One of the most surprising events in the American founding occurred when the Continental Congress used the word “happiness” in the Declaration of Independence. Up to that point, it was not a word often utilized in great political writings. Words like “justice,” “liberty,” “property,” “honor,” “power,” “rights” and others were expected in such a … [Read more...]
Why Entrepreneurship is Vital to Free Society by Oliver DeMille
August 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I write and speak a lot about entrepreneurship, because my purpose and mission is to promote freedom. I was recently asked whether my real focus is entrepreneurship or freedom, and I responded that they are the same topic. The other person in the conversation was surprised, but after we talked she seemed convinced. I think a lot of modern … [Read more...]
Expanding Your Circle of Influence
August 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment
One of the greatest truths I’ve ever learned came from a cave man in the film “10,000 B.C.” The film is set in prehistoric times and tells the story of two young nomads growing up together. After becoming the leader of the tribe, one of the young men faces an almost impossible challenge when a more highly advanced civilization kidnaps and … [Read more...]
Leaders Don’t Have to Be Shouters
August 5, 2013 by 1 Comment
A friend of mine threw in the towel recently. She’s grown weary of trying to dialogue with libertarians. She feels they’re rude, condescending, and unwilling to work with her on political issues. This is a common perception. Unfortunately, it also accurately describes virtually everyone who frames his or her political beliefs in strictly … [Read more...]
While America Sleeps by Oliver DeMille
August 2, 2013 by 1 Comment
In 1938 Winston Churchill wrote one of the most important books in history, While England Slept. He argued that between 1932 and 1938 the British government ignored the rising challenges posed by Hitler’s Germany. Why didn’t the government see what was obvious to Churchill and many others? Why didn’t it make hard choices early in order to … [Read more...]
Are We In for a “Second Great Depression”? by Oliver DeMille
July 30, 2013 by 1 Comment
In my recent class on current events, I documented the effectiveness of one scholarly media source in predicting future national policies, elections and other governmental events. The source is Foreign Affairs, a quarterly publication that seems to actually influence Washington more than simply provide forecasts. Of course, forecasts are always a … [Read more...]
How to Change the World: Lessons from Thomas Paine
July 25, 2013 by 1 Comment
Thomas Paine’s book, Common Sense, altered the course of history. Without it (and the impact it had on the American Revolution), it is doubtful that America would have won. At the beginning of the war, John Adams suggested that about a third of Americans supported Independence, about a third supported Britain, and about a third were … [Read more...]
How the Obama Administration Will Divert Attention: A Prediction
July 23, 2013 by 1 Comment
History runs in cycles and patterns. People who think such cycles can help us precisely forecast every turn of events are always disappointed, but those who ignore the patterns as if they can teach us nothing are missing important information as well. My reading of the cycles makes me think that the Obama Administration may soon be at a … [Read more...]
Europe Calls Washington’s Spying Agenda “Orwellian”
July 22, 2013 by 1 Comment
Recently I wrote about how deeply concerned I am with the American public’s seeming apathy about the government spying on its own people. I received a lot of positive feedback, and I was excited that so many people still feel the importance of standing up for freedom. I got one email from a gentleman who seemed to feel that I had overstated the … [Read more...]
The Rise & Fall of Institutions: Commentary on Edward Snowden by Oliver DeMille
July 12, 2013 by 18 Comments
We are living through a major transition in America, and the Edward Snowden case illustrates just how significant it is. As recently as 1991, the American people were proud of their country, and highly impressed with their government institutions and leaders. The people looked up to the White House after what many considered a successful … [Read more...]
