Be Equitable’s Post

Happy Fourth of July from the Cato Institute! 🇺🇸💥🗽 The simple, timeless, fundamentally libertarian principles of the American Revolution—individual liberty, limited government, and free markets—are even more powerful and more important today. More thoughts on liberty this Independence Day: https://lnkd.in/ghpH7yRz

The Constitutional Convention - Oh For Men Such as These in Government Today Franklin fervently hoped this policy could be perpetuated in America from generation to generation. At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he gave a discourse on the need to fix the course of American public service so that it would always attract men of public virtue and repel scoundrels scrambling for a soft job. He said: "Sir, there are two passions which have a powerful influence in the affairs of men. These are ambitions and avarice; the love of power and the love of money. Separately, each of these has great force in prompting men to action; but when united in view of the same object, they have in many minds the most violent effects. Place before the eyes of such men a post of honor, that shall at the same time be a place of profit, and they will move heaven and earth to obtain it. The vast number of such places it is that renders the British government so tempestuous. The struggles for them are the true source of all those factions which are perpetually dividing the nation, distracting its councils, hurrying it sometimes into fruitless and mischievous wars, and often compelling as submission to dishonorable terms of peace." (Smyth,Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 9:591.) THINK 2024 and vote for men such as these.

I don’t mean to be Negative Nancy, but someone has to say it. The blog I wrote reflects a critical perspective on contemporary American society and politics, framed through the principles of the Declaration of Independence. It suggests that the foundational ideals of equality, government by consent, the right to alter or abolish government, natural rights, and the indictment of tyranny are being undermined or forgotten. There, I express my disappointment in how these principles are currently interpreted and applied, particularly criticizing the influence of wealth in politics, recent Supreme Court decisions, and the behavior and policies of Donald Trump (referred to as "Orange Man"). The piece argues that modern America has strayed from its foundational values, emphasizing the importance of intellectual honesty and civic responsibilities in shaping the future of the country. @followers @highlight I’ll also plug my novel, #thelastindependenceday. If there was ever a time to read it to get one version of unchecked extremism, this would be it.

In another review of "The Failure of American Conservatism and the Road Not Taken" by Claes G. Ryn, Michael Federici lays out the commonalites and differences among the various schools of thought within conservatism. "The good that can be done in politics is dependent on individuals who have constitutional personalities. They thrive in a constitutional system of checks and balances because they are sober about human nature and politics and are willing to check their misguided passions and interests." See his article for a deeper look into what he believes separates the good and the bad in the various schools of thought: https://buff.ly/3B3oyn1

In anticipation of the 4th of July celebration tomorrow, we reflect on the Declaration of Independence, a revolutionary and liberating ideal that forever changed the course of history. As Abraham Lincoln eloquently phrased almost 100 years after independence, it marked the beginning of "government of the people, by the people, for the people." This was not merely independence from a monarchy but the birth of a novel, democratic form of government. At Ideovee/BetterProspecting, we want to thank our USA-based customers, partners, staff, and friends for their continued support and collaboration. We wish you all a happy and safe Independence Day celebration with your loved ones. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among people, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." source ~ Declaration of Independence 1776 "A constitution defines and limits the powers of the government it creates. It therefore follows, as a natural and also a logical result, that the governmental exercise of any power not authorized by the constitution is an assumed power, and therefore illegal." source ~ Thomas Paine; English-born American Founding Father, Revolutionary, political activist, philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary #IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly #DeclarationOfIndependence #Democracy #BetterProspecting #Celebration #Community

Understanding the World of Ideas: Building Liberty and Values in America Discover the true intentions of America's founding fathers regarding liberty and values. Explore the significance of a constitutional republic and the divine principles behind it. Learn how these ideas shaped the American Republic and its commitment to upholding unalienable rights. #AmericanRepublic #FoundingFathers #LibertyandValues #DivinePrinciples #ConstitutionalRepublic #UnalienableRights #RuleofLaw #NaturalLawTradition #BuildingLiberty #UnderstandingIdeas

The Four Freedoms | Freedom for Virtue Political freedom relies on the virtue and morality of citizens, as emphasized by historical figures like Livy, Jefferson, and Mill. True freedom involves self-mastery and the pursuit of virtues such as family fidelity, self-control, humility, and toleration. These virtues reduce the need for external governance, support strong communities, and preserve a truly free and flourishing society. https://lnkd.in/gmbXHN9t

Is the American dream of liberty dying a slow death? One thing that doesn’t inspire hope: The public's misunderstanding of government's nature. It fuels unchecked political power, which breeds corruption and tyranny. Despite the U.S.'s foundational principles, a Leviathan state has taken shape. The framers' vision of a constitutionally bound government is a distant memory. Judeo-Christian values and Enlightenment thought championed individual rights. It's wisdom that seems all but forgotten. Madison and Jefferson's insights on the need for constitutional constraints remain alarmingly relevant. Progressive agendas have morphed the state into a new deity of sorts. It’s moved us further away from the founders' ideals and closer to a socialist framework. With the administrative state's expansion, personal freedoms shrink. This raises a serious question: Is a return to foundational principles achievable – or is Leviathan's rise irreversible? Jump into the comments for the full story. ⬇️ #americanhistory #thomasjefferson #quotesdaily #leadership

To a degree unprecedented in American history, the 2024 Democratic Party campaign relies on clearly proven falsehoods. Read today's usagovpolicy.com

It's not easy being a good man (or woman). What truly matters is understanding what counts at the core, regardless of what he or she eats or does. A pivotal question that determines whether we are remembered as good or bad in history is: How do we handle power? Take, for example, the renowned philosopher and statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero, who lived in ancient Rome. Cicero wielded his power and influence as an orator and politician to champion justice and uphold the values of the Republic. His speeches against corruption and advocacy for citizen rights have immortalized him as one of democracy's great defenders. As Socrates once said, 'The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.' This wisdom reminds us that our actions and our handling of power and influence are crucial to our character and impact on others. What, in your opinion, defines a good man or woman? Let's discuss and explore the nuances that can tip the scales of how we are remembered in history.