“Ideas that matter,
since 1965.”

Ripon Forum
Vol. 50, No. 4

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In this edition

by LOU ZICKAR As much as Americans may be frustrated with this year’s presidential election and the individuals who are seeking to lead our democracy, it may a good time to remember the individuals who are putting their lives on the line to defend it every day.

By Ripon Society

Debate

A Common Sense Step in the Fight Against Terrorism

If an individual can’t board a plane in the United States because of the dangerous risk they may pose, then there is no reason they should be able to purchase a firearm.

By Ripon Society

Debate

Terrorize Terrorists by Being Armed

The gun-free zone is not a crime fighting tool any more than is the background check. Armed citizens are the only way to protect life from terrorists and other criminals while waiting for the police.

By Ripon Society

Gaming the Debates: Trump is tough, but is Hillary tougher?

When Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump meet in the first presidential debate, it will be one of the most widely anticipated events in recent political history. What can we expect when they take the stage?

By Ripon Society

THE IRON LADY IN 2016

With the world a more dangerous place than at any time since the end of the Cold Way, an examination of how Margaret Thatcher might deal with today’s volatile global threats.

By Ripon Society

A Better Way for America’s Military

The next President will confront two realities. One is that the world has grown more dangerous under President Obama’s watch. The second is that America’s military is approaching a crisis point.

By Ripon Society

Older, Smaller and Weaker: Dangerous trends for the U.S. military

After 15 years of war, the U.S. military is barely large enough to win one major conflict, and is forced to get by with poor training and aging equipment.

By Ripon Society

Reining in the NSC

The coming transition to a new administration has raised renewed questions about the size and influence of the National Security Council and its staff.

By Ripon Society

Health Independence for Veterans

The VA is one of the few examples in the industrialized world of fully socialized medicine. With the Department plagued by scandal and chronic mismanagement, now is the time to change that.

By Ripon Society

READINESS VS. STEADINESS

To the extent that 2016 is a “change” election, it’s safe to say that the biggest change in defense policy over the next four years will occur if Donald Trump is elected to the White House.

By Ripon Society

Ripon Profile of Jeff Flake

The Senator from Arizona reveals his proudest achievement since coming to the Senate and the one thing in American politics that he would most like to change.

By Ripon Society

Ripon Profile of Jeff Flake

ripon-profile-of-jeff-flakeName: Jeff Flake

Occupation: U.S. Senator from the State of Arizona

First job held & lesson that you learned from it: Milking cows. I learned I didn’t want to milk cows for the rest of my life.

Proudest achievement since your election to the Senate in 2012: Playing a role in restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba after 54 years of isolation.

Challenge facing the people of Arizona that you’re working hard to address: Making sure that Arizona’s rights regarding Colorado River water are respected.

Finish this sentence: “If I could change one thing about American politics, it would be…” That we could treat those across the political aisle as often wrong but rarely evil.

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