Tsongas' ideas show staying power

In the age of the 10-second sound bite, former Sen. Paul Tsongasdid something that few politicians are willing to do anymore. Hetalked sense to the American people.

In the tradition of the late Adlai E. Stevenson, he showed thatalso-rans can leave something richer than a legacy of power. In aseason of discontent, Tsongas offered hope.

In his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination,Tsongas showed that ideas are still relevant to our political system.He wrote an 85-page book, A Call to Economic Arms, that outlined hisvision of America. He recommended capital gains reductions toencourage long-term investment; more corporate accountability;increased …