EP 926 Red Tape is Choking America’s Can-Do Spirit

 Frustration with government is widespread, but neither party has a vision for making things work sensibly, according to our guest, Philip K. Howard, the chair of Common Good, a nonpartisan organization aimed at simplifying government procedures and practices and the author of his new book, “Saving Can-Do: How to Revive the Spirit of America.”  Hidebound rules delay projects and add costs which then keep important supports from government from getting to the people who need them.  For years, Howard has described the reforms that are needed to empower people in government to use their good judgment and put aside the rulebook.  He has classic examples of well-intended legislation never actually moving from good policy to timely practice and implementation, particularly in the sphere of infrastructure enhancements.  In many ways, we are living off the good public works of our great grandfathers.  And shouldn’t the reams of paperwork in health care be shredded to afford doctors more time to focus on patient care?  DOGE wasn’t the answer, he says.  Nor is the Democrat response to protect the status quo.  He offers a way forward in his book and on this podcast.

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