US society today is widely seen as being split into constituencies which have sequestered themselves in two or more silos, with policy discussion between them having become impossible. The treatise of this book is that denizens of the United States need not be confined in silos but, rather, that major economic policies – drugs, alcohol, and suicide; schooling; major economic issues; infrastructure, urban and regional policy; and the environment – have powerful impacts on many members of each of these silos. From this recognition comes an understanding that public policy initiatives that treat each of the policy areas with equity are conceivable and can in fact be implemented. In addition, individuals will be able to engage in the destruction of disrespectful silo-to-silo bickering and work to create a dialogue based on mutual understanding that has been sorely missing for the past several years. The author stresses that are few things that are of more importance for society’s collective future than bridging these barriers.This passionate analysis of Public Policy in Contentious Times will be of great interest to academics interested in urban and regional issues and in the formation of public policy. It will also be helpful to political consultants and politicians, and individuals who are ardently interested in contemporary politics.
