The Real Role of American Government

Remarks to Penn State Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, PA

By John Podesta | January 19, 2006

Earlier this month, John D. Podesta, President and CEO of the Center of American Progress, delivered remarks at the Penn State Dickinson School of Law. His speech focused on the real role of government – what it has become, what it should be, and what progressives must do to make it work again for the American people. In a country where government has been run into the ground by right-wing ideologues who care more about maintaining power than providing opportunity, Podesta outlines a new optimistic, progressive vision for America.

For years, conservatives have told us that government doesn't work, and now they have built a government that doesn't work. Whether it was Gulf Coast residents or West Virginia miners, their government doesn't work for ordinary Americans. Their government only works for themselves.

Together with the release of the Center's action agenda for America, Progressive Priorities, Podesta describes a government that is committed to the common good, reawakens our sense of shared responsibility, and uses America's awesome powers to bring the world together, not tear it apart.

He offers five policy proposals to advance that goal:

• Providing quality, affordable health care
• Improving our education system
• Writing a fair tax code
• Achieving energy independence
• Revitalizing the all-volunteer army

Read the full text of John Podesta's remarks (PDF)

John Podesta is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for American Progress.