EP #133 || Farewell
Farewell
Parting Thoughts
In the Summer of 2020, amid the noise about a global pandemic and a presidential election with vitriol reminiscent of
Jefferson vs. Adams, we put out a call to join us as members of a society that would encourage Americans to redirect
their focus to the writings and ideas of the American Founding. We wanted to rebuild the community of civic trust and
virtue symbolized by the famous pledge at the end of the Declaration of Independence: their lives, fortune, and sacred
honor.
During such a turbulent time and despite all of the distractions hundreds of you joined us as guardians of the American
idea. For that we are deeply grateful. Today, unfortunately, we must announce that as of December 31, 2022, The Vino
& Veritas Society will be closing its (virtual) doors.
As many of you know, we set out on this venture to appeal to you, our members, instead of a group of donors. That’s
why we chose to make the business a corporation instead of a tax-exempt 501(c)3 (If you’ve listened to the podcast,
you know our aversion to calling these charities). We also did not want the IRS or any other government agency limiting
our freedom to discuss important ideas.
The success of the business relied on large numbers of Americans—thousands, if not millions—who wanted to learn
about and guard the American idea. We recognized the enormity of the task, but believed strongly that the mission was
worth it.
To that mission, we accomplished much that we are very proud of. We filmed and produced more than 130 podcasts,
publishing 1 each week without fail. These podcasts will be available going forward on our YouTube page (other than
those which YouTube/Google deemed a violation of their content standards). We also published more than two dozen
case studies, numerous op-eds, created a dozen chapters that met regularly, spoke at numerous events, and hosted
our own for more than 200 people with Dr. Ben Carson in Franklin, Tennessee.
Today, as we make this difficult decision, we realize how rare and valuable our group of members truly are for the
willingness to put in the work to become virtuous citizens who possess self-restraint, self-assertion, civic knowledge,
and self-reliance. Developing these virtues is not easy and we are fearful that the number of Americans wanting to put
in the work is much smaller than we expected
Throughout 2022, we invested our time, energy, and capital into gaining greater national exposure for our mission. The
response was not what we hoped it would be and it became clear how special our active members are. Unfortunately,
it also became clear that the market for The Vino & Veritas Society was not sufficient to grow into the business we
needed to be
We will continue producing podcasts for a few more weeks as we explore the parallel connection between the society
and the future of America. We have also produced a final case study that explores this idea in greater detail. After that,
while the society as you know it will no longer exist, we promise that we will continue to be guardians of the founding,
and to look for ways to encourage citizens to embrace the civic virtue required to keep our republic. This won’t be the
last you hear from us.
Until then, we’d like to share a bit about what’s next for Tom and Dave
Tom is developing a civics curriculum of history and philosophy, infused with the principles of liberty, for charter
schools, private schools, and homeschooling associations. He will also continue to speak and write publicly about
subjects too important to leave to ordinary academicians. You can follow his work at speakeasyideas.com, an
organization he started years ago and still remains close to his heart.
Dave is now beginning his search for his next opportunity. Being a productive, self-reliant citizen has been is at the
core of The Vino & Veritas Society and for Dave himself. If any of our members, friends, or followers would like to
discuss opportunities with Dave or have introductions they believe would be valuable, he would be happy to chat with
you and appreciative of your support
As Ben Franklin said when asked what kind of government the constitutional convention created, “A republic, if you can
keep it.” We will always continue our efforts to keep our republic and know we can count on all of you to do the same.
Thank you to everyone who put the time, effort, and capital to help us try to build The Vino & Veritas Society. This is
not farewell, but a mere see you soon as you will always be our friends in liberty.
Nos Sumus Custodes,
Dr. Tom Krannawitter and David Rich
COMMENTARY
‘Luckiest Girl Alive’ Proves It’s Possible To Discuss Rape Without Preaching About Abortion
In a surprising twist for Hollywood, Netflix’s new movie isn’t heavy-handed on abortion propaganda but shows why we should still discuss rape.
SPEAKING OUT AGAINST SLAVERY
Many modern Americans, burdened with the disadvantages intrinsic to progressive education, assume the American Founders were advocates for slavery. That is one of the main reasons those same Americans assume their own country is shamefully immoral and irredeemably racist.
The truth is the opposite.
America was the first nation in history, to borrow from Lincoln’s brief remarks at Gettysburg, “conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
CRIME IN PROGRESSIVE AMERICA
America’s progressive elites are wringing their hands over crime. Why the surge? Why now?
Progressives don’t know the cause, or so they say. Ordinary Americans, however, understand exactly what’s going on: America has become a cultural cesspool where progressives unabashedly encourage criminal behavior and levy crushing regulations and policies that fuel inflation and desperation.
The result? More crime.
CASE STUDIES
November 2022: The Pursuit of Happiness
Happiness: Everyone Has an Unalienable Right to Pursue It. Everyone Wants It. Yet, Few Americans Seem Happy Today. Why?
October 2022: The Transformation of a Regime
At What Point is the United States of America No Longer the United States of America?
Is it possible for the United States, at some point in time, to exist no more? What could destroy the United States?
September 2022: The Problem With Public Sector Unions
Public employee unions are a serious threat to our constitutional republic because they turn the government from an institution that protects the rights of citizens to an institution that advances the interests of those who are in the government.
This case study will focus on the Internal Revenue Service and the union to which most IRS employees belong, simply because the IRS has been in the news following the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act.