Edwards unveils "Social Contract"

[babylonsister]

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/10/26/432588.aspx

From NBC/National Journal’s Tricia Miller
Edwards introduced his policy on corporate responsibility in a speech called “Renewing the Social Contract” in Des Moines this morning.

“Over the course of our history, every generation of Americans has helped to expand the reach of that compact, moving us ever closer to the America of our ideals, where opportunity is truly shared by all,” he said in prepared remarks. “But now, instead of expanding further, our social compact is falling apart.”

Edwards called for a “new universal retirement account requiring every business to automatically enroll its workers in at least one plan: a traditional pension, a 401(k), or an IRA.” He also reiterated his support for universal health care, blaming lobbyists and insurance companies for blocking it thus far, and called again for the strengthening of organized labor. He said his administration would enact laws encouraging transparency in corporate reporting and more rights for shareholders, including “a say on executive pay.”

Edwards used the speech to continue his theme of rooting out corruption in Washington, as well as in corporate boardrooms. He brought the speech to a close with a quote from John F. Kennedy: "John F. Kennedy once said, 'The heart of the question is whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated.'"