Technology, Books and Other Neat Stuff

The problem with too much of the broad-tent category of left wing, I've found from my limited experience, is that it tends to be defeatist; it lacks any long-term goals beyond that of reacting to challenges, and so constantly lacks the initiative. It needs to regain it. Dubya and friends might be making mistakes, but they've got a vision, at least.

How would you go about implementing Grey's recommendation nowadays? French-style grand projet, or something different (and better)?