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Ladies for Liberty
with author John Blundell
Please join Northwood University and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy on Monday, October 3, 2011 as we welcome author John Blundell and "Ladies for Liberty" at the Doan History Center in Midland.
moreLive Simulcast of "Beyond the Bailout" Forum
A Mackinac Center for Public Policy Panel on Saving the American Automobile Industry
The Difference One Can Make (Monograph)
Character saves lives, as the story of Nicholas Winton teaches us. It also defines each one of us as a person and in the process, shapes entire nations and determines their course. This is why the Mackinac Center for Public Policy has devoted talent and resources to the character issue. Though much of our work focuses on specific public policy issues, we know that good policy ultimately derives from good character. That’s another way of saying that we shouldn’t expect government to be any better than the people it reflects. We hope that these two essays will help spark a revival of interest in the critical role that character plays in a free society. more
Restoring Our Heritage of Property Rights
America’s Founders created a system of government designed to protect property rights. The Founders were influenced by the 17th century philosopher John Locke, who held that everyone who labored had a natural right to property. Property rights, he wrote, reward effort and reduce conflict. Preserving “lives, liberties, and estates” is “the great and chief end” of government. more
Forging Consensus Comments by George Clowes and Jay Greene
with Responses from the Author
This paper summarizes the comments offered by Dr. George Clowes and Dr. Jay P. Greene on my essay "Forging Consensus: Can the School Choice Community Come Together on an Explicit Goal and a Plan for Achieving It," as well as providing my responses to those comments.[1] Though it was written shortly after the comments were submitted, its release was deferred until permission to publish them was received. A complete, slightly revised version of Dr. Clowes’ comments is now available on-line.[2]
The sections that follow present the reviewers’ comments, grouped by topic. Comments are formatted as block quotations and ascribed to either Dr. Clowes (GC) or Dr. Greene (JPG). My responses appear in the body of the text.
Dr. Clowes is a senior fellow of the Heartland Institute and contributing editor of the paper School Choice News. Dr. Greene is a senior fellow of the Manhattan Institute, and author of numerous scientific studies of American schools and school choice programs.
[1]
http://www.mackinac.org/6517
[2]
http://www.heartland.org/Article.cfm?artId=16914
With Clear Eyes, Sincere Hearts and Open Minds
A Second Look at Public Education in America
Mr. Andrew J. Coulson writes this introspective piece embodying the exact characteristics described in its title: clear eyes, sincere hearts, open minds. A non-political, logical, heart-felt, and very necessary in-depth look at America's system of schooling. more
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy Library
A list of classic free-market books by Mackinac Center for Public Policy scholars
A list of classic free-market titles by Mackinac Center for Public Policy scholars. more
The (New) Three R's: Recycling, Rationing, and Regulation
Speech given by Ms. Diane Katz, then-editorial writer for The Detroit News, at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy's 8th Annual Scholars Summit, held Nov. 9-10, 2001, in Midland. more
Four Principles and a Challenge
Remarks by Mackinac Center President Lawrence Reed at the Michigan Association of Public School Academies's fourth annual conference, "Education's New Leadership," held in Ypsilanti Nov. 7-8, 2001, as part of a debate with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Watkins. more
Tocqueville, We Are Here
Americans in our determination to win the struggle against our enemies must be vigilant lest we lose, in the process, our identity as a free society. Our heritage of liberty will not be overtly abandoned. But there is the danger that it will be gradually hollowed out by one concession after another in the name of a comfortable and risk-free existence-a powerful impulse in modern culture for decades now, and far more so since Sept. 11. more
The Case for School Choice
Prepared for the Revenue Taxation Committee, Oklahoma House of Representatives
Nov. 5, 2001 testimony of Mackinac Center Director of Education Policy Matthew Brouillette before the Oklahoma House of Representatives's Revenue and Taxation Committee on the issue of increasing school choice in that state. more
Setting a Higher Standard of Accountability in Public Education
Charter schools have accepted the challenge of serving two masters. As public schools of choice, they are accountable to both the government-through the state and their authorizers-and the market-through parents, students, and the community. more
Tax Cuts: Tonic for an Ailing Economy
Testimony by Mackinac Center for Public Policy President Lawrence W. Reed before two panels of the Michigan Legislature-first the House Commerce Committee and then the Senate Economic Development Committee-on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001. more
School Finance Reform Lessons from Michigan
On October 10, 2001, Mackinac Center education policy expert Matthew J. Brouillette testified before the Pennsylvania House of Representative's Select Committee on Public Education Funding. The committee was created for the purpose of making recommendations for a new system of funding for public education in the Keystone State. Brouillette was called upon by Pennsylvania Rep. Jeff Coleman to inform the committee about Michigan's experience with school finance reform (Proposal A of 1994) and the lessons Pennsylvania might learn from the Great Lakes State. more
Are We Going the Way of Rome?
This transcript of a popular speech delivered by Mackinac Center for Public Policy's President Lawrence Reed more than 100 times in the past 15 years contains a very provocative and timeless message. The ancient Roman civilization decayed largely because Romans sacrificed liberty for the false security of the welfare state. Parallels between ancient Rome and recent American history offer important warnings about our nation's direction. 4 pages.
more
WNEM5 Report: Schools and Privatization
In this video clip, Mackinac Center Director of Education Policy Matthew Brouillette explains for WNEM5 television viewers the benefits of outsourcing non-instructional school services. more
The Case for Keeping Taxes Low
Michigan Speaker of the House to Address Mackinac Center Friends and Supporters on May 18, 2001
My Union Doesn't Represent Me!
What Are My Choices?
Nearly one million Michigan workers belong to unions, but most have no idea what to do if their union is abusive or unresponsive. This brochure provides straightforward answers to the most common questions of union members who wish to exercise their right to "decertify" their current union and pursue other means of representation at the bargaining table. A contact list of organizations that provide workers with more help and information is included. more
Teachers: You Don't Have to Pay for Union Political Spending
Many teachers routinely see their union dues being spent on behalf of social or political causes with which they disagree, and too often this is because they do not know their rights in a unionized work environment.
This brochure lets teachers know they cannot legally be forced to join a union, can resign their union membership if they wish, and can stop being forced to pay for activities other than those involved with representation before management. A full list of organizations teachers can contact for more help and information is included. more
There is a Solution to the Crisis in Education.
But it Requires Leaders Like You.
The Mackinac Center has launched the Education Reform Leadership Project, an exciting training program that is equipping citizen leaders throughout Michigan to effectively champion school choice and help solve Michigan's education crisis. This brochure explains how parents, teachers, and concerned citizens from all walks of life can get involved to become the education reform leaders of Michigan's future. more
Investing In Ideas
Investing in ideas – the right ones, not just any ideas – is a long-term investment, but one that has a return every bit as tangible as the purchase of stock. The return on that investment – a stronger, freer society – is the one yield that won't raise your tax bill and will go a long way to assure that your children live as free and prosperous citizens.
moreCultural Advancement through Policy Innovation
This brochure is the most comprehensive, yet concise, introduction to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. It answers common questions: What is the Mackinac Center? How does it help Michigan? What are the Center's ideas? What are its accomplishments? How does it influence policy? Why does Michigan need the Mackinac Center? This is the best publication for introducing your friends to the Center. more
High School Debate Workshop Registration Kit
Over 4,000 Michigan high school debaters and their teachers have honed skills and deepened their understanding of the annual debate resolution to help prepare them for a tough season of competition. Nationally renowned experts help students and teachers learn the history and economic, political, and social implications of each year's topic. Championship debate teams credit these day-long workshops with helping them win. Students pay a nominal fee to attend their choice of five Michigan locations in early Fall. more
Right To Know Payroll Form FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions about the Right To Know Payroll Form are answered. more
Freedom from Bad Labor Advice
This informative resource gives workers straight answers to common questions about labor unions and employee rights and responsibilities. The question-and-answer format helps workers understand how federal labor law affects them directly on topics including mandatory union membership and payment of dues. Public employees, including teachers, will also benefit from this handy brochure. more
The Right to Know Payroll Form Kit
Employers across the country are finding The Right To Know Payroll Form an easy, effective way for employers to show their workers the true cost of government with every paycheck. An informative four-page brochure explains how to modify pay stubs to show line-by-line the hidden government-mandated costs paid by the company on behalf of the worker. These costs include employer-paid Social Security and Medicare taxes, unemployment and workers' compensation insurance, and other costly mandates. The Right To Know Payroll Form helps employees be better informed in the democratic process by shattering the myth that taxes, regulations, and mandates on businesses do not affect them personally. more
The Role of Government in the 21st Century
Testimony Before the U.S. Senate Budget Committee
What do economics, experience, and political philosophy tell us about government and its proper role in society? In this time of great change in Washington and in the 50 states, Mackinac Center for Public Policy President Lawrence Reed addressed that critical question before a field hearing of the United States Senate Budget Committee. This transcript of his testimony, founded on seven key ideas, is inspirational. more
The Power of Positive Example
In this transcription of his May 1994 Commencement address at Central Michigan University, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
President Lawrence Reed argues that it is counterproductive to try to reform the world by force or political decree while allowing our
own personal lives to fall into disrepair.The best way to win others to a worthy cause is to serve as an attractive beacon instead of a
hypocritical pontificator. Makes a great gift for graduates.10 pages. more
Designing a Comprehensive State-Level Privatization Program
This manual addresses privatization opportunities at the state level and offers suggestions for identifying opportunities, employing techniques, and minimizing opposition. 20 pages. more
Designing Comprehensive Privatization Programs for Cities
This guide explains how privatization programs can help cities cut costs. Topics include identifying appropriate privatization opportunities, developing programs, and overcoming obstacles. 20 pages. more
Designing an Effective Bidding and Monitoring System to Minimize Problems in Competitive Contracting
Problems can be avoided in the privatization process if the proper guidelines are followed-the use of performance bonds, the elements of a competitive bid process, the rules for comprehensive monitoring, and judging contractor effectiveness. 12 pages. more
How to Compare Costs Between In-House Contracted Services
Public officials need accurate cost comparisons of in-house vs. outsourcing to make informed decisions. This guide presents a step-by-step approach for assessing the true cost of providing services. 18 pages. more
Competitive Contracting of Transit Services
This manual provides answers to the costly woes of transportation. When transit bus service, for instance, is competitively contracted out to private firms, savings range from 30 percent to 60 percent with no reduction in safety or service quality. 20 pages. more
Privatization Opportunities for States
State leaders need ways to streamline government and reduce budgets. This guide will give information on privatization in corrections, education, state parks, health, social services, agriculture, and transportation. 28 pages. more
Costs Savings from Privatization
A Compilation of Study Findings
This compilation of findings provides a substantial body of research that has documented significant savings from privatization. Citing 100+ studies, this report demonstrates real cost savings from the privatization of dozens of government services. 20 pages. more
Set of 7 Privatization Guides
Over 130 pages of helpful information!
These seven privatization manuals were produced and have been made available to Michigan officials by the Mackinac Center in cooperation with the California-based Reason Foundation. more
