On the Commons

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Politics and Government

Just as government is needed to help markets function efficiently and fairly, government is also necessary to facilitate a thriving commons — through regulatory oversight, access mandates, taxes and due process. Yet a key point of the commons movement is that government is not the sole means for fulfilling the aspirations of “we the people.”

Business Can't Win the Privatization Game Without a Handicap

June 4, 2012 | by David Morris

Private sector depends on public subsidies to compete with public sector

The Pirate Party Shakes Up European Politics

May 8, 2012 | by admin

New commons-based movement gains ground in Sweden and Germany

Is Mitt Romney a Commoner?

April 6, 2012 | By Jay Walljasper

Republicans claim that volunteers can replace government services. Not without strongly pro-commons policies.

Challenging the Republican's Five Myths on Inequality

January 19, 2012 | By David Morris

The Republican position on inequality rests on five statements, all false.

Reclaiming and Redefining America's Hopes

November 16, 2011 | By Jay Walljasper

The commons worldview can helps us accomplish great things together--really

Elinor Ostrom Outlines Best Strategies for Managing the Commons

November 2, 2011 | By Jay Walljasper

Nobel Prize winner headlines the Minneapolis Festival of the Commons, co-sponsored by On the Commons

We Power

October 18, 2011 | By Julie Ristau & Alexa Bradley

From people's quiet yearnings, come new possibilities for a shift from me to we

Potential Partners We Don't Recognize

May 23, 2013 | By Jay Walljasper

Why local government, co-ops, community organizations and unions are commoners

From Berlin With Hope

May 22, 2013 | By Jay Walljasper

International Economics & the Commons Conference breaks new ground

Hidden Power Grab Stops Communities From Deciding Their Own Futures

May 8, 2013 | By David Morris

Increasingly states are quashing the power of local governments--and thwarting innovation

The Commons That Connects Us Six Days a Week

May 4, 2013 | By David Morris

The Post Office is under siege from many sides, but is showing political resilience

Summertime Ooooohhs!

May 1, 2013 | By Jay Walljasper

A disproportionately large share of our best memories happen in parks