The Ripon Forum
Volume 50, No. 4
September 2016
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.
A Common Sense Step in the Fight Against Terrorism
by CARLOS CURBELO
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.
Terrorize Terrorists by Being Armed
by LARRY PRATT
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.
Gaming the Debates: Trump is tough, but is Hillary tougher?
by KIM ALFANO, CARRIE ALMOND, BRETT O’DONNELL, ALAN SCHROEDER & ROBERT TRAYNHAM
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?
THE IRON LADY IN 2016
by ANDREW GAMBLE
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.
A Better Way for America’s Military
by MAC THORNBERRY
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.
Older, Smaller and Weaker: Dangerous trends for the U.S. military
by JUSTIN T. JOHNSON
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.
Reining in the NSC
by LUKE STRANGE
The coming transition to a new administration has raised renewed questions about the size and influence of the National Security Council and its staff.
Health Independence for Veterans
by AVIK ROY
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.
READINESS VS. STEADINESS
by FORUM EDITORIAL STAFF
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.
