The Ripon Forum
Volume 48, No. 1
Winter 2014 Issue
In this Edition
by LOU ZICKAR
Every time there is a mass shooting in America, a predictable political storyline unfolds — Democrats and those on the left say it’s time to pass tougher gun laws, while Republicans and those on the right say it’s time to reform the way we treat the mentally ill.
The Fight to Rebuild Our Broken Mental Health System
by TIM MURPHY
Over 2 million Americans with serious mental illness go without treatment each year. This Congressman believes it’s time to help them, and he’s got a plan to do just that.
The Real Mental Health Crisis in America
by DJ JAFFE
According to this expert and activist, the problem facing the nation’s mental health system is not one of money. Rather, it’s one of misplaced priorities.
The Wisconsin Example
by ROBIN VOS
The Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly discusses how his state is reinvesting in mental health care and a package of reforms that was recently approved.
A Q&A with Gordon Smith
Over a decade after the death of his son, this former Oregon Senator is spearheading a campaign to raise awareness of depression and end the stigma of the disease.
The Invisible Wounds of War
by PATRICIA DRISCOLL
Today, one veteran commits suicide every 65 minutes. A look at the work being done to end this epidemic and care for the combat-related injuries that no one can see.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
by MARY GILIBERTI
After years of deep budget cuts, an examination of why investing in mental health care not only saves money, but saves lives.
A Proactive Step Toward Better Cyber Security
by PATRICK MEEHAN
At a time when Congress is seemingly paralyzed by dysfunction, progress is being made to keep America’s cyberspace secure.
In Pursuit of the American Dream
by GREG SMITH and ROGER FORTIN
Is it possible to quantify happiness? These two researchers think they have developed a formula that will do just that.
The New Politics of Evasion
by WILLIAM A. GALSTON and ELAINE C. KAMARCK
A quarter century after Democrats moved to the center to regain relevance, a look back at their move and the lessons fore Republicans todya.
