Think tanks have become a growth industry. A handful existed a few decades ago. Now there are hundreds of these non-profit institutions. The marriage of multi-millions in private money and once-unorthodox ideas packs a powerful punch. President Bush has adopted domestic policies nurtured in think tanks from private social security accounts to fundamental tax reform. Marketplace explores what donors believe they get for their money, how ideas are bankrolled and promoted, and the thin line between think tank educational efforts and outright lobbying, as well as new efforts to reform the system.
You can listen to this series online, or hear extended interviews with some of the sources in those stories.
One of our stories traces how influential think tanks and their donors promoted the repeal of the estate tax. We've included an interactive timeline that traces think tanks, trade and other lobbying groups, the media, and lawmakers in promoting or opposing the repeal movement. At the end of the timeline, please feel free to "vote" on whether you think the estate tax should be repealed.
In addition, we've posted the bios of Marketplace commentators. And we've included links for how to research some of their think tank affiliations.
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