Such a modest, practical reform may lack Mr. Obama's preferred political grandeur, but the other reason he didn't propose it is that the government has already been doing it for a half-century.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: Head Start for All

Conservative Royston Smith said the approach should be "sharing services, outsourcing where practical and modest pay cuts to protect jobs".

BBC: Southampton City Council to cut 'close to 300' jobs

We suggest a modest proposal to let these practical voices be heard.

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