Forge of Freedom

12/04/2024

We had a great turnout last night for Ed Monk's presentation. Thank you to everyone who supported the event!

Last Resort Fi****ms Training

12/03/2024

Join us tonight at 6:00 PM!

📅 Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024

🕒 Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (EST)

📍 Location: Salem Assembly of God, 1701 State Road 135, Salem, Indiana 47167

$ Cost: $40

https://www.facebook.com/events/844555460913475

12/02/2024

"The importance of the 911 call cannot be overstated. This call is not just a request for help; it’s the first official account of the incident, and it will play a significant role in how law enforcement views you and the situation."

If you're ever forced to shoot someone in self-defense, who calls 911? The answer might not be as straightforward as you think.

11/26/2024

Episode 160. Wars Don’t Enhance Freedom, They Destroy Liberty

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses two significant articles on foreign policy, focusing on the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel-Palestine. He critiques the military industrial complex's influence on U.S. foreign policy and explores the implications of war on freedom and civil liberties. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more peaceful approach to international relations, drawing on the insights of Murray Rothbard and the founding principles of American foreign policy.

Resources

Rothbard Was Right: Wars Don’t Enhance Freedom. They Destroy Liberty. | Mises Institute
https://mises.org/mises-wire/rothbard-was-right-wars-dont-enhance-freedom-they-destroy-liberty

Is It Just War or Unjustified Slaughter of Innocents? | Mises Institute
https://mises.org/mises-wire/it-just-war-or-unjustified-slaughter-innocents

Jeffrey A Tucker on X
https://x.com/jeffreyatucker/status/1858850628719587493

Ukraine's ATACMS Strike On Russia Comes After Putin Lowers Threshold For Nukes | ZeroHedge
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/ukraine-launches-first-atacms-strike-russia-sending-markets-reeling-amid-ww3-fears

Thomas Massie on X
https://x.com/RepThomasMassie/status/1858517552646750436

System Update on X
https://x.com/SystemUpdate_/status/1858891248876077105

Ukraine’s First-Ever ATACMS Strike in Russia, Explained | WSJ - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teeYFzdsQYU

Gun Digest
https://gundigest.com/author/alexooley

Active Shooter Response with Ed Monk
https://forgeoffreedom.com/activeshooter/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-church-focused-study-of-the-active-shooter-problem-how-to-minimize-victims-tickets-926202605927?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Takeaways
The military industrial complex benefits from ongoing conflicts.
Murray Rothbard's views on war highlight its destructive nature.
The human cost of war is often overlooked in policy discussions.
Indiscriminate violence leads to cycles of revenge and further conflict.
Civil liberties are often curtailed during wartime, even in democracies.
The economic impact of war extends beyond the immediate conflict zone.
Public opinion is frequently manipulated by government narratives during war.
Peaceful negotiations should be prioritized over military interventions.
The consequences of war can linger long after the fighting stops.
Understanding the root causes of conflict is essential for resolution.

Keywords

foreign policy, Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, military industrial complex, liberty, Rothbard, war, freedom, conflict













DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

11/13/2024

🎙️ New Podcast Episode 🎙️

In this episode of "That Weems Guy," Lee Weems is joined by Alex Ooley, a seasoned attorney and fi****ms instructor, to break down the complex realities of self-defense cases. Together, they unpack everything from the nuances of jury instructions and admissibility of evidence to the critical role of bond and the often-overlooked post-incident legal hurdles. ⚖️💼

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens in self-defense trials—or just how costly and challenging these cases can be—this episode is a must-listen. Learn why preparation matters, the importance of self-defense insurance, and some key insights into U.S. self-defense laws that could make all the difference in a real-life situation.

🎧 Tap the link to tune in.

https://youtu.be/5lr_8eD0avw?si=PagK_HjknwsBPzeu

Ale Ooley joins me to discuss legal stuff.https://forgeoffreedom.com/

11/11/2024

Episode 159. Middle of the Road Policy Leads to Socialism

In this episode, Alex Ooley discusses the influential ideas of Ludwig von Mises, particularly focusing on his essay 'Middle of the Road Policy Leads to Socialism.' Ooley reflects on his personal journey influenced by Mises and Ron Paul, emphasizing the importance of understanding economics and history to advocate for freedom. He critiques government interventionism, arguing that it leads to socialism and undermines individual liberty. The conversation also touches on the role of veterans, foreign policy, and the need for a political renaissance that prioritizes freedom over control.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ludwig von Mises and His Influence
09:45 The Importance of Understanding History and Economics
20:04 Middle of the Road Policy: A Path to Socialism
30:07 The Consequences of Interventionism
40:08 The Future of Freedom and the Role of Ideas

Resources
Middle of the Road Policy Leads to Socialism
https://fee.org/articles/middle-of-the-road-policy-leads-to-socialism/?

Planning for Freedom
https://fee.org/ebooks/planning-for-freedom/

Tuttle Twins
https://tuttletwins.com/newsletter/the-best-way-to-honor-our-veterans/?al_pg_id=42363826-c1ea-44ec-b4d8-a3cbaec6aa3b

Forge of Freedom
https://forgeoffreedom.com/about/


Takeaways
Ludwig von Mises significantly influenced my worldview.
Interventionism is a path toward socialism.
Understanding history is crucial for advocating peace.
Government intervention often leads to unintended consequences.
The middle-of-the-road policy is not sustainable.
Veterans deserve more than just recognition; we must prevent war.
The government cannot effectively control the economy.
A political renaissance is needed to promote freedom.
Socialism is not an inevitable outcome; it can be resisted.
Ideas of liberty must be shared to combat socialism.

Keywords
Ludwig von Mises, Austrian economics, socialism, capitalism, interventionism, foreign policy, veterans, government intervention, freedom, economic policy


















DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

11/04/2024

Episode 158. Why Vote?

In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the complexities surrounding the duty to vote, the perceived importance of individual votes, and how to maintain mental health during election season. He critiques the tribalistic nature of political discourse and emphasizes the need for self-reflection and community engagement over national politics. Ooley also shares insights from two articles: one questioning the impact of individual votes and another offering strategies for navigating the stress of election season.

Resources

Why Vote? | Mises Institute
https://mises.org/mises-daily/why-vote

How to Get Through an Election Without Losing Your Mind - Intellectual Takeout
https://intellectualtakeout.org/2024/09/get-through-an-election-without-losing-your-mind/

Episode 40. Are We Good Enough for Liberty? by Lawrence Reed – The Forge of Freedom
https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-40-are-we-good-enough-for-liberty-by-lawrence-reed/

Why Mandatory Voting Would Make Democracy Worse, Not Better
https://fee.org/articles/why-mandatory-voting-would-make-democracy-worse-not-better/

Voting and Politics | Mises Institute
https://mises.org/podcasts/individual-interview/voting-and-politics

Rothbard on Voting | Mises Institute
https://mises.org/mises-wire/rothbard-voting

On Voting | Mises Institute
https://mises.org/mises-wire/voting

When Ignorance Isn't Bliss: How Political Ignorance Threatens Democracy | Cato Institute
https://www.cato.org/policy-analysis/when-ignorance-isnt-bliss-how-political-ignorance-threatens-democracy #
https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/pa525.pdf

Why (Most) Political Ignorance is Rational and Why it Matters: Reply to Jeffrey Friedman | Cato Unbound
https://www.cato-unbound.org/2013/10/22/ilya-somin/why-most-political-ignorance-rational-why-it-matters-reply-jeffrey-friedman/

When Ignorance Isn't Bliss: How Political Ignorance Threatens Democracy | Libertarianism.org
https://www.libertarianism.org/publications/essays/when-ignorance-isnt-bliss-how-political-ignorance-threatens-democracy

Ilya Somin, Democracy and political ignorance: why smaller government is smarter | Public Choice
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11127-014-0172-4


Takeaways
Voting has become a cult of the state, pushing people into tribalism.
The chance of a single vote affecting an election is extremely low.
Voting can be seen as a moral imperative, but this argument is flawed.
Local elections matter more than national ones in terms of individual influence.
Mental health is crucial during election season; consider unplugging from news.
Focus on personal values and community rather than national politics.
Fear tactics are often used by media and politicians to manipulate voters.
Self-improvement and character development can lead to broader societal change.
Engaging in meaningful conversations about candidates can help clarify views.
Your purpose in life extends beyond the political sphere.

Keywords
voting, election, civic duty, mental health, political discourse, tribalism, local elections, self-improvement, fear tactics, community









DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.

11/01/2024

🎙️ Episode 157 of Forge of Freedom "The Grinch of Halloween and Government 'Charity.'" This week, we explore entitlement, voting, and why constitutional fidelity matters. Through stories from Halloween to Davy Crockett, learn how to defend freedom with informed choices and active citizenship. 🍂👻

Catch it here: forgeoffreedom.com/episode-157-the-grinch-of-halloween-and-government-charity/

11/01/2024

🚨 Join us for a crucial event: "A Church-Focused Study of the Active Shooter Problem: How to Minimize Victims"

📅 Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (EST)
📍 Location: Salem Assembly of God, 1701 State Road 135, Salem, Indiana 47167

This seminar will equip you with essential knowledge and strategies to enhance church safety. Learn from experts about:

Understanding the active shooter threat
Developing effective response plans
Implementing preventive measures

Don't miss this opportunity to make your place of worship safer for all. Register now to secure your spot!

https://www.facebook.com/events/844555460913475

(Registration Link in Comments)



Last Resort Fi****ms Training