This is part 1 of a 3-part article. Subsequent segments will be published daily. DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS, AND INDEPENDENTS don’t agree on much, but most of them do believe in the excellence and effectiveness of the U.S. Constitution. A group this diverse will, of course, have some disagreements on the details, but it is amazing how nearly all … [Read more...]
How to Destroy the Constitution, Part 1: Vital Foundations of Freedom
How Independents Can Make a Difference in Politics
I live in Utah -- one of the most Republican-leaning states in the country, right? And yet, the majority of voters are not registered Republicans. In fact, only 31.5% are registered as Republicans, and only 7.4% as Democrats. Nearly 61% are registered as “unaffiliated” or independents. Then why does the Republican tail wag the Utah dog? … [Read more...]
The Law: Tool of Acquisition, Redistribution, or Justice?
How To Keep The Law In Its Rightful Place The only legitimate purpose of legislation is to establish some level of justice in society. However, it doesn’t take long for that proposed intent to be abused. Human beings have a tendency to self-interest and legislators are no different. The French physiocrat Frederic Bastiat, popularized the … [Read more...]
Victim or Victor?
There is an occupation that is experiencing significant growth. It has low entry requirements and can be had by literally anyone. Hordes are stampeding in that direction with noses acutely tuned to the smell of the gravy train. The position? That of a victim. Playing the part of the victim is becoming America's national sport. How … [Read more...]
How a New Jobless Era Will Transform America
Every once in a while a truly great article comes along that needs to be read by everyone who cares about freedom. Past examples include “The Clash of Civilizations” by Samuel Huntington and “A Separate Peace” by Peggy Noonan. Both of these are still incredibly valuable reading. Today, when many politicians are trying to convince the American … [Read more...]
Why Our Current Brand of Capitalism is Inconsistent With Freedom
"The system of corporate life is a new power for which our language contains no name. We have no word to express government by moneyed corporations." -Charles Francis Adams Equal opportunity is the bedrock of freedom. This nation was established to preserve, protect, and ensure that opportunity. The United States (and the world) will need to … [Read more...]
Tired of Losing Jobs Overseas?
Blame the Deficit, Not Free Trade We read in the paper "Another 60,000 jobs lost overseas." We haven’t had a positive balance in trade since 1975. We are losing our domestic manufacturing at an unprecedented rate. From almost every direction the cry is made for fair trade. We are told that we must increase tariffs or our domestic economy … [Read more...]
The Deeper Importance of the 2010 Election
Blame is easier than leadership. It’s been long enough since the announcement of the “Great Recession” that a shelf of books are now out—each outlining the “real” causes of the recession and its unsettling impact on the American psyche and economy. Unfortunately, most of these books are essays on blame. The two major political parties … [Read more...]
What “Freedom” Means For a New Criminal Justice System
Freedom. Let it ring! Freedom. What does it mean? Although the Greeks and Romans discussed Liberty and Independence and what it meant in their city-states and republic, Freedom is essentially an Anglo-American concept in political philosophy, having its origin in ancient Germanic languages and being used in the culture of the … [Read more...]
Is Forced Democracy the Answer?
Much of our recent foreign policy is guided by the notion that spreading democracy will naturally result in a state of peace, and respect for basic human rights. While seeking peace and human rights are notable and essential goals, the idea of using force to set up a system claiming to foster true freedom is a farce. Let me tell you a … [Read more...]