Tom Hanks narrates the epic story of the 9/11 boatlift that evacuated half a million people from the stricken piers and seawalls of Lower Manhattan. This short film is a good example of how free people respond in a crisis. Per the Huffington Post, "As panicked crowds rushed to find refuge from the area around the World Trade Center, many soon found themselves at the water’s … [Read more...]
July 4th, Independence Day: Eight Short Films
July 4th, Independence Day, is America's annual celebration commemorating its Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Cato Institute has a nice summary of what is in the Declaration and why it is such a landmark in the foundation of human liberty: 1) We are all created equal -- no one ought to have any special rights and privileges in his social relations with other … [Read more...]
Tear Down This Wall: The Day Ronald Reagan Challenged the Berlin Wall
In 1987, speechwriter Peter Robinson was told by US diplomats to write a speech for Reagan's visit to the Berlin Wall, but was warned against any "commie bashing." Thankfully, he didn't take their advice but instead wrote from the heart for all those who had suffered from communism. Reagan loved what he wrote and on June 12th gave the speech that changed history. "Tear Down … [Read more...]
Don’t Be an Individual: Best Graduation Speech Ever
Nick Kocher gives what is probably the best high school graduation speech ever -- Don't Be an Individual -- offering an impassioned (and satirical) plea against being an individual and in favor of mindlessly joining the crowd. The talented Nick went on to become the co-creator of BriTANick, which has made a number of excellent short comedy skits including the excellent Award … [Read more...]
Tank Man: Short Film About Tiananmen Square Hero
On June 4th and 5th, 1989, the Chinese government violently put down the pro-liberty Tiananmen Square student protest. One man stood alone against a column of tanks, and for his extraordinary heroism became known as "Tank Man," though nothing more is known about his identity. Some say he was arrested and killed, others that he is still in prison in China, and still others that … [Read more...]
Never Forget: Cops Busted A Surfer Under Covid Rules
On this day, April 2nd, 2020, Malibu police arrested a man for paddle-boarding alone on the ocean because he was violating COVID social distancing rules. Again, this surfer was alone on the ocean. You could hardly say he wasn't social distancing. But California Governor Gavin Newsom had issued a strict stay-at-home order, so the surfer was handcuffed and perp walked along the … [Read more...]
James O’Keefe: Lucky Charms Is Offensive
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Here's the very first James O'Keefe video, in which a young O'Keefe persuaded a university administrator to ban Lucky Charms as "offensive to Irish." He went on to create Project Veritas, and later O'Keefe Media Group, both of which produce undercover videos on corruption and left-wing political bias. … [Read more...]
Happy Bill Of Rights Day!
December 15th is Bill of Rights Day. I was delighted to find this short educational video performed by middle school students from the excellent Meritas private school network. It explains the Bill of Rights to the tune of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off." Teachers: The Bill of Rights Institute offers free lesson plans and activities for middle and high school students, … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving: a Celebration of Property Rights?!
Journalist John Stossel explains how Thanksgiving would have been (and nearly was) "Starvation Day," but for a change in policy from communal planting to...private property. [4 min/ Anti-socialism, Econ 101] Reason tells the the true story of how the introduction of property rights by Governor Bradford saved the Pilgrims. [3 min/ Anti-socialism, Econ 101] The … [Read more...]
Daylight Saving: Libertarian Video Shorts
Daylight saving creates chaos among the populace. [2 min] Comedian Michael McIntyre jokes about daylight saving time. [1 min] A short segment from the John Oliver show mocks daylight saving time. [3 min] The standard opening to Perry Mason is finally explained as a daylight saving error. [1 min] Harvard School of Public Health experts … [Read more...]