MARCH/APRIL 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITOR'S NOTE
by Peter Ross Range

Where We Stand

DEMOCRATS AND THE WAR
by The Editors
Democrats are right to favor disarming Saddam. After all, from Wilson to Clinton, Democratic internationalism put the party squarely behind wagering peace in the world. It's also the only way to win back the White House.

Cover Package

SPECIAL REPORT: COP CRUNCH
by Jose Cerda III
A new DLC study shows that the Bush administration is hollowing out our police forces. While the White House refuses to adequately fund first responders, police face rising crime and terror threats. That's why we need a new vision of law enforcement that makes police key players in homeland security. Plus:

• FIRST RESPONDERS LAST by Rob Lott

REINVENTING THE BUDGET
by Randolph Court
In solving his revenue crunch, Washington Gov. Gary Locke focuses on results, not costs.

LEADERSHIP IN TOUGH TIMES
by David Osborne
Iowa's Tom Vilsack demonstrates bold fiscal management.

IDEAS WE LIKE
Hillary Rodham Clinton - Richard Gephardt - Lincoln Chafee - Bill Richardson
Providing for the common defense; making the pension system universal and portable; freezing the top income tax rate; and creating a high-wage economy.

SHIFTING GROUND
by jonetta rose barras
Artur Davis, the new Harvard-educated congressman from Birmingham, Ala., represents the transformation of black politics in America.

IRAQ'S COMING DEMOCRACY
by Daniel L. Byman and Kenneth M. Pollack
After tyranny, democracy is Iraq's only political choice. Achieving it will be difficult. But, anything else would be a disaster.

IT'S NATIONAL SECURITY, STUPID
by Ronald D. Asmus and Jeremy D. Rosner
Voters trust Republicans far more than Democrats to keep them safe. Democrats must focus on national security to change that image.

BLAIR'S RIGHT STUFF
by Robert Philpot
Tony Blair stood fast when others were wobbling, and his brilliant speech won the British Parliament's approval for the war in Iraq. Now the question is whether his steadfastness will cost him his job.

THE POLITICS OF HOMELAND SECURITY
by Steven J. Nider
President Bush seized upon the issue and made it his own. But he's withholding funding, and Democrats are fighting back.

Columns

Political Memo by Al From First Principles

The Vital Center by Bruce Reed Male Pattern Boldness

The Politics of Ideas by Will Marshall Is the West Finished?

National Service by Sen. Evan Bayh Volunteers at the Gates

What Works by Sen. Tom Carper Health Information on Demand

Essays & Comment

THE WRONG TEACHER SHORTAGE
by Andrew J. Rotherham
There is no national teacher shortage except in poor schools and high-need subject areas.

CHANGE THE RULES
by Paul Hill
Why we should devolve decision-making in schools.

MISSED DEAL
by Jan Mazurek
The Bush administration's tragic U-turn on environmental policy.

AIDING MUSLIM ECONOMIES
by Ed Gresser
Most Muslim countries are in crisis. Changing U.S. trade policy could help.

Culture & Politics

AMERICAN DOGS DON'T BARK
by Fred Siegel

PLANETS APART
by Kevin Croke

MISREADING THE REVOLUTION
by Robert D. Atkinson

New Dem Digest

WEB EDITOR'S NOTE:
Some features in the New Dem Digest section of the new Blueprint are available in print, only. (Subscription information.)

People, Policy & Politics

• Extending G.I.s' benefits. Plus:
  • PLAYBOOK -- A menu of ideas for state and local elected officials.

Interview

• A Conversation with Cathy Cox on the nuts & bolts of election reform.

• Mayors Richard Daley of Chicago, Ill., and Graham Richard of Fort Wayne, Ind., spread the benefits of America's largest anti-poverty program.
• Broward County, Fla., Sheriff Ken Jenne uses high-tech accountability to dramatically lower crime rates.

Resources

• Capsule review of recent books and Internet tools, an Idea of the Week from NDOL.org.

Politics

• ELECTORAL SNAPSHOT: Deconstructing the women's vote.