Over the years I’ve picked up on the perception that the John Locke Foundation simply stand by and says by and speaks out against everything gov’t -related while offering no solutions.

Anyone who follows JLF knows that’s not true. Further proving the point, JLF President John Hood has unveiled his new book titled Our Best Foot Forward:

“In a 21st-century economy based on worldwide markets, North Carolina isn’t just competing with other states,” Hood said. “We are competing with other nations. Our political leaders have long recognized this fact. They have talked about making North Carolina a hot spot for investors, executives, and entrepreneurs from other lands. Our current economy falls short of that mark.”

Over the course of nearly 200 pages, Hood documents North Carolina’s current economic woes, then spells out an investment plan to help the state change course. That plan features a 10-point “Carolina Manifesto for Growth.”

“In this book, you will not read a thoroughgoing indictment of all government,” Hood explains. “Government performs indispensable tasks that make economic success possible. But many government programs don’t function as intended. Our Best Foot Forward presents a plan for promoting effective investment in the state’s economy and thus making the state more competitive.”

Indeed our state is competing in a worldwide market, which calls into question whether or not protectionist legislation supported by some in the state’s Congressional delegation is hindering North Carolina’s ability to compete in the worldwide market. As well take into consideration burdensome regulations that hinder North Carolina’s small businesses when exporting their products.

Hood does call for improving the state’s business climate by “abolishing all mandates to purchase high-cost energy and allowing offshore and onshore development of North Carolina’s energy reserves.”

No doubt that ruffles a few feathers.