The Outstater: Ben Franklin’s Defense of the Middle Class
THE MIDDLE CLASS is in the news. Analysts say it is ignored by Republicans and misread by Democrats. It is thought to be the critical factor in winning the 2016 presidential election. Good. What is meant by the term, however, is less than flattering. It seems to be code for average, undistinguished, perhaps even low Read the full article…
Indiana at 200 (72): Sadly, Indiana Pioneered Eugenics
by Andrea Neal Long before Adolf Hitler espoused his ideas about a master race, Hoosier scientists advocated selective reproduction to improve the gene pool. Indiana Gov. J. Frank Hanly signed the nation’s first eugenics law in 1907, mandating sterilization of certain “criminals, idiots, rapists and imbeciles” in state custody. Thirty states followed suit. “Today they Read the full article…
The Outstater: LGBT or STEM
IT IS DIFFICULT for outsiders to follow the logic of a legislative session. There are decisions and votes that would make perfect sense — or so we are told — if we knew the backstory. Even so, comparing the history of two issues this session, both known by their acronym, one summarily killed without discussion Read the full article…
Watts: Who Took What Jobs?
by Tyler Watts, Ph.D. Demagogue politicians love to play on popular fears that low-wage foreigners are “stealing” good paying American jobs by way of outsourcing and globalization. The claim is made by nativists and protectionists of all political stripes, whether leftists complaining of a “rigged economy” or rightists speaking of other countries “beating” us economically. Read the full article…
Backgrounder: Dedicated Bus Lanes Are a Bust
The federal grant application for a rapid-transit system in Indianapolis was most interested in whether the construction of high-density housing near new bus stations could be subsidized. by Randal O’Toole IndyGo’s $96-million Red Line rapid-transit line is supposed to improve mobility and provide more sustainable transportation. In fact, it will do the opposite of both. Read the full article…
Study Questions Impact of Indy’s Red Line
Does Indianapolis Need Dedicated Bus Lanes? by Randal O’Toole The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo) has proposed to start a 37.5-mile bus-rapid transit service from Westfield, due north of downtown Indianapolis, to Greenwood, which is due south. Phase 1 of this route would start at 66th Street north of downtown and go to Hanna Avenue Read the full article…
