The Common Good by Robert ReichA powerful plea that we re-establish the essentiality of the "common good" in our government and society. The viability of our faltering Democracy depends on a populace that is educated to think critically and tolerant enough to disagree with civility yet cooperate for the common good of all our people. Profit for individuals and corporations cannot be the dominant concern but needs to be sublimated to a concern for the well being of all. Only in raising all Americans to a reasonable standard of living can our Society rise to its full potential of freedom and justice for all. The author begins his book by reminding us of JFK's inspirational words in his 1961 Inaugural Address: "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Our country needs more than ever to embrace this advice if we are to ensure the viability of the Democracy envisioned by the Founding Fathers so many years ago. Yes, the Democracy was flawed but it also held a promise that now more than ever still needs to be realized.

A powerful plea that we re-establish the essentiality of the "common good" in our government and society. The viability of our faltering Democracy depends on a populace that is educated to think critically and tolerant enough to disagree with civility yet cooperate for the common good of all our people. Profit for individuals and corporations cannot be the dominant concern but needs to be sublimated to a concern for the well being of all. Only in raising all Americans to a reasonable standard of living can our Society rise to its full potential of freedom and justice for all. The author begins his book by reminding us of JFK's inspirational words in his 1961 Inaugural Address: "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Our country needs more than ever to embrace this advice if we are to ensure the viability of the Democracy envisioned by the Founding Fathers so many years ago. Yes, the Democracy was flawed but it also held a promise that now more than ever still needs to be realized.