Brookings’ work trumps GOP’s circus show

By Brian Greenspun (contact)

Sunday, March 6, 2016 | 2 a.m.

Washington, D.C., is a tale of two cities in more conflict than ever before.

The Republican presidential debate Thursday night did not take place in our nation’s capital, but that is where I watched it and that is where the participants in that reality show hope to move Jan. 20 as president.

For anyone other than the most die-hard of the candidates’ followers, that debate performance set new lows for taste, talent and tenor. It was both laughable — in that it provided comic relief — and embarrassing, given that the whole world is watching.

I was in Washington for something far more serious than what the GOP has decided to provide the citizenry. As a member of the board of trustees of the Brookings Institution, I travel to Washington a few times a year to help guide the fortunes and future of what is well-known and acclaimed as the No. 1 think tank in the world.

I take no credit for the achievements of this incredible institution. That belongs fully to the scholars and management of Brookings, which happens to be celebrating its 100th birthday this year. What I do take credit for is the foresight to have said “yes” when asked to play a small role in helping to move Brookings into its second 100 years.

Part of what we have accomplished will benefit Nevadans for decades to come. Brookings Mountain West — a collaboration with UNLV — already has changed the kind and quality of data available, as well as the advocacy needed, to aid the Silver State it the same way it has advanced the quality of life of the entire Mountain West.

Think Tesla, UNLV Medical School, a new football stadium, light rail connecting all parts of the valley and an increased emphasis on tourism — medical and otherwise — and you will have Brookings and the folks at UNLV to thank for the impetus and input that made it happen.

The contrast between the contest for the Republican nomination and the real, substantive work of the scholars at Brookings couldn’t have been more clear than what I witnessed.

While the GOP contestants were moving the bar of presidential debating ever lower, the work of trying to come up with real, practical solutions to so many challenges that have defied resolution was being done on Massachusetts Avenue by scholars of all types and political persuasions.

What Robert Brookings and his friends conceived of 100 years ago was a think tank that could produce unbiased, nonpolitical and actionable data to help advance the cause of good government for all Americans. Few dreams are ever realized, and even fewer are able to celebrate 100 years of success.

At Brookings, the institution that helped save this country from economic devastation in the 1930s, helped formulate the policies in the ’40s that led to the incredible postwar recovery of Europe, came up with plans to navigate the nuclear Cold War and helped reimagine legislative and governmental regulation throughout the ’70s, there is no time for silliness and, certainly, no reward.

Apparently, running for president of this not-yet-perfect democracy has allowed for a certain detour from the reality of governing and leadership. We are witnessing that, much to the chagrin of many who should expect so much more from the next occupant of the White House.

I realize many more people have heard of Donald Trump than have heard of Brookings. But, when the history books of our time are written, there is no question which institution and which group of people will have done more to advance this democracy.

A tale of two cities is only good in the literary world. In the real world, I choose the story about real people doing real work for a really good purpose: making a more perfect union.

The other show is just a lot of noise.

•••

Jean Tobman has been one of my favorite people in Las Vegas for most of my life. So when her daughter, Marilyn Moran, sent me a note and asked me to wish Jean a happy birthday, how could I resist? Here is Marilyn’s note:

“Jean Tobman spent her 90th birthday last weekend with all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at a dinner at her youngest daughter Janie’s home. Singer Calli Tucker sang songs from the ’40s and ’50s. … After dinner she was surprised by Motown Memories preformed by VZ dance group. She can still dance at 90!”

Happy birthday, Jean.

Brian Greenspun is owner, publisher and editor of the Sun.