The Ripon Forum

Volume 50, No. 1

February 2016

In this edition

By on February 15, 2016
In this edition

by LOU ZICKAR

Abraham Lincoln once called education the “most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.” In recent years, education has also been a subject that has fallen victim to partisan gridlock and political dysfunction. The recent enactment of a plan to rewrite the No Child Left Behind Act was a victory over this dysfunction.

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The Challenge of Our Time

By on February 15, 2016
The Challenge of Our Time

by ADAM KINZINGER

Make no mistake: ISIS has declared war on Western Civilization. In the wake of the Paris attacks, the downing of a Russian passenger jet, and the mass-shooting in San Bernardino, the world can no longer deny the very real global reach of ISIS and the imminent danger it poses to us all if it is not destroyed.

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Ohio: A Sure Bet as Battleground and Bellwether

By on February 15, 2016
Ohio: A Sure Bet as Battleground and Bellwether

by BEN TOLL & BRYAN W. MARSHALL

Ohio is both a battleground and bellwether for presidential elections. It is highly competitive and carries a relatively large electoral vote prize for presidential aspirants. It is also a perennial predictor of presidential elections.

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How to Say Goodbye

By on February 15, 2016
How to Say Goodbye

by EDWARD J. LARSON

“And then we’ll teach them how to say goodbye,” is how George Washington depicted the writing of his Farewell Address in the rap musical Hamilton. Of course, he already knew how to say goodbye. He’d mastered that act in 1783 when he’d retired as commander in chief following the American Revolution.

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The Every Student Succeeds Act & What Lies Ahead

By on February 15, 2016
The Every Student Succeeds Act & What Lies Ahead

by FREDERICK M. HESS

While the recent rewrite of the No Child Left Behind Act got many things right, even those who regard it as a clear conservative triumph have noted that it’s no more than three-quarters of a loaf.

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Bridging the Economic School Divide

By on February 15, 2016
Bridging the Economic School Divide

by RICHARD D. KAHLENBERG

The flight of wealthy students from public to private schools is a constitutional right of families. But according to this education expert, it’s also a cause for concern.

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Earning While You’re Learning Through Apprenticeships

By on February 15, 2016
Earning While You’re Learning Through Apprenticeships

by TIM SCOTT

Apprenticeships are a proven way to help people develop in-demand skills and to meet the needs of employers, yet they comprise just 0.2% of the nation’s workforce.

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Jobs for America’s Graduates: Demonstrating Consistent Success for Highest-Risk Youth

By on February 15, 2016
Jobs for America’s Graduates:   Demonstrating Consistent Success for Highest-Risk Youth

by KEN SMITH

Here’s something every policymaker concerned about educating and boosting employment for the most at-risk youth should know: there is a program that works.

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The Battle for the Middle Class: A Ripon Society National Survey

By on February 15, 2016
The Battle for the Middle Class: A Ripon Society National Survey

by ED GOEAS & BRIAN NIENABER

With the 2016 election upon us, The Ripon Society conducted a national survey to examine the political environment and views of a key part of the American electorate.

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Ripon Profile of Elise Stefanik

By on February 15, 2016
Ripon Profile of Elise Stefanik

The Representative of New York’s 21st Congressional District talks about her first job and the lessons she learned from it, her job on Capitol Hill today, and the challenge facing the people she represents that she is working hard to address.

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