back to home (idea icon)1912  The Wisconsin Idea  by Charles
McCarthy   THE reason for the Wisconsin legislative program is
not hard to find. There is really but one cause and it presents
but one problem, which is basic to all others, and no
advancement of human welfare or progress of civilization can
take place until a solution is found.  The problem is one with
which the whole American people is grappling. It presents no
particular mystery nor is it difficult to understand.  Take up
any newspaper. What are the headlines?--Monopoly--Trusts--Trusts
and the tariff--High cost of living--Predatory wealth.  Pick up
a President's message. Can there be any doubt about it? Always
the same--something strong and oppressive, almost unreachable,
in some way entangled with courts, lawyers and litigation--
always having the power to attain its object--always possessing
FORCE.  Force? How can these things have Force? Have they
armies, guns or the attributes of those who usually possess
force? If not, how can they oppress?