Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

The American Enterprise

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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The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930: Part I

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, officially known as the Tariff Act of 1930, was a U.S. law that raised import duties on thousands of goods to protect American businesses and farmers during the Great Depression. Sponsored by Senator Reed Smoot and Representative Willis C. Hawley, it became infamous for its unintended economic consequences, serving as a cautionary tale against hasty policy decisions.

When Clouds Are Seeded, The Weather Is Impeded

Seeding clouds can bring rain, and sometimes too much rain, causing material damage and loss of life.

AB-1893, California: Builder Remedy

Here’s a comprehensive summary of California Assembly Bill (AB) 1893, which significantly reforms the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) and its Builder’s Remedy provisions, effective January 1, 2025:

AB-2243, California: Housing on Commercially Zoned Land

Here’s a detailed summary of California Assembly Bill (AB) 2243, which significantly expands the scope and impact of AB 2011 and SB 6 to promote housing development on commercially zoned land:

Why Should the State of California Require All Above-Ground Electrical Lines to Be Replaced with Underground Lines?

Having electrical lines underground offers several key benefits, especially in terms of reliability, safety, and aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of the main advantages:

The Concept of Benchmarking and How Critical Thinking Contributes to Its Success

Benchmarking is a strategic process used in business, economics, and management to measure an organization’s performance against industry best practices or best practices from other sectors. It helps identify areas for improvement, set performance goals, and drive innovation.

Critical Thinking Has Deep Historical Roots:

The concept of critical thinking has deep historical roots, but it was Socrates (469–399 BCE) who is widely credited as one of its earliest pioneers. Through the Socratic method, he encouraged questioning assumptions, examining beliefs, and seeking clarity through dialogue—principles that are foundational to critical thinking today.

California Senate Bill 35 (SB-35) Tiny Home Subdivisions

SB-35 was enacted in 2017 and is a key piece of legislation aimed at addressing the state’s housing crisis by streamlining the approval process for certain residential developments.

When Political Ideologies Become Warfare Against the People

Warfare against the people is a powerful and timely concept. It suggests a moment when political systems, originally intended to serve and represent the public, instead become tools of control, coercion, or oppression.

Henry David Thoreau’s Life and Major Works

Thoreau was one of America’s originalists and no conformist. From refusing to pay a poll tax to spending two years alone on Walden’s Pond, his super famous essay, "Civil Disobedience, reflects profound thinking and reasoning. Any enquiring critical thinker and non-conformist will want to explore this world-class historic character.

Henry David Thoreau’s Life and Major Works

Thoreau was one of America’s originalists and no conformist. From refusing to pay a poll tax to spending two years alone on Walden’s Pond, his super famous essay, "Civil Disobedience, reflects profound thinking and reasoning. Any enquiring critical thinker and non-conformist will want to explore this world-class historic character.

Peter Drucker: The Father of Modern Management

Peter Ferdinand Drucker (1909–2005) is widely regarded as the father of modern management. His pioneering work laid the foundation for contemporary management theory and practice. This essay examines Drucker’s biography, key contributions, influence on both the business and nonprofit sectors, and his enduring legacy.

Ralph Waldo Emerson: A Brief Overview Of A Great American Intellectual

Ayn Rand vs. Adam Smith: A Philosophical Comparison of Self-Interest

Ayn Rand’s many books are a preferred go-to for accumulating knowledge of self-interest, self-sufficiency, and one’s contribution to society. Her view is that by prioritizing self-interest, humanity as a whole will be better served. Adam Smith referred to this concept as the invisible hand.

The History of Self-Sufficiency and Individual Accountability

In America, we seem to have lost the supreme values of self-sufficiency and individual accountability, replacing them with collectivism and entitlement, where no one is held accountable. Our society has become a free-for-all frenzy without consideration of the long-term effects.

The Disintegration of Societal Foundations: A Critical Examination

The Power of Benchmarking as a Necessary Component Of Success

Benchmarking every task and project is not just a routine, but a crucial practice for continuous improvement. It helps in identifying opportunities for efficiency and informs data-driven decisions. This process provides an objective, reality-based view of performance, allowing you and your team to move past assumptions and guesswork.

Benchmark Each Task to Maximize Results in Terms of Time and Effort.

In the context of evaluating various jobs, benchmarking is a crucial process that allows you to compare the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation of specific jobs against a standard or reference point. This reference point often plays similar roles in other organizations or industry norms. By doing so, you can ensure that your job roles are competitive, fair, and aligned with industry standards, which is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

The History of Social Engineering

The U.S. government is deeply intertwined with broader global trends in governance, psychology, and public relations. The term “social engineering” may conjure images of manipulation or control. Still, its application in the U.S. has a rich history, ranging from public health campaigns to education and economic policy. It’s similar to obedience training.

The 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified on December 15, 1791, is part of the Bill of Rights.

The 10th Amendment is necessary because it clearly separates the powers and authorities of the Federal and State Governments.