Promoting Progress: A Radical New Agenda to Create Abundance for All

by Michael Magoon

In the second book of his From Poverty to Progress series, Michael Magoon shifts from explaining the origins and causes of modern progress to how we can use that knowledge to promote future progress. Magoon argues that our current government policies are gradually undermining the foundations of progress.
In a decisive break from the ideological agendas of both the Left and the Right, Magoon argues that we need a new progress-based reform agenda focused on the following

Promote long-term widely-shared economic growth.Create a prosperous working classFocus relentlessly on results.Reform the political process to make all the above possible.
With innovative new thinking, Magoon shows us how we the electoral system and legislative leadership to break the monopoly power of Democrats and RepublicansDecentralize government by granting statehood to the largest metro areas and shifting domestic policy from the federal governmentIdentify the most effective government policies with the widespread use of randomized controlled trialsCreate an abundant, affordable, and secure energy system with a blend of natural gas, hydroelectric and nuclear power and phase out Green energy subsidies and mandatesEnable the private sector to build affordable housing by eliminating urban containment zones, excessive zoning, replacing property taxes with a land value tax, and founding Homestead cities on federal landPromote technological innovation with innovation prizes and venture capitalMake college affordable by cutting non-educational spendingRebuild merit-based institutions by rolling back DEI and encouraging skills-based testing in the hiring processOverhaul college admissions by making them merit-basedImplement a skills-based immigration policy to bring the most talented to the nation where those talents can best be put to useCreate thriving export industries in developing nationsMaintain the global trade systemIncrease agricultural productivity with a Second Green Revolution.Cut global carbon emissions by taxing coal, electrifying urban transportation, and drilling for shale gas worldwide.Regardless of whether your political views are on the Left, the Right, or the Center, Magoon will challenge you to see the world differently.

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2023

Reviews

[Sean Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot to disagree with in this book, but its operating framework is valuable and there are a ton of fresh ideas. Anyone interested not just in progress, but in how we think about problems more generally should read it.