Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Opinion & Prospective

Hear Dan’s viewpoints about how things work and the intended and unintended consequences, delivered with humor to keep you entertained and engaged.

They are delivered with humor, breaking down the barriers of reality, truths versus illusions, and manufactured narratives.

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Manufactured Culture: Power, Profits, Access, and the Illusion of Choice

A substantial share of modern culture is intentionally engineered—not only by governments and ideologues, but also, more pervasively, by profit-seeking media, corporate advertisers, and platform firms that shape what we see, how we communicate, and even how we spend our time. Yet culture is never entirely manufactured: it also emerges organically from audiences, creators, and communities.

Shaping Values, Morals, and Culture in the 1950s-1970s.

Most television serials and movies in the 1950s and 1960s were not just for entertainment but also served as a significant force in shaping public morality and family ideals. This was a period when the media’s influence was profound, and its role in reinforcing social norms was paramount.

An Overview of Cloward and Piven, Two Radical Left-wingers in the USA

Overview of Richard Cloward and Frances Fox Piven, their strategy, and why they remain controversial:

America at a Crossroads: Why Capitalism and Accountability Must Prevail

America stands at a defining moment. On one side lies the proven engine of prosperity—capitalism paired with individual accountability. On the other hand, a growing tide of collectivism and creeping socialism promises security but often delivers dependency and stagnation. The choice we make will shape not only our economy but the very character of our nation.

‘Trimming the Fat:’ Understanding the Metaphorical Usage

The idiom ‘trimming fat’ originates from the literal practice of butchering meat. Still, it has now been metaphorically extended to mean removing unnecessary or non-essential parts of something to improve its efficiency.

Public Nuisance Number One: The Federal Bureaucracy Of Non-Essential Parasites.

America’s most pressing threat to efficiency and fiscal health isn’t foreign adversaries or market volatility—it’s the entrenched bureaucracy operating inside its own government. These bureaucratic institutions, often shielded by powerful public-sector unions, have become a self-preserving machine that resists accountability and reform. The time for action is now. Come on, Trumpster, get busy.

If a Christian Professes Faith and Another Person Professes Another Faith, there is no Reason to Argue Which is Better or which God is Real.

Arguing over which faith is “better” or which God is “real” often leads to division rather than understanding.

When the power grid goes down for an extended period, how to survive and what actions to take

A prolonged power grid failure can disrupt nearly every aspect of modern life, so preparation and immediate action are crucial.

When The Electricity Goes Off: And the Inter-Connectivity of Utility Systems

Our utility systems are not isolated entities but rather intricately interconnected, forming a complex web that sustains our daily lives. Understanding this interconnectedness is not just crucial, but it also empowers us with the knowledge to be aware of and informed about potential disruptions.

How to Overcome Deep-Rooted Insecurities: With Self-Awareness, We Can Effectively Manage and Eliminate Them.

Overcoming deep-rooted insecurities is a gradual process that begins with self-awareness and self-acceptance. It involves mindset shifts and consistent practice. It’s crucial to understand that change takes time and to be patient with oneself as one embarks on this journey. Please share this article with someone who may find value in it.

Marxism and DEI: Overlap, Divergence, And What’s Really at Stake?

It’s a topic that’s both fascinating and complex, offering a rich ground for exploration. Let’s delve into it:

What happens when someone around you, an employer, a business associate, a friend, or your family, treats you like a jester, reflecting their hostility toward you?

A jester is a historical entertainer, most associated with medieval and Renaissance courts. Their primary role was to amuse royalty and nobles through humor, storytelling, music, juggling, and satire. Jesters often wore brightly colored costumes and a distinctive hat with bells.

Humor as a Weapon: The Psychology Behind Jokes That Hurt

Humor is often viewed as harmless fun—a means to bond, lighten the mood, and make life more enjoyable. However, humor can also be weaponized, becoming a subtle yet powerful tool for control, dominance, and even hostility. Unlike direct aggression, weaponized humor hides behind a smile, making it harder to confront. Let’s explore the psychology behind this phenomenon and how to recognize and respond to it.

Consumers are Encouraged to Pay Down Debt to Achieve Economic Freedom, While the Government Does the Opposite by Taking On More Debt and Accelerating Deficit Spending.

That causes the national debt to climb past $40 trillion, which is a public obligation. There is a critical contradiction: individuals are urged to reduce personal debt for financial stability, while the federal government expands deficit spending, pushing the national debt into unprecedented territory. Crossing $40 trillion would indeed be alarming because:

Moral Hazards in The GDP Calculation of Economic Growth

A moral hazard occurs when one party takes on excessive risk because they do not bear the full consequences of that risk—often because someone else will absorb the cost.

Fiat Currency Issuance and GDP

If the government creates fiat currency out of thin air that becomes the taxpayer’s debt and then spends it, is that economic growth, or a sham of growth?

Truth vs. Compliance: The Price of Non-Conformity

In a world that rewards mass compliance, critical thinking and truth often come at a cost: isolation. However, the intellectual stimulation and engagement that critical thinking brings are invaluable.

Choosing Between the Crowd and the Truth: A Practical Guide

In business and life, we often face a tough choice: Do we follow the safety of the crowd—or stand alone for the truth?

7 Strategies to Build Personal Power and Influence

Personal power isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about the ability to influence outcomes, inspire others, and maintain control over your own life. True power is a blend of internal strength and external perception. Here are seven practical strategies to help you build both.

Building Personal Power: From Inner Agency to Outward Influence

You shape the outcome, but others decide on your credibility and trust. They are the ones who determine if you have power.