Refining Rhetoric Archives - Homeschool Freedom Action Center

We’re Back! And So Is Kamala Harris

Posted on September 18, 2024 | by Jennifer Bright

Refining Rhetoric: Episode 109

Reflecting on the French Revolution, Karl Marx wrote, “The tradition of all dead generations weighs like a nightmare on the brains of the living.”

Today, we seem to be living in this sick fantasy of Karl Marx, as communists, utopians, and progressives fight for mankind to be woken up from the “nightmare of tradition.”

In France, the Olympics displayed a ghastly mockery of our Lord’s Last Supper; in America, our schools are omitting history and replacing it with progressive theory; and Vice President Kamala Harris proudly imagines, “What can be, unburdened by what has been.”

What do all of these disturbing occurrences have in common? What is the “end goal” of those who promote them? How can we, as classists and Christians, defend truth, beauty, and goodness in the face of such blatant paganism?

Listen as Robert Bortins and Christ Blackburn discuss all this and more in episode 109 of Refining Rhetoric.

Classical Conversations CEO Robert Bortins and Chris Blackburn discuss current events on this episode of the Refining Rhetoric podcast.

Also, learn more about the dangerous implications of our Vice President’s words in Robert Bortins’ latest op-ed in The Carolina Journal, “What can be, unburdened by what has been.”

Please read some of our other blogs on progressivism and socialism.

Join Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations^® as he interviews thought leaders about critical topics related to faith, education, business, and culture. Using the fifteen classical tools of learning to guide his conversations, Robert encourages listeners to seek truth in every arena of life.

Informed Citizenry Limits Unintended Consequences

Posted on April 3, 2024 | by Sadie Aldaya

Robert Bortins reminds us in this episode of “Refining Rhetoric” the importance of an informed citizenry and the need for engagement in tackling the issues of today. With the quick pace of life and a faster pace of information, it can be difficult, if not overwhelming, to keep up with it all.

Chris Blackburn and Robert’s quick chat might help you think through how education can affect foreign policy. They explore the consequences of U.S. payments to Iran—linking them to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, rising oil prices, and inflation.

Engaged and Informed Citizenry

Let’s not sit on the sidelines. Let’s stay informed and involved!

How?

Keep current on local, national, and world issues
Connect with your local representatives
Attend your state’s capitol day.
Help others get involved

Check out this episode below. Listen to other episodes of Refining Rhetoric.

Have You Noticed the New Format?

There is a new format for the Refining Rhetoric podcast. In the first week, Robert interviews a Christian leader, whether they are a spiritual leader, in the business sector, engaging in the culture war, or active in the political arena. The following week, the discussion revolves around a current event headline and crypto news.

Don’t miss out on these resources and opportunities as an engaged and informed citizen. You can encourage other people to stay informed and involved, as well.

Robert Bortins is the CEO of Classical Conversations® and the host of Refining Rhetoric. The company has grown from supporting homeschoolers in about 40 states to supporting homeschoolers in over 50 countries and has become the world’s largest classical homeschooling organization under his guidance.

a man holds up a phone to cover his face

Why Gen Z Males Prefer the Right

Posted on February 26, 2024 | by Sadie Aldaya

by Robert Bortins

Gen Z males are leaning more right than left, a recent survey shows. When it comes to political momentum, it is easy to feel intimidated by cultural forces. Especially for younger generations, we are persistently told that revolutions come from youth, and the cultural tides are shifting because of young voices.

Moreover, when touted from the left, this can be disheartening, knowing that Gen Z fills the voter pool with indoctrinated principles planted by far, far leftist public academia.

Is there hope for Gen Z?

However, as politicians, Hollywood, and mainstream media bully conservatives with these empty talking points, the data shows the opposite. And this is especially the case with Gen Z males.

In episode 71 of Refining Rhetoric, Robert explores why Gen Z males are leaning conservative twice as much as liberal, as discovered by a recent survey that contradicts the widely held narrative that Gen Z has a leftist bent. There is hope for Gen Z.

Check out the episode below. Listen to other episodes on Refining Rhetoric or check out “How Civility Can Save Our Country.“

Robert Bortins is the CEO of Classical Conversations^® and the host of Refining Rhetoric. The company has grown from supporting homeschoolers in about 40 states to supporting homeschoolers in over 50 countries and has become the world’s largest classical homeschooling organization under his guidance.

Podcast: Words of Wisdom from a Homeschool Dad with Mike Donnelly

Posted on September 8, 2022 | by Lauren Gideon

In this episode, Robert and Mike Donnelly discuss a myriad of topics. Learn which segment of the population is the fastest growing among homeschoolers. Hear about the mission, origins, and future of HSLDA, what’s changing in the homeschool movement around the world, and how to stay involved in your child’s education as a homeschool father. Mike expounds on the importance of securing homeschool freedoms, giving examples from Russia and Germany. Mike Donnelly is HSLDA’s Director of Global Outreach and Senior Counsel to members in seven states. He is also an adjunct professor at Patrick Henry College, teaching constitutional law, and a published author and notable speaker, defending homeschooling and educational choice. Listen here and check your state’s current bills.