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COMMONS MAGAZINE

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.”

August 16, 2012

For Good Customer Service Go to Government, Not Corporations

Have you tried to get through to your insurance company or bank recently?
August 7, 2012

After 20 Years, Charter Schools Stray From Their Original Mission

Instead of laboratories to improve all schools, many are now for-profit enterprises with poor report cards
August 3, 2012

Equity is Essential

8 ideas about how to advance equity in commons work
July 26, 2012

Latest Proposal to Kill Post Office Ignores Real Causes of Its Financial Crisis

Peter Orszag, Obama's former OMB director, stands to benefit from privatization of U.S. mail
July 25, 2012

Noam Chomsky: The Continuing Destruction of Our Commons

By the end of the century, the Magna Carta-- and democracy itself-- might be in shreds
July 15, 2012

What If We Had to Pay to See a Mountain?

A college class makes a witty video exploring the impact of the commons in their lives
July 13, 2012

An Infusion of Commons Thinking Can Transform the Future of Our Communities

David Motzenbecker of the Minneapolis Planning Commission explores participatory planning
June 29, 2012

America The Possible: A Manifesto For A Brighter Future

Sticking with the status quo will deny kids a chance to make their own choices
June 28, 2012

1st: Protect Obama's Health Care Reform. 2nd: Move Toward a Public Option

Lessons from Canada in creating a health care commons step-by-step
June 25, 2012

From Middle East to Wall Street, Justice Depends on Public Spaces

What happens when people have no place to gather as citizens?