Thomas Friedman gives readers a lecture on adult and childish behavior in his column today. In the latter category is the opposition to the reappointment of Ben Bernanke as Federal Reserve Board chairman.
It is worth noting that Bernanke ignored the growth of the housing bubble, the collapse of which has given us the worse downturn since the Great Depression. It is difficult to imagine a more disastrous failure by a Fed chair than pushing the economy to the brink of collapse, which Mr. Bernanke told Congress was the result of his policies.
Adults expect to be held accountable for their performance and hold others accountable. Mr. Friedman's lecture is more than a little off-base on this one.
I’m writing to you today with a sense of urgency that I haven’t felt since I began my journalism career. As executive editor of The American Prospect, I’ve witnessed firsthand how independent journalism serves as a crucial bulwark against the erosion of our democratic institutions. Today, that role is more vital than ever. Can you step up today and show your support?
The winds of authoritarianism are blowing stronger. We’re seeing alarming signs of a coordinated effort to silence critical voices and undermine the very foundations that support progressive causes. As Bob Kuttner presciently wrote in our August 2024 issue, a weaponized IRS could attack the very foundations of the progressive movement. We need readers to step up and help us dig in for the long haul.
We’re falling behind in our spring fundraising campaign, and with so much at stake we can’t afford to come up short. If you value fearless, independent journalism that holds the powerful accountable and defends democracy, now is the time to step up. The American Prospect depends on reader support to stay in the fight. Pitch in today and help us close the gap. Please consider making a donation today.
–David Dayen, Executive Editor
Copyright 2025 | The American Prospect, Inc. | All Rights Reserved
