New Book “Blueprint for America” Tackles National Government Problems
By Hoover Institute, Special for USDR
The Hoover Institution Press today released Blueprint for America, a nonpartisan road map outlining basic policies that should be priorities for the next president and Congress. Scholars at the Hoover Institution—professors, thinkers, and practitioners of global renown in their respective fields—offer a series of accessible policy ideas for a civic, economic, and security architecture to shore up the long-term foundations of American strengths.
“Campaigning has its role, but it’s important to remember that campaigning is ultimately an act of division,” said Hoover distinguished fellow and Blueprinteditor George Shultz. “Upon entering office, the next administration and Congress will have to switch off campaign mode and instead go about their jobs of leadership and governance: acts of inclusion. Our effort here takes a scholarly approach to the biggest and hardest challenges that they should collectively get to work on.”
Blueprint for America takes a beyond-the-Beltway look at the policy agenda that the writers would like to see in January 2017. Economists Michael Boskin, John Cogan, John Cochrane, and John Taylor address questions of entitlement reform, deficits, monetary reform, national debt, and regulatory and tax reform. Scott Atlas draws on his medical experience to tackle the Affordable Care Act and propose incentive-based health care reforms. Eric Hanushek addresses the current performance—and benefits from reform—of K-12 education. Admiral James Ellis (retired), General Jim Mattis (retired), and Kori Schake offer their visions of how to restore America’s national security through proactive and realistic agenda setting. James Goodby expounds on the country’s practice of diplomacy in a time of turbulent transition. Throughout, George Shultz narrates clear-eyed observations on spending, human resources, foreign policy, the environment, and, in conclusion, the art of governance.
“Sound domestic, international, and national security policies are vitally important to improving our nation’s prosperity and security,” said Hoover senior fellow John Cogan. “The global and domestic challenges facing our country today require a new set of policies. The proposals offered in this book are designed to meet these challenges and to reinvigorate the debate over our nation’s future direction.”
The spirit of Blueprint for America is positive and grounded in first principles. It takes a long view for the nation, beginning with things that could be done today.
For more information on Blueprint for America, visit Hoover.org/blueprintforamerica. For more information on the Hoover Institution, visit Hoover.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Scribd (keyword: Hoover Institution).
George Pratt Shultz has had a distinguished career in government, academia, and the world of business. He is one of two individuals to have held four different federal cabinet posts; has taught at three of this country’s great universities; and for eight years was president of a major engineering and construction company. Shultz was sworn in on July 16, 1982, as the sixtieth US secretary of state, serving until January 20, 1989.
Contributors: Scott W. Atlas, Michael J. Boskin, John H. Cochrane, John F. Cogan, James O. Ellis Jr., James E. Goodby, Eric A. Hanushek, James N. Mattis, Kori Schake, George P. Shultz, John B. Taylor
About the Hoover Institution: The Hoover Institution, Stanford University, is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs. With its eminent scholars and world-renowned Library & Archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity and secure and safeguard peace for America and all mankind.
