Congress Should Allow for Remote Voting, Hearings, and Deliberations During Pandemic

Taylor Swift of Demand Progress, Robert Alexander of Ohio Northern University, & I argue that Congress needs to change their rules to allow for work to be conducted remotely during the #COVID19 #coronavirus pandemic. To not do so risks Congress ceasing to function during a time the country needs it most.

It was a pleasure working with these guys on our CNN Opinion piece.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/27/opinions/congress-cannot-afford-to-shut-down-during-this-crisis/index.html

Pandemic Disease: A Past and Future Challenge to Governance in the United States

I totally forgot I co-authored this piece 12 years ago (2008) with Professor Alethia Cook of East Carolina University. Considering the United States and world is in the midst of a global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (formerly known as 2019 novel coronavirus) and the accompanying COVID-19 disease, this article is highly relevant and demonstrates how unprepared the US was despite many examples of previous global health crises.

Abstract: Throughout history, pandemics have posed significant challenges to governments. Examination of the ways that governments have responded to pandemics can contribute to the U.S. government’s ability to react in the future. We utilize past cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and multiple forms of influenza to identify specific challenges governments have faced. Based on that knowledge, we discuss the major issues that the United States will have to address in the event of a future pandemic.

For the complete article, click here.

Time to Replace the Iowa Caucus & New Hampshire Primary with a "Great Lakes Primary"

Rob Alexander (Ohio Northern University) and I published the following opinion piece about eliminating the cherished place the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary have at the beginning of the presidential nominating season and replacing with a more representative "Great Lakes Primary." The time is long overdue.

"The time has come to end the prized status for Iowa and New Hampshire as the first contests to kick off the presidential race. These states have held this status for nearly 50 years and have left a trail of winnowed candidates in their wake. Both states are less diverse than the rest of the country, and Iowa's caucus process specifically is complicated, time consuming and unrepresentative of the American electorate."....

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/02/11/end-new-hampshire-primary-iowa-caucus-nomination-privilege-column/4713537002/