Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

The American Enterprise

A Contrarian’s Look at America’s Enterprise—Economy, Government, and Leadership—Minus the Public-Relations Gloss.

Dan's unique perspective on the economy, the government, and our country's leadership is not commonly found in mainstream media. Designed to enlighten and engage you with what he believes is a refreshing dose of truth, his articles challenge the narratives often presented by mainstream media and encourage critical thinking about the state of our country's enterprise.

Dan offers workarounds and solutions when possible. His aim is to provide actionable solutions to the challenges we may face in these areas.

Search Results

The Creature from Jekyll Island:

A Second Look at the Federal Reserve by G. Edward Griffin:

Influential People and Bailouts by the Government:

A Century of Focused Intervention Protecting the Rich and Powerful, and Its Consequences

Bail-ins vs Bailouts: Two Paths to Crisis Resolution in Banking

More of the same; The rich people take significant risks- if anything goes wrong, the government borrows money out of thin air and fixes the problem. The ordinary taxpayers are left on the hook for losses. There has never been a greater moral hazard dividing the rich from the ordinary people.

Government Intrusion and the Underground Economy: The Feedback Loop

Excessive government intervention—through laws, regulations, litigation risks, taxation, and punitive measures—creates a cycle that perpetuates informality and secrecy

Why do so many people in America find it profitable and comfortable to stay in sustained poverty?

There are several reasons why some individuals in America find it profitable or comfortable to remain in sustained poverty, even though it seems counterintuitive. These reasons are rooted in structural incentives, psychological factors, and systemic barriers:

The Underground Economy in the United States:

Scope, Causes, Impacts, and Policy Solutions

The Traveling Wilburys

The group stands out as one of the most influential supergroups in rock History, shaping the genre’s evolution and inspiring many fans and musicians.

Influential People and Bailouts by the Government:

A Century of Focused Intervention on the Rich and Powerful, and Its Consequences

“Cattywampus”

Meaning and History is a fun, quirky term in American English, ubiquitous in the Southern and Midwestern regions, helping readers identify its regional context and appropriate usage.

“The Old Testament: The Foundation of Christian Faith”

The Old Testament profoundly shaped the formation and growth of Christianity in several key ways:

Mastering Public Speaking

From Fear to Authentic Confidence

The German Shepherd’s Post-War Odyssey:

From Stigma to Symbol—And How Rin Tin Tin Helped Rewrite History

German Shepherd vs. Belgian Malinois:

Two Titans of the Working Dog World

Tenacity: The Greatest Trait for Personal Success

Real-world case studies, lessons, and a practical playbook you can use today

Confidence as a Valuable Trait

How it’s built, how it breaks, and how to balance it for life and business

The Speed of Change Is Accelerating

Are we ready, and willing participants or laggards?

“Mary” Isn’t Merry Anymore: AI-Driven Nuisances

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty:

A Study of Themes, Symbolism, and Psychological Aspects in Escapism and Identity

EBITDA- What is it?

EBITDA—short for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization—measures a business’s core operational profitability, helping the audience see its practical importance in assessing performance. Unlike net income, it excludes financing costs, taxes, and non-cash expenses, offering a clearer view of operational performance.

Ma and Pa Kettle

(Sometimes spelled “Ma and Paw Kittle” in older references), including its underlying meaning: