The Bradley Foundation's Funding of the American Conservative Movement

Michael W. Grebe

Today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported on the Bradley Foundation, a Milwaukee-based organization that has tremendous national influence on the American conservative movement. The well-written story includes an interview with the non-profit's president and chief executive, Michael W. Grebe. His plain-spoken comments make clear that among his institution's goals are the elimination of useful collective bargaining rights, the elimination of public schools in the name of "competition," and a "robust national defense" (whatever that means).

The story illuminates a number of useful points to consider during this high tide of conservative political power:
1. The Bradley Foundation's funding is far more extensive than that of the Koch brothers and Rupert Murdoch.
2. They've paid conservative star shills such as Paul Gigot, George Will, and William Kristol for some of their media and publishing work.
3. Among the foundation's founders was a former major backer of the John Birch Society.
4. It is implied that Grebe had veto power over right-wing Wisconsin governor Scott Walker's key appointees.
5. The foundation financially supports a Catholic monthly news magazine.
6. Its controversial stance on Islam includes subsidizing the David Horowitz Freedom Center, "creator of the Jihad Watch website."

Whether one is liberal, conservative, or neuter, the story is fair and worth reading.