Calling that period "a remarkable episode in the history of our country," Wanner cited some of the movement's accomplishments: the nation's first pure food and drug laws; the Federal Trade Commission; and the Federal Reserve Board.
While not endorsing big government, Wanner said. "it sure seems to me that our current disaffection for activist government -- particularly at the federal level -- may stand us in very bad stead as we enter the 21st century."
Wanner said the country should at least consider massive spending to support additional educational training for workers with a high school education or less. He proposed other "currently unthinkable" roles for government: public jobs programs, subsidies for employers to hire low-skill workers, increases in the minimum wage, and increased wage supplements to low-wage workers.
The nation's growing economic inequality did not obscure some bullish visions of the 21st century by the panelists.
For example, Morehouse's Dixon predicted that major explorations by the U.S. in space -- including the building of two space stations -- would "cause a new thrust in the teaching of mathematics and science similar to what happened following Sputnik."
Said Dixon: "As great as the challenges of the next century are, as interesting as many of the questions are ... the primary challenge is the enhancement of life. It is the challenge that becomes more critical as we gain knowledge."
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