Found his article in the NYT is very thoughtful. Of course the Times has a bunch of conservative writers liberals can agree with. Sometimes. Or at least in tone. By his account a return to darwinian capitalism has made possible vast increases in productivity and has maintained the country's leading position. But those who lost need to be taken care of. Somewhat. At least in speeches.
Think of Bush transforming FEMA in a terrorism fighting agency and then leaving New Orleans to sink.
I see serious problems with the Douthat view. Who cares if productivity is high? When one is without prospects or a job (when one is not involved in production) one cannot make a living by being happy that the country is first in productivity. You might feel good when your wins, but if you cannot afford a six-pack..
