A Question of Fairness" PBS Airdate: Friday, November 21, 2003 at 9 p.m. (check local listings)
Robert Pollin Founding Co-Director of the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) and Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. In the United States, the idea that anyone can succeed is a vital part of our national identity. But today, the middle class is shrinking, the gap between the rich and poor is widening, and the American Dream is at risk. What's driving the growing disparity that's creating a two-class society? This Friday on NOW with Bill Moyers, noted economist and author Robert Pollin provides economic context to "A Question of Fairness," a special one hour edition of NOW with Bill Moyers. Pollin, who has worked with the Joint Economic Committee of the US Congress, walks viewers through the complicated issues leading up to and facing a troubled US economy. Pollin has been a consultant on living wage policies in several US cities, and is currently working under the auspices of the UN Development Program to develop policies to promote jobs and equality in South Africa. He is a prolific writer with a new book, Contours of Decent: US Economic Fractures in the Landscape of Global Austerity. This book shows how variants of neoliberal economics under both Clinton and Bush--lavishing favors on multinationals and capitalists while allowing living standards for ordinary people to fall--operate in the US and less developed countries, and explores policies for economic growth with increased equality. -- Michael Perelman Economics Department California State University [EMAIL PROTECTED] Chico, CA 95929 530-898-5321 fax 530-898-5901
