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.

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Don’t Let the Old Man In – The Comedy of Aging Gracefully

You know what they say about aging: “It’s better than the alternative.” True, but that doesn’t mean we have to roll over and let the Old Man move in, rearrange the furniture, and start watching reruns of Bonanza, All In The Family, and Sanford and Son on a worn and torn couch. Nope. This is your eviction notice to Father Time—because you’re not done yet.

Skilled Trades Surge: America’s Quiet Workforce Revolution

The Federal Government’s War on Individual Accountability and Self-Reliance

America was built on principles of hard work, personal responsibility, and self-reliance. Yet today, those values are under siege—not by foreign adversaries, but by our own federal government. Through an ever-expanding web of transfer payments, Washington has created a culture of dependency that not only threatens economic vitality but also individual freedom. This erosion of liberty is a cause for concern and should spur us to action.

“Stairway to Heaven” and “Rock and Roll:” Led Zeppelin

“These Eyes” and “American Woman:” The Guess Who

“Magic Carpet Ride” Steppenwolf

Cream: The First Rock Supergroup

“Nights in White Satin,” The Moody Blues: A Timeless Masterpiece

Few songs in rock History evoke the same sense of mystery, longing, and grandeur as The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin.” Released in 1967 as part of the groundbreaking album Days of Future Passed, this track became a defining moment for progressive rock and a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate decades later.

“Do You Love Me” by The Contours, including its History, Musical Structure, and Cultural Impact:

Elvis Costello: Life and Career Overview

Elvis Costello emerged in the late 1970s as a leading figure in the punk and new wave movements, known for his sharp lyrics and genre-blending style. His debut album, My Aim Is True (1977), featured tracks like “Alison” and “Watching the Detectives,” and was followed by critically acclaimed albums such as This Year’s Model and Armed Forces with his band The Attractions.

The Shift from Personal to Technological Interaction

A significant shift is occurring in how business relationships are formed and maintained in the digital age.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Meaning, Origin, and How It Plays Out in Business, Sports, and Personal Development

Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Meaning, Origin, and How It Plays Out in Business, Sports, and Personal Development

“Tip of the Iceberg:” The Origin and Meaning- Expanded Read

The phrase “tip of the iceberg” is a widely used metaphor for a small, visible part of a much larger, hidden issue or structure. It evokes the image of an iceberg floating in the ocean, with only a small portion—typically about 10%—visible above the surface, while the vast majority remains submerged.

Socialism: Broadly Defined.

I tend to write a lot about socialism because I do not think most ordinary people understand what they are in for.

The Party of Wealth Behind the Veil of Socialism

The Economic Treadmill: Wealth Disparity, Debt, and the Illusion of Prosperity- Expanded Read

With Historical examples illustrating similar economic conditions and societal responses:

The Economic Treadmill: Wealth Disparity, Debt, and the Illusion of Prosperity- Quick Read

In today’s urgent economic landscape, the chasm between the top 10% and the bottom 50% has widened to unprecedented levels. The top 10% of the financial structure now commands about 64% of the nation’s wealth, while the bottom half holds a mere 2.5%. This stark imbalance is not just a statistical reflection of a system that increasingly favors capital over labor, privilege over perseverance.

Subversive Groups: Who Are They, Who Funds Them?

“The question is, can communist subversion be defeated without using ‘authoritarian’ measures? Is a constitutional republic equipped to deal with this kind of threat? When someone wages war on your society internally, is there a way to fight them while being civic-minded? Probably not.” - Brandon Smith

Why Are Government Employees Included in GDP Estimates From The Department Of Labor?

GDP measures the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country during a specific period. Government services—such as education, defense, public safety, and administration—are considered part of this output even though they don’t produce tangible goods. In particular, government employees' output is marginal at best, and more of a cost factor than a productive factor.

Terminal Humor: Why Airports Sound Like They’re Plotting Your Demise

Airports are modern marvels of logistics, engineering, and overpriced trail mix. But beneath the shiny floors and endless moving walkways lies a darker truth: the language of air travel is unintentionally terrifying.