Ripon Forum


Vol. 51, No. 5

November 2017

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In this edition

Amid all the bad news coming out of Washington, DC these days, there is a lot of good work being done by inspiring individuals who are quietly trying to make government work better for the American people.

Common Sense in the Wake of Disaster

The National Flood Insurance Program is no longer just a program for hurricane-prone areas. It is a program for the entire U.S., and it needs to be reformed.

Partisan Politics is Unhealthy for America

The continuation of failed efforts in Congress to avert the Obamacare health care crisis has put a spotlight on its unhealthiest habit: partisan gridlock.

What Would Michel Do?

In light of today’s gridlock and the need for Congress to reassert its authority, the late Republican Leader’s insights and approach to legislating are needed now more than ever.

To Modernize Congress, Strengthen its Ability to Deliberate

The long-term health of Congress depends on reforming the institution in a way that that strengthens, rather than bypasses, its deliberative features.

From Silicon Valley to Washington, DC

Last December, Matt Cutts officially quit Google to join the U.S. Digital Service. Today, he is helping to lead the effort to modernize the government.

Why Federal IT Systems need to be Brought Into the 21st Century

The federal government is one of the last bastions for information technology that was built in a bygone century – some of it approaching 50 years old.

Data-Driven Government

America’s governors and the states they run are using evidence-based techniques such as big data, business intelligence, cloud platforms and redictive analysis to solve public policy problems.

Reactions & Regulation in the Age of Computational Propaganda

Regulation against certain uses of disinformation tools, such as bots, would be a welcome development. Legislation targeting digital tools themselves, however, could be detrimental to the internet and free speech.

The EMP Threat Facing the United States

For those able to execute an unconstrained analysis of today’s threat environment, the single most urgent concern for America is what threatens her electric grid.

How Tax Reform can Boost Competitiveness

There is strong evidence that high corporate tax rates deter investment. This is especially worrisome because the United States has the highest tax rate among OECD countries.

Ripon Profile of Jenniffer González-Colón

The Congresswoman from Puerto Rico discusses the effort she is leading to rebuild the island terroritory in the wake of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.