Path to Liberty

Fear is the foundation of government power. And war is the “art of conquering at home.” Insight and warnings from the founders - plus even a glimmer of hope and inspiration for the future.

In his 8th essay, Brutus looks at the combined powers to borrow money, to lay and collect taxes, and to raise and support armies as a trifecta that would lead to the destruction of liberty.

While getting bombarded with the propaganda that government regulations make us free and prosperous, a little reminder about a different approach - freedom - from Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Arthur Lee and Pelatiah Webster.

Sept. 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris formally established “a general peace.” Signed by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay - Article I affirmed 13 “free sovereign and Independent States,” and remains in force today. Highlighting their views on the treaty - in their own words - from their letters in the weeks that followed.

From day one, they’ve attacked your liberty in big ways - and they’re not even close to being done yet.

A lot of people believe the Preamble to the Constitution gives the federal government the power to do just about anything. And a lot of people are wrong. Learn what the preamble is and what it does. Plus the three foundational principles it underscores in the Framers’ understanding of the Constitution.

Thomas Paine, John Jay, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison - in their own words - on the evils of war. Not on the structure of war powers under the Constitution, but as a deeper, philosophical foundation.

The Constitution is not in force in any meaningful way, but when did things get like this? Some people think 1861, or 1913, or 1933 - but the answer may surprise you.

Brutus takes Alexander Hamilton to task over his support of power “without limitation” to raise and fund armies in Federalist No. 23. He disputes the need, and argues it would reject the principles of the Revolution to form a militarized nation in the image of the European monarchies.

The U.S. doesn’t only project power across the globe through its massive military. It also weaponizes the U.S. dollar, using its economic dominance as both a carrot and a stick.