This speech by David Morris was originally presented at the National Cooperative Business Association’s Cooperative Development Forum in June 1997 Continue reading
Market economies work best when they rely on accurate prices. Yet many of the prices we pay do not reflect the full costs of producing, using and disposing the goods we consume. The most important example of this mismatch may occur in the transportation sector. The price we pay at the pump for gasoline and… Continue reading
The Demise of Democracy? by David Morris May 20, 1997 – published in St. Paul Pioneer Press On May 8, three appointed judges of the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued a decision that marks a disastrous setback for those of us who believe that in a democracy it is the citizens who make the rules…. Continue reading
Diminishing Citizenship by David Morris May 6, 1997 – published in St. Paul Pioneer Press Some 2500 years ago the Greek city-states took a giant step toward true democracy when they invented the concept of citizenship. Last week, in Philadelphia President Clinton neutered that concept. In front of three applauding former Presidents and a cheering… Continue reading
Ethanol and Gasoline by David Morris April 22, 1997 – published in St. Paul Pioneer Press This Earth Week let’s talk about ethanol and gasoline. Back in the early 1920s car companies were designing more powerful, higher compression cars. They needed an additive to boost octane and eliminate engine knocking. With an octane rating of… Continue reading
Local vs. Absentee Ownership by David Morris March 25, 1997 – published in St. Paul Pioneer Press This month two enterprises died in our community and weÕre all the poorer for their passing. Some would say they died a natural death. But what passes for natural in the business world these days can be dangerous… Continue reading
Putting the Public Back into Public Policy by David Morris and Pamela Neary Institute for Local Self-Reliance Proponents and opponents of a centralized nuclear waste repository are both off the mark. The nuclear waste issue is more than an environmental, energy or economic issue. It goes to the heart of our federal-state relationship. It sets… Continue reading
The Budget Surpluses Challenge Us To Manage Our Own Affairs by David Morris March 13, 1997 – published in St. Paul Pioneer Press How glorious to be a state legislator these days. Budget surpluses in 48 of 50 states. Eight states with surpluses that exceed l0 percent of their budgets. A strong economy that continues… Continue reading
The Telecommunications Act Worsened the Situation by David Morris February 25, 1997 – published in St. Paul Pioneer Press A year ago the Telecommunications Act of 1996 became law. At the signing ceremony President Clinton promised the American people the Act would spur competition and give consumers “the benefits of lower prices, better quality and… Continue reading
The Airline Companies Savage Our Sense of Community by David Morris February 11, 1997 – published in St. Paul Pioneer Press Too often stories about the breakdown of community point to kids cursing their teachers or basketball players kicking photographers. Those are apt examples to be sure. Yet to me the breakdown of community is… Continue reading
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