Backgrounder: The Truth About Growth
by John Gaski, Ph.D. A perennial, or at least quadrennial, staple of Democratic Party argumentation is the claim that economic-growth rates under Democratic presidents outpace those under Republican presidents. Recently, Hillary Clinton resurrected this familiar mantra. But a closer look at the numbers tells a different story. Every president’s economic record benefits (or suffers) from Read the full article…

Indiana at 200 (78): Eugene Debs
by Andrea Neal “The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and all to lose, especially their lives.” With those words — and a few more Read the full article…

White Paper: Student-Based Budgeting
“Aristocracy is society’s default position. For those who stand at America’s commanding heights, social and income mobility is precisely what must be opposed, and a broken educational system wonderfully serves the purpose.” ― F.H. Buckley in “The Way Back: Restoring the Promise of America” The late Dr. Charlie Rice, a Notre Dame law professor and Read the full article…

The Outstater: Why not Import a Mayor?
by Craig Ladwig The mayor of my city is an average fellow. That is said in a good way. He can relate to the regulars of any neighborhood tavern. And except for the occasional Republican challenger, he has a nice word for everyone. He is a man who clearly means well. Our mayor’s previous jobs Read the full article…

Huston: Conservative Criticism Is a Constant
IN OCTOBER OF 1980 conservatives gathered in Washington for a dinner commemorating the 20th anniversary of the founding of Young Americans for Freedom (YAF). Following the dinner, a few of the old-timers retreated to Bill Buckley’s suite for drinks and conversation. Bill, stretched out on the floor, was the center of attention and the moderator Read the full article…

Op-Ed: TIF Merely ‘Chases’ the Economy
by Martina Webster In my county we have an issue with tax increment financing (TIF). As of 2014, almost 20 percent of our property taxes go into multiple TIF funds instead of the appropriate taxing units. Our school districts, libraries and general funds lose millions every year to the specially carved out TIF districts, which Read the full article…

