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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.”

October 2, 2007

Marcellus Andrews

September 25, 2007

Commonizing Tax Incentives

A tax system filled with "tax breaks" to encourage various worthwhile efforts is inherently biased in favor of the wealthy.
September 17, 2007

A Bridge Collapses--Who Should Pay to Rebuild?

A Reflection on the boundaries of the commons
July 10, 2007

A New Outbreak of Participatory Democracy

The internet may bring the U.K. one click closer to direct democracy.
July 6, 2007

The Streets of Silver Spring Are Liberated (for Now)!

Residents of a Maryland town fight back against a shocking infringement of their right to shoot photos.
April 30, 2007

Wanna Buy a Bridge in Brooklyn?

Want to buy the Golden Gate Bridge? That could happen as cash-strapped governments sell off public assets to investors. They make billions, and we all lose.
April 18, 2007

The Original Intent of the Postal Service

A short history of the U.S. post office shows the foresight of America's founders – and the shortsightedness of today's leaders.
February 2, 2007

An Unreasonable Man

Ralph Nader: the controversial legacy of an unreasonable man.
January 24, 2007

How Enterprising Cities Build the Economic Commons

The other side of privatization about which we seldom hear: the success of municipally-owned services.