in a side discussion with Doug, I typed the following, which may be of interest: When I was buying Lewontin et al (NOT IN OUR GENES) at the local lefty bookstore, the proprietoress (?) said: "my question is why this book (the Bell Curve) has come out *now*?" I think it's not just the general right-wing trend of thinking (or lack of thinking). It's also an effort to shift the blame for the widening gaps between classes. Right-wingers can't blame multinational capital, Reaganism, etc. (They can't quote either Robert Reich or Mike Davis.) So the size of the rich elite is shrinking because they don't have very many kids, while the size of the "underclass" is growing because they breed like rabbits. Any other thoughts about why such a book would come out now and be endorsed by the NEW YORK TIMES? in pen-l solidarity, Jim Devine [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Econ. Dept., Loyola Marymount Univ., Los Angeles, CA 90045-2699 USA 310/338-2948 (daytime, during workweek); FAX: 310/338-1950
