The following papers from The Small “r” (TSr Institute) are available on Scribd:
The American Republic: A brief introduction to small “r” republicanism, why it disappeared, and how this centuries-old political framework continues to hold great potential in answering many of the social, political and economic ills for our modern, complex society.
Does Government Work?: A considered response to the growth of our Federal government. There is no deterministic reason for large, centralized government in a modern, complex society. This paper argues that, in fact, decentralized government works better in a modern, complex society. However, political elements and American society have to move beyond mere, simplistic calls for “smaller government” in order to achieve these ends. Citizens taking responsibility for their country is the starting point.
The Dignity of Humanity: An essay that briefly reviews the history of Western thought on humankind, how it influenced our economy, government and society along the way, and why this led to embracing hyperindividualism, paradoxically denying individualism and the dignity of humanity.
A Program of Reformation for Our Federal Government: Few would disagree with the contention that we have a seriously dysfunctional Federal government. Here are the next steps to reform it. All on one page.
The Chasm Between the Economy and Finance: A white paper on the world of finance, how its economic power has grown precipitously over the past three decades, its influence on government, and the need for a return to substantive finance and a working economy.
The Vanishing Middle: Stagnant incomes and rising debt loads eradicated American middle-income wealth over the past 30 years. Here’s why, and a way forward.
A Roadmap to Follow: Japan’s economic woes have reached a 20th anniversary. There are deep lessons to be learned here by Americans, particularly government leaders and policymakers. This paper presents an historical background for The Vanishing Middle, listed above.
The Aristocracy of Monied Corporations: How our justice system recognizes the personhood of corporations, using the 14th Amendment, and its implication for our political process.
Synthetic Inflation: Why food and energy prices, during an economic downturn. are rising, threatening American household budgets and delaying the economic recovery.
Urban Development for Agriculture: A look at urban redevelopment for agriculture usage, and the barriers facing the revitalization of underutilized areas.
Obesity: A Liberty? Or License?: Obesity is becoming an epidemic in America. So should First Lady Michelle Obama pursue a campaign against obesity? Or is this, as Sarah Palin contends, another example of “big brother” hovering over us? The implications for and alternatives to our healthcare system are discussed.
Legalizing Heroin?: The discussion of the legalization of drugs started with marijuana, and is now climbing into heroin’s back seat. Are we crossing a bridge too far?
Clean Hydrogen Dirty Secrets: Hydrogen-burning internal-combustion engines promise a cleaner environment, frees us from foreign energy dependence, and is a potentially cheap and plentiful source of energy as the hydrogen technologies develop. So why has the United States thrown hydrogen overboard?
Reinserting Citizens into U.S. Healthcare: The problem with U.S. healthcare isn’t public policy, it’s the absence of the patient in the decision-making process. Here’s a look at how to change this reality.
The Indirect and Remote Considerations of Policy Analysis: Ideologically bound politics, agenda setting and funding development drives policy analysis. So how does the well-formed argument strengthen such analysis at low cost and short time frames, yet ease comprehension and adoption by policymakers, stakeholders, constituents and donors? This strategy for policy analysis is discussed, and includes an application to a previously published economic analysis.
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