Message From the Publisher – J. Stanley Marshall
The unions claim to represent educators’ best interests. Don’t be too sure.From the Editor’s Desk – Robert F. Sanchez
In a momentous mid-term election year, the importance of enduring principles can be lost in a political process that focuses both money and attention on the quest for power.COVER STORYThe Quest for Excellence Should Not Be Absent from the Debate on Teacher Pay and Tenure
By William Mattox
To improve education, Florida must overcome the teacher union’s opposition and reward the state’s best teachers — those who make a difference.ARTICLESSalvaging What’s Left of the Everglades Is Vitally Important for Florida’s Future
By Robert F. Sanchez
Will Florida’s proposed purchase of thousands of acres of land from U.S. Sugar help or hurt? In the words of Fox News, “We report, you decide.”Economic Interests and Private Property Rights Can Be Preserved, Along with the Everglades
By Thom Rumberger
The acquisition of the U.S. Sugar property is a key piece of a much larger puzzle.Governor Crist’s Everglades Land Buy Costs Too Much, Won’t Do the Job
By Michael Collins
The cost of acquiring the U.S. Sugar property will hurt other vital projects.Behind the Texas Textbook Fracas
By Thomas V. DiBacco
The Lone Star State historically set the standard for fairness in textbook selection.‘Climategate’ Provides Lessons for Policy Makers
By Robert J. Bebber
Exposure of scientists’ e-mails raised red flags about the validity of their research.Floridians Finally Will Get a Chance to See Where Their Tax Money Goes
By Rep. Greg Evers
Government spends your money. You deserve to know where it goes.
Soon you may.23 Reasons Why Think Tanks Are Effective in Changing Public Policy
(And One Reason Why They Are Not)
By Jeff Judson
The former head of the Texas Public Policy Institute offers his insight into the movement.America’s First Encounters with Terrorists
By Thomas V. DiBacco
The Barbary pirates’ predations provided an early challenge to the young republic. As President, James Madison put a halt to years of payoffs, diplomacy, and appeasement.BOOK REVIEWSA New American Tea Party: The Counterrevolution Against Bailouts, Handouts, Reckless Spending, and More Taxes
A BOOK BY JOHN M. O’HARA
— Reviewed by Ben VanMetre and Joshua Hall
The book’s author analyzes the “Tea Party” movement, comparing and contrasting its beliefs and its tactics with those of the so-called “progressive” groups that emerged in recent years on the left side of the political spectrum.
