There have been times in our nation’s history when new challenges — economic, political, and social—have made it prudent to reevaluate the performance of fundamental American institutions. During our 225 year history, we have come through at least five key periods when reevaluation was necessary—the American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Progressive Era, New Deal, and Reagan years.
Now we find ourselves in the midst of a sixth revolution that is as yet unnamed but every bit as far-reaching. It is characterized by the convergence of computing and telecommunications and globalization. It impacts our families, economy, and government.
