New Rules Journal - Winter 2001

Features

The Canadian Cure
Just because the federal government can't overhaul the health care system doesn't mean it can't be done. In a similar situation, Canada's provinces established individual systems founded on equity, public administration and decentralized control. Fifty years later, all Canadians are covered and the plan still costs less per capita (and a smaller percentage of the GDP) than U.S. citizens pay. Maybe we should take another look. By Daniel Kraker

Bonding With the Next Generation
Sometimes doing the right thing is almost too simple. Requiring publicly funded construction projects to produce no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions is one example: it's hard to find the down side. By David Morris

Libraries, Liberty and the Pursuit of Public Information
Far from becoming obsolete, public libraries still operate at the heart of their communities. In addition, they've taken on new roles such as "Guide to the Internet," and "Champion of Equal Access." Now they're struggling, on behalf of their patrons, to prevent private companies from passing legislation that restricts the right to read free of charge. By Harriet Barlow, Karen Hering and Stacy Mitchell

State Inspections Revive Local Markets
After years of suffering heavy hits from industry consolidation and low prices, small livestock farmers and independent meat processors are getting a second chance through a long-forgotten policy. The recent resurrection of state meat inspection programs has given farmers the opportunity to market their own meat and is increasing business for small processors. By Brian Levy

place rules
Tierney proposes state health care innovation. Amarillo uses cumulative voting. Australia adopts local purchasing policy. Denmark passes environmental packaging tax.