Force daylight.(CORRESPONDENCE)(Letter to the editor)

IN HIS "MEMO TO HOUSE Democrats" [September], Robert Reich retreats from his customary sound judgment to offer a piece of doubtful advice. He warns that if the Democrats should take back the House this November, they must avoid whining, harping on and exposing the appalling performance of the Bush years. Instead, he says, they should propose creative alternatives to the Republican fiascos on so many fronts.

No way. That is not how the system works. Progressive proposals can be effective only after the political battles are won. Co-opting middle ground conservatives ...