Gene Sperling has been the common denominator of Democratic economic policymaking over the past three decades. Name a major Democratic policy push related to the economy — anti-poverty programs, taxes, health care — and Sperling has been involved. It is the power of economic dignity — which, he argues, should be “the singular end goal for economic policy.”It’s an important essay, because many leading Democrats are now talking directly about dignity or about ideas related to it. He explains the history of economic dignity in the American context, from colonial days to Martin Luther King Jr. to today’s progressive activists. He also offers a three-part definition: being able to care for one’s family; having the opportunity to reach one’s potential; and being free from domination and humiliation.

Source: New York Times March 12, 2019 12:38 UTC