Historians divide history into epochs. The Gilded Age and the Great Depression, for example, are familiar to most Americans. Our current epoch, however--a period that has seen soaring grand fortunes for a new American superrich and a fading American Dream for nearly everyone else--lacks a label. Some commentators have tried to supply one. Paul Krugman calls our past three decades of growing inequality the Great Divergence. Berkeley economist Harley Shaiken speaks about the Great Disconnect, his tag for years of stagnant and declining wages amid a growing economy.
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Doctorow's Newspaper
Why do we need newspapers? They help make humans of us.
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Stalling Justice
Would Illinois rather keep an innocent man behind bars than admit a mistake?
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Noted.
States sound off for instant runoff voting; activists unite for the International Day of Climate Action; and we remember an American radical who fought the "good fight" against fascism in Spain.
What's in this for you if you win--besides the eternal gratitude of humankind? Win the Name Our Epoch sweepstakes and you'll receive a private corporate jet! Can't afford the rising cost of jet fuel? No problem--this jet's a model. Need more incentive? Our contest winner will also receive personally autographed books written by each of our three distinguished judges.
So don't delay. Our epoch desperately needs a label. After all, if we can't name the misfortune that has been visited upon us, how are we ever going to end it?
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