NEWS ON THE COMMONS
FEBRUARY 2013

On the Commons is a network of citizens and organizations working toward a commons-based society. The commons refers to the natural and socially-created commons belonging to all of us that — when used wisely and fairly — will benefit everyone, including future generations.

Who Needs Government?

What’s right and what’s wrong with Libertarians’ vision of a volunteer society.

Ideas and Initiatives from On the Commons

The OTC Commons Glossary

From Acequia to Wiki, words to share.

News of the Commons

Stealing the Common From the Goose

17th Century rhyme stands the test of time.

The Palace Owned by Everyone

Lessons about the commons at Grand Central Station.

The Creative Tension That Arises Between Individuals and Groups

Lewis Hyde on the cultural dynamics of the commons.

In Defense of Taxes

Even if they cut into charitable giving.

COMMONS QUOTES

“The first sign of tyranny is government's complicity in privatizing the commons for private gain.”

—Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“Under the market economic paradigm, we can't see the forest for the lumber.”

—Jay Walljasper, On the Commons Senior Fellow

“It is possible to give away and become richer”

—The Bible-- Proverbs 11:24

End of the Post Office as a Public Institution?

The real reason this 220-year-old commons is struggling.

A Sampling of Commons Action All Over

From citizen journalism in Grand Rapids to an economics summit in Berlin to fighting climate change everywhere.

A Movement to Protect the Earth Rises in Canada

Indigenous people mount a challenge to the Prime Minister’s policies.

Germs We Share

Flu season reminds us once again that public health is a commons we all depend on.

Commoners

The Tragic Death of an Internet Hero

Aaron Swartz (1986-2013).

Unorthodox Community Solutions

Building on what’s good may be more important than fixing what’s bad.

On the Commons Work

An Update From the Field: Nov 2012

Learn more about the co-creative work we undertake to protect and promote the commons today.

Grow the commons movement. Become a sustainer today.