I was tickled by this quote from labor lawyer Tom Geoghegan in the New York Times discussion, “Why Americans Can’t Save Money.”

Maybe the career I should have picked was writing books accusing people of moral turpitude. Of course, in theory we can all save — even the poor. I am reading the great classic, “The Black Jacobins,” by C.L.R. James, and it seems that in a few miraculous cases, certain slaves of San Domingo could save enough to purchase their freedom. I’m sure our pundits now would say: “See, you can do it.” There’s no need to abolish slavery.

Geoghegan actually ran to replace Rahm when he left to become White House chief of staff in 2009. I collected signatures to get him on the ballot, but unfortunately, his campaign barely had an impact. Still, I think he’s a great alternative voice when he can get into these kinds of discussions. I’m looking forward to reading his latest book, “Were You Born on the Wrong Continent?: How the European Model Can Help You Get a Life.”