By Richard Rowland On January first and for a few days thereafter every year the conventional greeting will be “Happy New Year”. It seems to me that such a greeting is a bit vacant of meaning. To many it is simply a way to fill uncomfortable silence. Like the check-out person at the grocery store who always says to you, “Have a Good Day” after she finishes the transaction and you are leaving. Strange as it may seem to...

By Stephen Zierak This lesson is taught by Dr. Kevin Portteus, Associate Professor of Politics at Hillsdale College, and faculty advisor for Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program.  Dr. Portteus teaches courses in American political thought, and American political institutions.  He is also a visiting graduate faculty member at Ashland University.  Dr. Portteus’ book, Executive Details:  Public Administration and American...

You’ve doubtless noticed that we’ve spoken a lot lately about measuring things via an UP & DOWN analysis–in other words, does a particular action move us UP toward individual liberty or DOWN toward big government tyranny?  The basis of the idea comes from the American Founding and the principles expressed in the Declaration and Constitution.  But the philosophy is even simpler than that.  In this new video, we look at...

By Richard Rowland The Problem: Fat and Sassy Many of our so-called “political leaders” are concerned about the obesity of individuals out there in the public. They seem intent on saving them from their own “misbehavior”.  Yet, the governments that these folks operate are so morbidly obese in their own right that they are close to death—which for a government would be akin to going bankrupt and disappearing. But the politicians who...

by Stephen Zierak Lecture Five:  Separation Of Powers—Ensuring Good Government This lesson is taught by Dr. Will Morrisey, Associate Professor of Politics at Hillsdale College.  Since 2000, he has instructed Hillsdale students in American politics, political philosophy, and comparative government.  Dr. Morrisey has published eight books on statesmanship and political philosophy, and he writes regularly for both major newspapers and...