel to become police officers and teachers. While Crittenden favors a Canadian-style national health insurance system, she suggests fraud enforcement would have to improve. She also discusses how to reform the banking system, how to create an ``industrial-extension service'' to advise smaller manufacturers and how to make American companies ``accept their obligations to their own country.'' Crittenden's accounts are sometimes too sketchy, however, as when analyzing welfare reform and education. (Jan.)