Once Edwards does re-emerge in the public spotlight, he must learn to ignore his critics and simply focus on doing good works.

FORBES: How Can Former Senator John Edwards Rehabilitate His Tarnished Image?

But he argued that there is more to the reverend than a handful of noxious remarks: his church has been doing good works in Chicago for 30 years.

ECONOMIST: Barack Obama is having the worst fortnight of his campaign

Today, it is Republicans who are distrusted, partly because so many oppose affirmative action, and partly because, as Mr Perryman observes, the people young blacks see coaching sports teams and doing other good works in their communities are almost all Democrats.

ECONOMIST: Yes, but they keep quiet about it

Early in their lives, when growth is good, companies form Status Quo police to make sure they keep doing what works well--always the same thing, albeit better, faster and cheaper when possible.

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