Op-Eds
Op-ed: May 10, 2008 - The Washington Times
Investing in National Parks
Last week's announcement of projects across America to strengthen our national parks reminds us of a powerful lesson — when the American people are challenged, they always respond. Read the Article >>
Investing in National Parks
Last week's announcement of projects across America to strengthen our national parks reminds us of a powerful lesson — when the American people are challenged, they always respond. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: April 28, 2008 - The Weekly Standard
A Bush Success (not that he gets credit): The Medicare drug benefit is working better than predicted
It's been said that you can prove the possible by the actual--and in this case, the "actual" is that sensible public policy can liberate markets to work in health care just as they work in every other area. Governmentalists have a deep interest in grounding policy debates on issues like health care in abstractions and appeals to fear of the unknown. Pro-market reformers, on the other hand, need only to test their propositions against reality. Read the Article >>
A Bush Success (not that he gets credit): The Medicare drug benefit is working better than predicted
It's been said that you can prove the possible by the actual--and in this case, the "actual" is that sensible public policy can liberate markets to work in health care just as they work in every other area. Governmentalists have a deep interest in grounding policy debates on issues like health care in abstractions and appeals to fear of the unknown. Pro-market reformers, on the other hand, need only to test their propositions against reality. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: April 22, 2008 - The Washington Times
It's the economy, stupid
At times, it seems the rest of the world understands the power of our free markets and sensible policies better than we do. Reform-minded governments around the world now compete with each other to secure the lowest possible corporate and income tax rates, reform their entitlement programs and expand free trade. Meanwhile, the Democratic candidates for president want to erect new trade barriers, raise taxes and expand government. Read the Article >>
It's the economy, stupid
At times, it seems the rest of the world understands the power of our free markets and sensible policies better than we do. Reform-minded governments around the world now compete with each other to secure the lowest possible corporate and income tax rates, reform their entitlement programs and expand free trade. Meanwhile, the Democratic candidates for president want to erect new trade barriers, raise taxes and expand government. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: April 15, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor
The key to keeping teens in school: Service learning tackles high dropout rates and civic disengagement
New research shows that service-learning has the ability to increase attendance, improve student motivation, and engage students in learning, thereby fighting the dropout crisis and helping students become active citizens. Read the Article >>
The key to keeping teens in school: Service learning tackles high dropout rates and civic disengagement
New research shows that service-learning has the ability to increase attendance, improve student motivation, and engage students in learning, thereby fighting the dropout crisis and helping students become active citizens. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: March 17, 2008 - The Weekly Standard
The Swedish Solution: A Social Security reform made in Scandinavia?
The Social Security Administration expects the U.S. population age 65 and older to increase by more than 40 percent between 2006 and 2020. Projections show Social Security's costs will begin to exceed revenue in 2017, with the gap widening rapidly thereafter. Pressure is building for a sizable increase in payroll taxes. Read the Article >>
The Swedish Solution: A Social Security reform made in Scandinavia?
The Social Security Administration expects the U.S. population age 65 and older to increase by more than 40 percent between 2006 and 2020. Projections show Social Security's costs will begin to exceed revenue in 2017, with the gap widening rapidly thereafter. Pressure is building for a sizable increase in payroll taxes. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: February 27, 2008 - The Washington Times
Fighting Malaria, Public/Private Partnership Targets Disease
Earlier this month, the World Health Organization reported significant progress in the fight against malaria — a more than 50 percent reduction in deaths from malaria in several districts in Rwanda and Ethiopia largely as a result of life-saving bed nets. Read the Article >>
Fighting Malaria, Public/Private Partnership Targets Disease
Earlier this month, the World Health Organization reported significant progress in the fight against malaria — a more than 50 percent reduction in deaths from malaria in several districts in Rwanda and Ethiopia largely as a result of life-saving bed nets. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: February 14, 2008 - The Washington Times
The population gap
The size of a country's economy depends fundamentally on two factors: how much each worker, on average, can produce and the absolute size of the active workforce. Business investment in new technology, modern production plants and better equipment are crucial, as these investments increase worker productivity, which in turn boosts total output, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP). Read the Article >>
The population gap
The size of a country's economy depends fundamentally on two factors: how much each worker, on average, can produce and the absolute size of the active workforce. Business investment in new technology, modern production plants and better equipment are crucial, as these investments increase worker productivity, which in turn boosts total output, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP). Read the Article >>
Op-ed: February 13, 2008 - ChamberPost
Perspective on the Mortgage Crisis
Finally, someone has hit on a key issue that too many commentators have preferred to ignore: subprime mortgages were partially a response by lenders to the increasing inability of ordinary families to afford a home. Read the Article >>
Perspective on the Mortgage Crisis
Finally, someone has hit on a key issue that too many commentators have preferred to ignore: subprime mortgages were partially a response by lenders to the increasing inability of ordinary families to afford a home. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: February 4, 2008 - ChamberPost
What the Rankings Tell Us
Utah tops the Beacon Hill Institute's 2007 State Competitiveness Rankings, passing last year's leader, Massachusetts, which moved into second place this year. The rankings show which states have better policies in place for sustaining high levels of per capita income and continued economic growth. Read the Article >>
What the Rankings Tell Us
Utah tops the Beacon Hill Institute's 2007 State Competitiveness Rankings, passing last year's leader, Massachusetts, which moved into second place this year. The rankings show which states have better policies in place for sustaining high levels of per capita income and continued economic growth. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: February 1, 2008 - The Washington Times
Citizen service
In the aftermath of September 11 and before a near-record State of the Union audience of more than 50 million Americans in 2002, Mr. Bush called on every American to give two years of their lives in service to the nation and announced the largest civic engagement initiative since Franklin Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps. He issued a call to service that echoes down the ages. Read the Article >>
Citizen service
In the aftermath of September 11 and before a near-record State of the Union audience of more than 50 million Americans in 2002, Mr. Bush called on every American to give two years of their lives in service to the nation and announced the largest civic engagement initiative since Franklin Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps. He issued a call to service that echoes down the ages. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: Winter 2008 - The New Atlantis
The Clipboard of the Future
Most Americans have instantaneous access to their banking records over the Internet. They can see cancelled checks, pay bills, switch investment portfolios, and schedule alerts to help them stay on top of their finances. But they never see their medical records, do not have ready access to their children's immunization history, forget the last time they had their cholesterol checked, do not know if their blood pressure is normal or elevated, and generally have no idea what all the tests they have had over the years mean for the likelihood they may face a serious illness, like cancer or heart disease. Read the Article >>
The Clipboard of the Future
Most Americans have instantaneous access to their banking records over the Internet. They can see cancelled checks, pay bills, switch investment portfolios, and schedule alerts to help them stay on top of their finances. But they never see their medical records, do not have ready access to their children's immunization history, forget the last time they had their cholesterol checked, do not know if their blood pressure is normal or elevated, and generally have no idea what all the tests they have had over the years mean for the likelihood they may face a serious illness, like cancer or heart disease. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: January 20, 2008 - The Cincinnati Enquirer
Hillary, Armstrong, Washington - 'first men' who set the tone
The death of Sir Edmund Hillary this month elicited reflections on his life and character. From all accounts, Hillary was a good and decent man who climbed Everest for the adventure, not the fame. Humility and competence seem to be the common thread uniting three "First Men" - George Washington, Neil Armstrong and Edmund Hillary. Read the Article >>
Hillary, Armstrong, Washington - 'first men' who set the tone
The death of Sir Edmund Hillary this month elicited reflections on his life and character. From all accounts, Hillary was a good and decent man who climbed Everest for the adventure, not the fame. Humility and competence seem to be the common thread uniting three "First Men" - George Washington, Neil Armstrong and Edmund Hillary. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: January 17, 2008 - The Washington Times
Reforming education
What's needed now is a renewed emphasis on a strong parental role in education. For too long, parents have been an afterthought in education policy, even as studies continue to confirm they are the key to educational success. Indeed, hands-on parental involvement has been found to be more important than socioeconomic status in predicting a child's academic achievement. Read the Article >>
Reforming education
What's needed now is a renewed emphasis on a strong parental role in education. For too long, parents have been an afterthought in education policy, even as studies continue to confirm they are the key to educational success. Indeed, hands-on parental involvement has been found to be more important than socioeconomic status in predicting a child's academic achievement. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: November 14, 2007 - Washington Post
High Achievers, Left Behind
The difference in earnings between a college and a high school graduate is greater now than it has been in 90 years. And as our economy continues to create jobs that reward post-secondary education with higher pay, the odds are that faster upward mobility will continue to be linked with education. Read the Article >>
High Achievers, Left Behind
The difference in earnings between a college and a high school graduate is greater now than it has been in 90 years. And as our economy continues to create jobs that reward post-secondary education with higher pay, the odds are that faster upward mobility will continue to be linked with education. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: November 12, 2007 - Washington Times
Wiping out malaria
The world is mobilizing to attack the single leading cause of death among children in Africa — a preventable and treatable disease called malaria — and good progress is being made. Read the Article >>
Wiping out malaria
The world is mobilizing to attack the single leading cause of death among children in Africa — a preventable and treatable disease called malaria — and good progress is being made. Read the Article >>
Op-ed: October 17, 2007 - Washington Times
Independent workers in '08
Today, independent workers constitute more than 30 percent of the U.S. workforce and are among the most politically and civically active Americans. Despite their growing importance, independent workers are absent from policy debates in Washington and health-care plans announced by presidential campaigns. Read the Article >>
Independent workers in '08
Today, independent workers constitute more than 30 percent of the U.S. workforce and are among the most politically and civically active Americans. Despite their growing importance, independent workers are absent from policy debates in Washington and health-care plans announced by presidential campaigns. Read the Article >>
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Op-ed: September 1, 2007 - TIME Magazine
Let's Get Connected
America could really use a civics lesson. And it's about to get one. The National Conference on Citizenship, a federally chartered nonprofit founded in 1946 to strengthen civic ties, will release the first Civic Health Index next week, tracking changes in the awareness and engagement of the citizenry over the past three decades. Read the Article >> -
Op-ed: July 26, 2007 - The Washington Post
A Program Already Serving the World
Walter Isaacson's July 9 op-ed, "A Vision to Match the Threat," outlined six bold ideas to combat new global challenges. One of those ideas -- "a corps of trained doctors, engineers, teachers, administrators and municipal workers" for service abroad -- is already in place. Read the Article >> -
Op-ed: June 1, 2007 - The Washington Times
National parks for a new century
The 391 sites of the national park system should be places that bring people together around common purposes of enjoyment, recreation, learning and personal renewal. They also can foster unity by protecting some of our finest historic, cultural and natural resources... Read the Article >> -
Op-ed: May 10, 2007 - The Washington Times
Stemming the Dropout Tide
Now, there is a clear sense of urgency and purpose behind efforts to reduce the number of dropouts. As evidence of the growing momentum, today a national dropout summit in Washington, DC... will bring educators and policymakers from all 50 states together with innovators and experts to throw down the gauntlet for reform. Read the Article >> -
Op-ed: February 8, 2007 - The Washington Times
A centennial challenge
This week, the president's release of a multibillion-dollar centennial plan will be an important step in determining what national park system we celebrate in 2016. Read the article >> -
Op-ed: January 28, 2007 - Cincinnati Enquirer
Hope, progress abound vs. malaria in Africa
A new nonprofit effort called Malaria No More is mobilizing a global, grass-roots network of millions of people to combat malaria and has agreed to come alongside the Rwandan Church to assist them in training volunteers, and closing gaps in prevention and treatment. -
Op-ed: December 13, 2006 - McClatchy Company
A New War in Rwanda
Rwanda has been a place of tragedy; it is now a land of hope. Read the Article >> -
Op-ed: December 12, 2006 - Washington Times
Saving millions of lives
Can a disease that needlessly kills a million Africans and makes another 300 million worldwide sick every year awaken the national and global consciousness? We are about to find out. -
Op-ed: October 4, 2006 - Washington Times
Civic priorities, Take Greater Stock In Giving Back
The National Conference on Citizenship, a non-profit created by Congress to strengthen our civic ties, recently released its new Civic Health Index, which charts our nation's civic progress over the last 30 years. While there are signs of civic recovery in areas of national focus, our civic health shows steep declines in most of 40 measures. Read the Article >> -
Op-ed: September 27, 2006 - Washington Times
Help youths in need
Congress has an opportunity to fix some costly problems that affect the hundreds of federal programs that target disadvantaged youth. Read the Article >> -
Op-ed: September 10, 2006 - TIME Magazine
Let's Get Connected
America could really use a civics lesson. And it's about to get one. The National Conference on Citizenship, a federally chartered nonprofit founded in 1946 to strengthen civic ties, will release the first Civic Health Index next week, tracking changes in the awareness and engagement of the citizenry over the past three decades. Read the Article >> - July 26, 2006 - Looking out for dropouts
Published by The Washington Times
Every year, almost one-third of all public high-school students -- and nearly one-half of minority students -- fail to graduate from public high school with their class.
Read the full article at The Washington Times - Apr. 27, 2006 - The challenge for faith-based initiatives
Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer
Given constitutional fidelity, administrative true grit, and adequate funding, faith-based initiatives can do what leaders in both parties inside and beyond the beltway sincerely want them to do, namely, measurably help millions in need.
Read the full article at The Philadelphia Inquirer - Mar. 8, 2006 - An agenda of compassion that works
Published by The Washington Times
The future of the compassion agenda will require smarter policies to help those prosperity has left behind.
Read the full article at The Washington Times - Oct. 13, 2005 - IFC Wasn't Attempting to 'Blame America First'
Published by the Wall Street Journal
All of this is now history, and the IFC will not be built at Ground Zero. I do wish for something hopeful to emerge at Ground Zero so this place will tell the full story of 9/11 – both the tragedy and the service and sacrifice that helped transcend the suffering.
Read the full article - Sep. 23, 2005 - At Ground Zero
Published by the New York Sun
Leaders in New York City will soon decide their plans for ground zero, including whether an institution already designated for the site after a long and very public competition - the International Freedom Center - will survive.
Read the full article - July 15, 2005 - An example for Boomers
Published by the Cincinnatti Post
Efforts to foster a civic reawakening after Sept. 11, 2001 have been successful in boosting volunteerism, increasing national service programs and engaging Americans in protecting the homeland. But one gap is the failure to engage the millions of Baby Boomers who will start to retire as early as next January. - May 27, 2005 - Saving a Majestic Bird from Extinction
Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer
So endangered that most bird guides list Campephilus principalis as extinct, the ivory-billed woodpecker has now been found. For centuries, it has inspired its finders, and for six decades it has been silent.
Read the full article (PDF) - Apr. 29 2005 - Rep. Portman has served his district well
Published by The Cincinnati Post
When I asked Portman in 1993 why he wanted to run for Congress, he said 'it's a national platform from which to do good.' And a lot of good he did.
Read the full article (PDF) - Winter 2005 - In Service to the Nation: the Corporate and Philanthropic Challenge in Communities
Published by the Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy
In recent weeks, two former U.S. Presidents joined forces with President Bush to mobilize Americans to give aid to survivors of the Tsunami through the USA Freedom Corps.
Read the full article (PDF) - Dec. 3, 2004 - A nation of doers needs to do more
Published by the Philadelphia Inquirer
The benefits of a culture of shared citizenship are immense. With some extra effort, we could foster a kind of civic renewal that comes only once or twice a century. That is something that could unite us all.
Read the full article - July 1, 2004 - In tandem, volunteers can do more
Published by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Read the full article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (PDF) - Dec. 2, 2003 - Building a culture of service
Published by The Wasington Times
In the aftermath of September 11, President Bush sought to foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility. In his 2002 State of the Union, he asked every American to give at least two years of their lives in service to others.
Read the full article at The Washington Times
Op-ed: Spring 2007 - The New Atlantis
What's Ailing Health Care?
The medical revolution has not just saved lives; there has also been a marked improvement in the quality of life for millions of Americans... The paradox, of course, is that while medical breakthroughs have vastly improved the length and quality of life for millions of Americans, there is a growing sense of frustration and restlessness about the American system of health care. It is not without cause. Read the Article >>
What's Ailing Health Care?
The medical revolution has not just saved lives; there has also been a marked improvement in the quality of life for millions of Americans... The paradox, of course, is that while medical breakthroughs have vastly improved the length and quality of life for millions of Americans, there is a growing sense of frustration and restlessness about the American system of health care. It is not without cause. Read the Article >>