The Liberal Case Against Public Unions
Philip K. Howard, The Daily Beast
Derek Chauvin, the policeman who killed George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, had a history of citizen complaints and was thought to be “tightly wound,” not a trait ideal for someone patrolling the streets with a deadly weapon. But under the police union’s collective bargaining agreement, the police commissioner lacked the authority to dismiss Derek Chauvin, or even to reassign him.
Public Unions vs. the Public Good
Philip K. Howard, Reason (Not Accountable excerpt)
No society, organization, or group of people can function effectively without accountability. Accountability is essential for mutual trust. The prospect of accountability is the backdrop for a culture of shared energy and values. "A social organism of any sort whatever, large or small, is what it is because each member proceeds to his own duty," philosopher William James noted, "with a trust that the other members will simultaneously do theirs."
Our Democracy Can’t Do What’s Needed – Just Look at Our Crumbling Power Grid
Philip K. Howard, Marketwatch
The paralysis of modern democracies is often blamed on polarized politics. But there are structural causes for paralysis as well. These structural defects predated and fostered extremism and must be fixed for democracy to work again.
The Disease Killing Democracy Is Distrust
Philip K. Howard, Newsweek
Philip argues that the disease that most threatens American democracy is distrust, and what’s needed to combat it is a governing vision that engages Americans to help make things work better.
How to Fight Back Against the Forces That Are Tearing Apart America: End the ‘Vetocracy’
Philip K. Howard, New England Diary
What can we do about our country? That’s the question I hear most often. Washington is mired in a kind of trench warfare, with no prospects of forward movement. And Americans today can be divided into two camps: discouraged or angry.
It’s Nighttime in America
Philip K. Howard, USA Today
America needs a new public narrative with new leaders. The key, is to replace red tape with human responsibility.
Vaccines Showcase American Extremism vs. Legitimate Authority
Philip K. Howard, Newsweek
Philip explains why a free society cannot long survive, or move forward, without the keel of authority.
Helping Andrew Yang
Philip K. Howard, American Purpose
Philip discusses Andrew Yang’s new party, and how he would reframe it. “To get Americans out of their easy chairs,” he writes, “the new party must light a bonfire.”
Republicans Can Save Trillions While Approving Infrastructure Package
Philip K. Howard, The Hill
Philip discusses Common Good’s proposal for a nonpartisan National Infrastructure Board.
Book Review: In “Sludge,” Sunstein Shines a Light in the Bureaucratic Darkness
Philip K. Howard, Education Next
Philip reviews Cass Sunstein’s book Sludge, which targets the broad phenomenon of bureaucratic accretion across all areas of society.
Democracy vs. Bureaucracy
Philip K. Howard, The Ripon Society
Philip argues that democracy has been suffocated by bureaucracy, and can't work if elected leaders have been disempowered by rigid rules and expansive rights.
U.N. Climate Report Is Wake Up Call for U.S. Inability to Fix Government
Philip K. Howard, Newsweek
Obsolete Law, Do-Nothing Congress, and the Filibuster
Philip K. Howard, The Hill
Philip argues that debate over the filibuster provides an opportunity for Congress to focus on a neglected aspect of their job – to make sure old laws work sensibly.
The Vaccum of Authority
Philip K. Howard, National Affairs
Philip argues that public gridlock is inevitable because of the philosophical aversion of both parties to giving responsible officials the authority to do their jobs.
The Vital Republican Role for Fixing Broken Government
Philip K. Howard, Newsweek
Philip suggests that instead of reflexively opposing all government, Republicans as the minority party could transform how government works.
Accountability on Trial
Philip K. Howard, American Purpose
Philip describes how a distorted concept of individual rights —shielding cops and other public employees from accountability — undermines the rights of everyone else.
The Political Infrastructure We Need Now
Philip K. Howard, The New York Daily News
Philip argues that what’s needed to transform the hope of modern infrastructure into reality is a nonpartisan infrastructure board charged with overseeing priorities, permitting, and contracting.
Out of Control: Why Public Employee Unions Don’t Serve the Public’s Best Interests
Philip K. Howard, USA Today
Philip argues that public unions have erected an impenetrable barrier to good government, and offers a way out.
How Joe Biden Can Jump-Start America’s Recovery by Reforming Government
By Peter H. Schuck and Philip K. Howard, USA Today
With Yale Law School’s Peter Schuck, Philip outlines how the Biden administration can reverse Americans’ distrust of government.