New words 
Britt Blaser is trying out an alternative to conservative: patriarchist. And he prefers explorer to progressive.
On from Kuznets
Daily Kos has a wonderful summary of the limitations of GDP as a measure of a nation’s health.
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“The United States ranks No. 1 worldwide in GDP and per capita GDP, and this has been the case for more than half a century. So when it rises 7.2% (or whatever the adjusted figures show in a couple of months), we’re talking a big deal. |
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“But America doesnt rank No. 1 when it comes to infant mortality. Were 34th. |
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“We dont rank No. 1 in health care, either. Were 37th. |
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“Nor do we rank No. 1 in literacy. Were No. 6. |
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“And were not No. 1 in life expectancy. Were 20th. |
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“We are No. 1 when it comes to putting in the hours at work. In 1980, the average American was at work 1,887 hours a year; in 1990, it was 1,942 hours; and in 2000 it was 1,978 hours. And we’re No. 1 in overall productivity, though not in efficiency per hour. |
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“(Weve also got the toughest military machine on the planet, with expenditures at 43% of the worldwide total, more than the combined total of the next 14 nations.) |
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“Other gauges exist. But they get little media play. GDP can be explained in a sentence. Nuances required to understand other indexes dont make for good sound bites.” |
We’re still awaiting a Kuznets to come up with a solid alternative to GDP.