Posts Regarding Strategy, Mindsets, Discernment

An IPS Commentary By Mike Winther, President of the Institute for Principle Studies Hope vs. Discouragement Are you discouraged by the current state of our nation?  Are you frustrated by the direction of our government and political system?  Are you discouraged by the condition of our culture?  Very few Christians believe that there is any chance to positively transform our culture, our government or our world. If you are a Christian; if you favor small, limited government; if you believe that there is absolute truth; if you believe in free enterprise; and if you favor liberty over the nanny state, … Read More

By Mike Winther, President of Institute for Principle Studies Relativism and “Gay Marriage” The Obergefell decision and the proper role of civil government In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision on “gay marriage”, there is ample reason to criticize the Court, but there is also ample reason to criticize the criticizers. In the political, moral and academic debates of our time, it is important that we take the correct stand, but it is equally important that we support our position with the correct argument. All the wrong arguments I hear critique after critique of the Supreme Court that … Read More

An IPS Commentary By Michael R. Winther, President of the Institute for Principle Studies Little Things Can Make A Big Difference Almost every bill that comes into my mailbox contains content designed to promote a political agenda. My city water bill, my electricity bill, my natural gas bill, and even my home and auto insurance bills contain regular content designed to alter the political landscape. No, they are not asking me to support a particular political candidate or a political party—these messages are more subtle than that—but they are no less powerful. Subtle & Persuasive These politically persuasive messages usually … Read More

An IPS Commentary By Jenna R. Hermle Reflections on Reading “The man who will not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” Attributed to Mark Twain, this quotation illustrates an important principle regarding reading: the technical ability to read does a person no good if he does not execute the ability. The capacity to read is an incredible gift, but it does not provide any benefit if it is not practiced. Good Intentions Now readers, if you are anything like me, you probably have continual good intentions of reading, but how many of us actually turn the … Read More

An IPS Commentary By Michael R. Winther, President of the Institute for Principle Studies Symbols, Symbolism and Flag Burning I just watched a video clip of baseball player, Rick Monday, saving the American flag from the match of a protestor at a major league baseball game in 1976. As I watched, it occurred to me that there are millions of patriotic Americans who have great respect for the American flag. These Americans would join us in applauding this video and Rick Monday’s actions. Most, if not all, of these good, old-fashioned Americans would do exactly as Rick Monday did. This … Read More

An IPS Commentary By Michael R. Winther, President of the Institute for Principle Studies The Central Question of Political Science   The central question in the study of government and politics is this: “What is the proper role of government?”   What should government do about the poor? Should government ban abortion, or should government protect the practice? What should government do about health care? What should be done with the environment? How should this or that parcel of land be zoned? Should we have a military draft? The answer to each of these questions depends on our view of … Read More

An IPS Commentary By Katie Herche   The Importance of Principles During my first year at Las Positas Junior College I decided to take an economics course. The class was microeconomics, and my professor was a well-educated woman who earned her Ph.D. at Berkeley. Because I had debated in high school, I already knew that economists had differing views and that many theories were widely debated. Understanding this, I approached my professor. My question was simple: I wanted to know which school of thought she subscribed to and would be teaching from. Her answer surprised me. “This is an introductory … Read More