Mitt in Fantasyland

Ruth Marcus on Sep 20, 2012

So smart policy would be programs that seek to bridge this gap.

Because being born to a young, single mother is not conducive to success, smart policy would concentrate on preventing teen pregnancy. Romney would eliminate the federal family planning program that has prevented millions of unwanted pregnancies.

Because school readiness at age 5 helps predict school success, smart policy would seek to promote early childhood education. Romney's education plan is silent on this subject.

Because having a college degree is increasingly a prerequisite to a middle-class life, smart policy would be to make college affordable and encourage completion. Romney talks about ensuring college affordability but his argument has a certain backward quality. "The best thing I can do is not to [say], Hey, I'll loan you more money ... I don't want to overwhelm you with debts," Romney said at a Univision forum.

When it comes to closing the gap in economic mobility, individuals matter. So do families. "Putting the full responsibility on government to close those gaps is unreasonable," the Brookings authors write, "but so is a heroic assumption that everyone can be a Horatio Alger with no help from society."

Governor, you're no Horatio Alger. What will you do to give others the opportunity that good fortune granted you?

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Ruth Marcus' email address is ruthmarcus@washpost.com.