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Can Americans Trust Government Again?

As the 2012 elections approach, renewed faith will be critical to combating Republicans’ slash-and-burn rhetoric.

Jeff Madrick

Why Oversight Is Good for Business

History shows that regulation of industries–from meat to pharmaceuticals–has not only protected us, but has provided economic benefits. So why is it demonized?

James Lardner

Do We Need Government to Fight Discrimination?

Bringing social justice to scale means using those institutions that can set and enforce equity standards on race, gender, sexuality, and more.

Rinku Sen

What Race Tells Us About Anti-Government Attitudes

From mass incarceration to Hurricane Katrina, the federal government has failed communities of color. So why do black Americans trust it more than whites?

Dorian T. Warren

Challenging the ‘Self-Made’ Myth

No one who has succeeded in America actually did it on his or her own.

Katrina vanden Heuvel

‘Big Government’ Isn’t the Problem, Big Money Is

With the 2012 elections projected to be the priciest ever, we must rein in the billions of influence-peddling dollars flowing toward Washington.

Robert B. Reich

How the Press Erodes Our Belief in Government

Perpetuating the idea that the government can’t do its job is but a half-step away from excusing the government when it fails us.

Greg Marx

Five Ways to Slander the Welfare State

Research exaggerating the costs of social safety nets has been used for decades to launch unwarranted claims against government programs.

Peter H. Lindert

Putting Trust on the Agenda

Dozens of proposed laws might reduce the power of money and mischief in the political process. But will they help to restore confidence in government?

Mark Schmitt

Restoring Trust In Government: Not a Communications Problem

Finding the right “frame” will not magically change people’s attitudes about government. We must speaks to–and act on–our common goals.

Dianne Stewart

Is Participatory Rule-Making Possible?

By giving people a direct voice in shaping regulations, we can make agencies more responsive and accountable, and give citizens a direct stake in policy-making.

K. Sabeel Rahman

Why We Need Progressive Federalism

The federal government has the unique ability, and thus responsibility, to set baselines for citizenship, economic security and market rules.

Mike Konczal

Free Abdulelah Shaye

To its shame, the Obama administration continues to defend its role in the case of a jailed Yemeni journalist.

The Editors

Why the ACLU Is Wrong About ‘Citizens United’

A former ACLU attorney points out that corporate spending on political campaigns is not “free speech” deserving First Amendment protection.

Burt Neuborne

How to Rehouse the American Dream

Our car-dependent, suburban, homeowner culture is no longer affordable. An exhibit at MoMA examines what to do about it.

Alex Ulam

On Not Leaving the Field

Calvin Trillin

Dear Pro-Choice Women of Means

Here’s why you should make a major gift to an abortion fund.

Katha Pollitt

Eggs Are People Too!

Today’s “right to life” rhetoric is a bizarre cross between the theological imperative to be fruitful and multiply and the fetishism of microbiological cellular promise.

Patricia J. Williams

Challenging the ‘Self-Made’ Myth

No one who has succeeded in America actually did it on his or her own.

Katrina vanden Heuvel

How to Rehouse the American Dream

Our car-dependent, suburban, homeowner culture is no longer affordable. An exhibit at MoMA examines what to do about it.

Alex Ulam

Havel’s Specter: On Václav Havel

The Czech playwright’s enduring ideas about politics, truth and human nature.

Caleb Crain

Azure

Ange Mlinko

Winging It: The Battle Between Reagan and PATCO

The true economic legacy of the Reagan years is not tax cuts but union busting.

Chris Lehmann

Cicadas

Ange Mlinko

Letters

Our Readers and Katha Pollitt

Puzzle No. 3232

Don’t miss Kosman and Picciotto’s new crossword blog, Word Salad.

Joshua Kosman and Henri Picciotto