Dionne says U.S. young people who want change will usher in new era

Published: 2007-11-07

PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) -- One of Washington's most prominent political thinkers believes the United States is entering an exciting era, with young people looking for fresh ways to reform government and become more involved in their communities. E.J. Dionne Jr., syndicated columnist for The Washington Post and fellow at the Brookings Institution, said the conservative era that began in 1980 with President Ronald Reagan's election is ending with President George W. Bush. Reagan was at least relevant for the problems of the 1980s, but Bush's ideas are not relevant for the problems the nation currently faces, said Dionne, a Catholic, who was in Portland in mid-October to address an ecumenical group. Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy and his efforts to, as he said, outsource the federal government are not creating a better society, but translate into big openings for progressives to do good things. "I haven't sensed such possibilities for change in years, perhaps since the '60s," said Dionne, author of a new book titled "Souled Out: Faith and Politics After the Religious Right," about reclaiming the political influence of the religious right. It will go on sale in bookstores in February.

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