Richard Olivastro

Over the years, Germany has exported a number of bad ideas and bad actors -- including public education and Adolph Hitler. (more)

Previously, we noted that “two of the federal government’s supposed weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation -- its inability to regulate trade among the states and its inability to tax the states” -- were examples of hype “…back then — as now — by the politically-minded (who) understood that their personal power would flow with the power inherent in being able to tax and regulate.” (more)

It doesn’t seem like nine years have passed since America's Second Day of Infamy: September 11, 2001. (more)

In Part I of this series, I noted two of the federal government’s supposed weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation: its inability to regulate trade among the states and its inability to tax the states. I also noted that the former was indeed a weakness but the latter was not, and that amendments to the Articles of Confederation could have resolved both problems. But, back then -- as now -- the politically-minded understood that their personal power would flow with the power inherent in being able to tax and regulate. (more)

With the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the 13 American colonies declared themselves to be independent and sovereign states.  (Actually, you could say it was 14 states that declared independence, because the area known as Vermont simultaneously separated from New York.) (more)

In the past, readers of this column received reports about the real causes underlying the problems affecting the credit markets, the housing situation, the general economy, and more. (more)

Every day is a special day for freedom loving people everywhere. (more)

Many years ago Edmund Burke warned, “the commonwealth itself would … be disconnected.” (more)

The parallels between the 'Deepwater Horizon' oil rig and government are uncanny. (more)

How do you pay for goods and services that you order and receive? (more)

Most Americans feel they are drowning under the current wave of uncertainty that is affecting every aspect of their lives. (more)

Considering the entire length of civilization, America’s existence as a country — 234 years — is but a short time. In fact, more years passed between 1492, when Columbus discovered the New World, and 1773, when colonists began the series of events that would lead to independence. (more)

It was July 8, 1776 and founder Samuel Adams had just heard the Declaration of Independence read aloud in public for the first time. (more)

This coming weekend marks the 234th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America. (more)

The United States has serious problems at home and around the world. The problems and predicaments we face as a nation—and as citizens—grow in number and severity. (more)

It’s now Day 66 and counting since the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig suddenly exploded and burned on April 20. (more)

Is democracy strengthened by casting light on spending in elections?  (more)

Summer begins June 21; for our nation, the long hot summer has already begun. (more)

Today, many Americans will honor fallen brethren from all wars throughout our country’s history. (more)

“I strongly disagree with the recently adopted law in Arizona. It is a law that not only ignores a reality that cannot be erased by decree, but also introduce a terrible idea using racial profiling as the basis for law enforcement.” Mexican president Felipe Calderon said. (more)