Economic turmoil brings new luster to some classic catchall solutions.

The marketplace of ideas is full of grand proposals. The New America Foundation’s Michael Lind has proposed the return of post-office banks, which could spur more saving for those without bank accounts, allow people of greater means to stash extra savings securely, and help invest in infrastructure and pay down the national debt. Some are calling for caps on CEO pay; they look likely for bankers getting government help but can be tricky if applied across the board. Conservative Larry Lindsay has proposed unlimited deposit insurance as a way to restore market confidence.

Is all this mere wonkery? Remember that the Project for a New American Century, which cooked up its Iraq invasion and occupation plans in the glow of a post-Cold War world, was able to use the 9/11 crisis to move its agenda ahead. Stay tuned as one of these ideas goes from academic paper or think tank to House committee chair or the White House.

Do you have your own additions? Add a comment or contact the author; we’ll publish the best, sweeping ideas on how to repair America after the financial crisis.