3. iii
Congratulations! You have come to the right place.
It is refreshing to know that so many Americans want to
fight for their country. You have made the right choice by
picking up this book. The time to act is now.
Americans, our ship has taken on water. We must
reevaluate our situation, plug our leaks and chart a new
course for our nation. Think about your fellow Americans.
Those who contribute to the good order of this American
ship must be encouraged to contribute more. Those who
cannot contribute must be cared for, and those who refuse
to contribute must be thrown overboard. The voyage will
not be easy, but the experience will be a rewarding one.
Thank you for joining the grassroots movement to
RECONQUER AMERICA!
5. v
Contents
1 Introduction
7 Work Like a Mexican
29 Study Like the Chinese
49 Invest Like the Wealthy
69 Survive Like Jews and
Overcome Like African Americans
101 Innovate Like the Japanese
119 Be Excellent Like German Industry
139 Celebrate: Plan it Small, Plan it BIG
155 Recommended Reading List
A1 Appendix
6. HUDSON FLYNT’S TEN COMMANDMENTS:
1) Freedom: live for her; die for her.
2) Revolt righteously.
3) Life and games have rules. Learn them well and play
to win!
4) Do not waste persistence on the lazy. Allow pain to
sober him.
5) Ask a child anything difficult in five words or less.
Your own answer is buried in your asking.
6) Rush to Planned Selflessness. It emancipates your chil
dren from deficits and endows liberty upon your grand
children.
7) Live within your means and achieve financial patience.
Riches grow from this vine.
8) Learn the definition of friend. Evaluate and replace their
influence according to your goals.
9) Do not buy cheap; it costs too much.
10) Stay out of your neighbor’s pockets; those dollars you
covet are probably slick with sweat.
7. 1
INTRODUCTION
A
s Americans, we are on a voyage. Our destination
is a revived America, different from the one in
which we now live. Instead of declining, we will
once again strengthen our economy. Our people
will once again be hard working and prosperous. The spirit
of individuality, sacrificial living and charitable generosity
will carry our citizens forward. Using excellence as a beacon
and faith as a compass, we will find our way to this America
by restoring the promises of our forefathers for a nation rich
with the spirit of individuality and the strength of unity.
We will need to leave behind us the national tendency
to live outside of our means and capsize our vessel. Debt is
destroying our nation: both personal debt and national debt.
One of our worst habits has sprung from one of our greatest
assets; our industrious spirit and drive to improve our lives
have led us to a point of excess where we go into debt.
8. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Throughout this book, I will be using immigrants as in-
spirational examples for how to look at our American heritage
differently – to return to the values that made our country great.
Like first generation Mexican immigrants past and present, we
in America must learn to love the opportunity to work and to
live within our means by foregoing the comforts of today for
the greater comfort of building a better tomorrow. In Chapter
1, I will show you how first generation immigrants lived and
worked and how adopting aspects of their way of living can
improve your life by improving your financial security.
Times are changing and Americans have become con-
tent to ignore their duty to acquire knowledge and apply that
knowledge to their lives. As our world becomes more and more
globally connected, Americans ignore the necessity of learning
the skills we need to stay ahead in the world. It is necessary that
we study and gain new knowledge all the time. On a personal
level, knowledge brings opportunity and a better life. On a na-
tional level, we must avoid the current culture of academic stag-
nation. When it comes to learning, we must not be left behind.
I hope to inspire you to study, create opportunity for yourself,
increase your value in your field and be the best that you can be.
Part of the strategy is shifting our priorities. Our re-
sources of time and money are often allocated to things that
are not really important. The wealthy understand that assets are
meant to appreciate in value, not be wasted on frivolity. I will
show you what it means to invest like the wealthy and how the
wealthy differ from the rich. Shift your priorities and you will
find that the relationships and possessions you manage will ap-
preciate in value.
9. 3
Though we are a singular nation, we often do not unify
properly to move forward together to address our national prob-
lems. We can learn a lot from Jews and African Americans
about surviving and overcoming. I will address the bickering
and the divisive attitudes that tear our nation apart and distract
us from focusing on our problems. We will find renewed confi-
dence-breeding strength and purpose in our quest to overcome
America’s challenges.
In most ways, America is still the strongest nation in
the world. Our innovative spirit allows us to lead the world in
technological fields. In your own life you may find new and ex-
citing ways to save money, make money and conduct business.
When we find new innovations, we must employ them. As a
child, I enjoyed the boxes that held my toys more than the toys
themselves. If you are like me, you will understand my advice
on imaginative innovation in life and business.
Excellence is the name of the game, and it is in decline
in America. From the customer service industry to the members
of Congress, we must learn to harness the spirit of excellence
that is unique to America. Be excellent, and be a beacon for
those around you while gaining the notice of others. HelpAmer-
ica preserve her faltering reputation worldwide. Whether work-
ing, studying, investing or innovating, you must be excellent in
your own life. Instead of letting the failings of those around you
bring you down, you must understand your power to bring out
the excellence in others by displaying it yourself.
Finally,Americans celebrate out of proportion. We often
celebrate too much over small victories or let larger victories
10. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
pass without proper acknowledgement. I want to address the
need for planning celebration that is both appropriate and
satisfying. Once you have overcome, it is time to find the joy
that comes from being an American.
Our actions now are crucial to the future of our coun-
try. Will you stay the course and brave rough seas and strong
head winds or be scuttled by opposition? Since you are read-
ing this book, I am certain you are one of those who will
march forward with your American brothers and sisters on
a campaign to reconquer America. In your personal life, you
will benefit from the advice offered in the following pages
and you will be contagious to those around you, spreading
your excellence.
ANATOMY OF YOUR CONTAGION.
Everyone you know is contagious. Smiles are con-
tagious, as are bad attitudes, complaining and success. Do
you ever wonder why successful people keep the company of
other successful people? It is because we are influenced by
the actions, attitudes and achievements of those with whom
we come into contact in our lives. This is what I like to call
your “contagion.”
You may be wondering why I chose the word con-
tagion. This is normally used in reference to disease. How-
ever, you have probably heard the old platitude that laughter
is contagious. Yawning is also contagious. Contagion is the
perfect word to describe how your surroundings affect you
positively or negatively. You have to know your contagion.
You must understand who is for you or who is against you as
you reconquer your America.
11. 5
Your family is part of your contagion, but there is
more to it than that. You influence your family and they in-
fluence you. Each member of your family also has his or her
own contagion outside of the family. The same is true of your
friends, coworkers and other business associates. They are
all part of your contagion, and you are part of theirs. Make
no mistake: the people around you will influence how you
live your life.
I know the importance of carefully limiting inclusion
into my own contagion. I seek out positive people who will
assist me in reaching my goals just as I seek to positively
influence those around me. These are typically people with
habits that lead to successful lives.
As a parent, I recognize the importance of directing
my children’s contagion. I have dealt with other children
whom I felt were negative influences on my children. For ex-
ample, I had a child removed from my son’s contagion when
he convinced my son to sit in the back of the classroom. Al-
though my son is a charter school student, intelligence and
good grades are only part of being productive.
In addition, I understand the importance of leveraging
my contagion. The people around me can provide assistance,
moral support and resources. When I come across a chal-
lenge to which I cannot find a solution on my own, I will not
hesitate to call up someone I know with experience in similar
challenges. I encourage members of my contagion to call on
me as well. I leverage my contagion well, and put their skill-
sets to work for me.
12. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Throughout this book, I will regularly refer to the con-
cept of contagion. In short, you must understand the influence
you have on your contagion and your contagion has on you.
Like a domino effect, when you influence members of your
contagion they will influence members of their contagion as
well. Through your contagion, you wield great influence across
the country. I will show you how to maximize your positive
influence over your contagion to reach your goal of reconquer-
ing America.
I offer a word of warning. It will not be easy. The head-
winds are set against us because of our past decisions. You must
possess the same spirit of perseverance that the soldiers pos-
sessed during their winter at Valley Forge. You must learn to
live and work like our ancestors who crossed the ocean for the
chance at a better life in America. Excellence must be your bea-
con and the American spirit must empower you to take hold of
your own bootstraps, pull yourself up, and reach out to your
fellow Americans.
Freedom is not free. It is the responsibility of every
American to make sure they do their part to ensure that our na-
tion will continue as a bastion of hope, freedom and prosper-
ity for the rest of the world. Read on, and understand how to
Reconquer America.
WHO IS “HUDSON FLYNT”?
“Hudson Flynt” is a semi-retired businessman. A world
traveler (among his many other accomplishments he speaks
four languages), he has had the opportunity to see first-hand that
America is the greatest country on the planet. Hudson possesses
skills to take the complex and make it understandable, simple.
13. 7
WORK LIKE A
MEXICAN
“A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you
believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination,
the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing
to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the
things that are worthwhile, it can be done.”
–Vince Lombardi
It was the ambitious, skilled and educated who elect-
ed to leave their homelands hoping that their skills would
be demanded in America. Collectivist ideology and the sub-
sequent economic difficulty drove immigrants to seek a better
life elsewhere. They left their homes, often at great expense
and discomfort, to seek the shores of America and the prom-
ise of opportunity. Whether it was to start a business, open a
medical practice or just work hard for their pay, these people
moved to America for a chance at a better life.
14. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
America offered the chance at a better life, but the
journey was long. It was not for those who benefitted from
collectivism or the lazy; it was undertaken only by those who
yearned to breathe free and seek out opportunity. This was
the first step in the new life of a first generation immigrant to
America.
After arduous journeys and the entry processes were
concluded, these newAmericans were now tasked with build-
ing new lives. The Industrial Revolution had created an abun-
dance of jobs, and the opportunities were available. It was
nonetheless a difficult existence. For immigrants, work was
hard. Factories were usually not pleasant places to work, and
living conditions in cities were harsh. The new Americans
lived simply, often in single room apartments. They walked
to work, and everywhere else for that matter. Only the prom-
ise of a better tomorrow kept them going. Day after day they
toiled and worked for meager paychecks, but they were hap-
py to do so. They had made the journey across the ocean for
the opportunities, and they were committed to making better
lives for themselves. They may have come from a country
that did not value or reward individual effort or endeavor, but
upon arriving in America they began playing by a new set of
rules – American rules – and it was worth the journey.
These men and women labored daily for their very
survival and the possibility of a brighter future. There are
those who still live that way today, first generation immi-
grants from Mexico. Like their predecessors, Mexican im-
migrants made the journey to America not for comfort but for
opportunity, freedom, and employment. They may not have
crossed an ocean to get to Ellis Island, but they still put effort
15. 9
into the journey. These are the people who are willing to
work to survive and eke out an existence by any means nec-
essary with the goal of making better lives for themselves in
the future.
Working like a first generation American immigrant
means to value opportunity the same way those who crossed
vast distances valued it. You must understand that it is up to
you as an individual to make the most of your money and live
within your means. If you value this opportunity and avoid
wasting your money, you will find that the American dream
is much more attainable.
This is what makes our great nation unique in the
world. People around the world know that if they come to
America and work hard, they have the chance to improve
their lives. The journey to America is the first step to a new
life. To make a living, these new Americans must seek out
opportunities wherever they can be found. Whether they
are fortunate enough to have regular work or rise before the
sun to seek day labor, they are not sleeping in or enjoying
the comforts commonly enjoyed by more fortunate Ameri-
cans. This is the experience of first generation immigrants in
America, the Land of Opportunity. This is the comfort that
new Americans enjoy. Hard work is rewarded, and America
is a land in which the individual can thrive based on his or
her own effort.
Work Hard and Seize the Promise of Opportunity
“If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
–2 Thessalonians 3:10 NIV
16. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
SET SAIL.
This is the beauty of the American way of life. If you
were born in America, you may not fully realize the promise of
our nation. Around the world, people do not enjoy the freedom
to express themselves or to live free from government oppres-
sion. Our Constitution guarantees us these rights. They have
been bought with the blood of countless Americans who have
fought and died to preserve them. We must fully honor these
Americans, the Constitution and the values we hold so dear
by paying for them through hard work. Like Mexican immi-
grants, you must gladly shoulder the burden of hard work and
plod toward a better life for yourselves. Your opportunity is no
less than theirs, and your potential is just as great. Utilize your
talents, and gather the fortitude to strengthen your work ethic.
The payoff is worth the effort. This is the land of opportunity
and you must live in it.
PAIN BEFORE PLEASURE.
The following is a story from a good friend of mine
named Steven Crawford, a former US Army recruiter. During
his time in the service, he would travel all around to visit the
homes of potential recruits, meet with the families and answer
any questions that they might have pertaining to the service of
their children. As Steven told me, it was a hot summer after-
noon, about two weeks into June, when he stood on the planked
porch of a farm home that laid way out in the country.
As he waited for the family to greet him at the door,
the gentle whimpering of an old brown dog lying on the porch
caught his attention. The dog looked up at Steve, whining
slightly with each exhalation, as though it was experiencing
17. 11
some amount of throbbing pain. Before Steve could move
to check on the pitiful sounding thing, he was greeted at the
door by the old farmer.
“Good afternoon sir”, Steve greeted the owner of the
home, “I am here to see your son, Bobby to talk about the
army, but I was just noticing your dog here seems to be in
pain.”
As Steve tells it, the old farmer leaned forward, look-
ing around the corner at the dog, who looked up at him,
expectant of a possible treat or early feeding time. “Oh
that’s just Sam,” he answered, “probably just laying on some
old nail.”
Steve asked with confusion, “Well sir, if he is lying on
a nail, why doesn’t he just get up?”
The old farmer answered the confused soldier with
an understanding smile and eyes full of a working man’s
wisdom, “Well, I guess it just don’t hurt him bad enough.”
Unlike the dog in the story, America now hurts badly
enough. It is time for us to get up off of our proverbial nails.
We must stop the whimpering and complaining without solu-
tions, as will be discussed in Chapter 4.
It is up to you to emulate the first generation immi-
grants. Work like a Mexican. Think about the motivation
required to leave your country of origin for the promise of
opportunity. You must understand and value the opportunity
you have. Be thankful and honor your country by working
hard as you reconquer America.
18. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
LIVE SACRIFICIALLY.
An important aspect of progress is to understand the
impediments to reaching our destination. In other words, we
must ensure that our vessel is leak-free. If we know the sta-
tus of our vessel, we can find the leaks and plug them. The
first priority is hard work, but that is not enough in modern
America. Too often we live above our means. Living sacrifi-
cially means doing the opposite and plugging the leaks in our
lives by living well within our means.
What do I mean by leaks? You may have a financial
leak, a time leak, or a pleasure leak. These are the types of
things that plague Americans and slow progress toward our
goals. One of the biggest problems in America today is that
we are simply oblivious to our leaks. We bemoan a lack of
time and money, but fail to recognize the slow drains that
deplete these resources over time.
Financial leaks are small, consistent costs that add up
as a result of disorganization, laziness, or habit. For example,
if you do not keep up with your credit card statements every
month, you may find that you are being overcharged on fees
or interest. If you subscribe to publications you do not read
or pay for services you rarely use, you are leaking financially.
In these tough times, it is important to identify and plug these
leaks that add up to surprisingly large amounts over time.
Time leaks are habits that relate to improper planning.
Do you lay your clothing out the night before work and gas
up your vehicle well in advance? Or are you the type of per-
son who rushes to get everything done, resulting in lateness
19. 13
and loss of productivity? These time leaks can damage your
career and add unnecessary stress to your life. Make a sched-
ule and stick to it. The minutes you save will really add up
and the stress reduction will be a great benefit as well.
You might have a pleasure leak. Some people watch
too much television. Others talk on the phone too much or
at the wrong times. Texting may be your leak, constantly
checking each one the moment it arrives. Any leisure activity
that significantly interferes with your life can be considered
a pleasure leak. There is a time to relax or celebrate, but it
should be planned well and done in a responsible manner.
Your time, money and reputation must be preserved and used
wisely. Think about the future and avoid the slow leaks.
Leaks can cause a great deal of damage and affect
your ability to pursue the American dream. These leaks may
go unnoticed over time. Think about the leak behind your
refrigerator that over time causes an entire wall of your house
to be infested with mold or the oil leak that causes unseen
damage to your car’s engine. Though you may see the evi-
dence of these leaks, you may overlook them for a long pe-
riod of time since they seem inconsequential. But they are
counterproductive to our efforts to reconquer America. Be
productive and plug those leaks.
Many Americans are consumed by debt that has ren-
dered them unable to prepare for the future. The credit card
business in America is a multi-billion dollar industry. Forty
percent of American spend more than their income each year.
20. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Think about that for a moment. Those habits are not
only bad for irresponsible spenders themselves, but for all of
America. When your neighbor loses his house to foreclosure
the value of your home is lowered. These results, in large
enough numbers, shake the foundations of our national econ-
omy. The current recession in America is based, in part, on
this unsustainable way of life.
First and foremost, budget your money. Do not go
into debt unnecessarily. If you are in debt now, make a budget
to work your way out of it. Stop your out-of-control spend-
ing and start saving for the things you want and need. Think
about your wants and needs. Do you need all the luxuries in
your home? Is it necessary to have cable television or would
you be better served using your money to provide for neces-
sities, pay off debt or add to your emergency fund? Invest
like the wealthy and purchase luxuries last, or forgo luxuries
in order to save even more money.
It’s about being comfortably uncomfortable. When
my wife and I first married, we lived without a TV for two
years. It was not that we were unable to afford a television,
but we worked hard and saved our money to the point that
we felt television was unnecessary. We did not budget that
luxury into our finances. It was not only about the initial cost
of the television, but the subsequent leak of a monthly bill.
Did I miss a few good moments of television? Sure. I had to
watch some big sporting events at friends’ houses. But to my
wife and me, television would have been an unnecessarily
damaging financial leak. It is a luxury we now enjoy, but it
was never a necessity.
21. 15
COMPASS IT.
“If football taught me anything about business, it is
that you win the game one play at a time.”
–Fran Tarkenton
When you think about setting sail in your life you
must have a defined destination. Where do you want to end
up on your voyage? If you need to save money, lose weight,
spend time with your family, or learn to play the piano,
you must clearly define your goal; it is a destination. You
must measure your steps as you strive to reach long-term
goals. Focus on your short-term goals as steps toward
your destination.
Goals require different types of short-term steps. Sav-
ing money is simply an incremental commitment that can
be put on a calculator. Small amounts add up to larger ones
over time. The only challenge is to continue making depos-
its. In many cases, this can be automated. The trick is to
learn to live with less so you can build your savings through
regular deposits.
Losing weight is another incremental commitment.
It is less about sacrificing monetary funds and more about
lifestyle adjustments. Eating right and exercising are your
deposits. The payoff comes in the form of weight loss
rather than interest gained. Unlike saving money, this process
cannot be automated. You have to devote time and
effort. However, you understand that your weight is your
own responsibility.
22. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
You can be as fit as your body allows, provided you
take a step-by-step approach and stick to it. It’s the principle
of working like an immigrant. You have to get out there and
make your own weight loss opportunities.
Spending more time with your family is less like an
incremental commitment and more about shifting priorities.
We all say that we value our families more than money, but in
America we sometimes have a tendency to spend more time
or effort on work than on significant relationships. In order to
reach the goal of a happy family, it is necessary to rebalance
our own habits in a step-by-step fashion.
I have employed this concept in my own life with
great results. One of my favorite examples has to do with
a song played on the piano. Though it may seem a daunting
goal, learning the piano is a step-by-step process. At a dinner
party one night a pianist played a particular song that I loved.
The degree of energy and enjoyment he poured into play-
ing the song, as well as the subsequent audience reaction,
inspired me.
I was impressed by his poise and began to wonder
if I could learn to play the piano myself. After the crowd
dispersed, I approached the musician and asked if he would
teach me. Though I had never played the piano at the time,
he proved to be very receptive to my request and actually
stayed an hour longer, showing me note-by-note what should
be played in the opening of the song. He took me through
baby steps on what keys to hit and, in much less time than I
anticipated, I was actually capable of hitting my first chord.
23. 17
It was surreal to me that I could use five fingers of my
right hand and hit the keyboard at the right moment. It sound-
ed just like it had when the pianist had played it! I knew and
loved that particular song and I was motivated to learn how
to play it. As with all goals, motivation was the starting point.
I borrowed a keyboard from a friend and began to du-
plicate, innovate and apply my strategy, which was to prac-
tice two times a day for twenty minutes. I took the keyboard
to work as well as studying in my home and I labored with
the music. It was difficult at first. I laboriously learned and
practiced the first verse. It was a slow process, but it began to
come together little by little. In a very short time, the whole
song actually began to emerge for me to the point where I
could play it with surprising accuracy.
I had kept my practicing somewhat secret from my
family so at some point I could surprise them. My opportu-
nity came four months later when, while on vacation, I sat
down at the piano in the lobby of our resort and started play-
ing. I made the piano sing.
A
s you can imagine, I was nervous, yet eager. I be-
gan with the first note, then, the first chord and
put them together. Before I knew it, I had played
the entire song for my family and a couple of com-
plete strangers. It was just as exhilarating as I had imagined
it would be while I was spending my twenty-minute sessions
banging away at the keyboard. And it all started with one
note, one chord.
24. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
These are the types of results that are possible through
setting good goals. This is about investment. Time and money
are resources that must be utilized appropriately. We will cov-
er this further in Chapter 3.
YES I CAN!
Perseverance is the name of the game. There is a peace
that comes with accepting and enjoying routine. Think about
your average Tuesday. There is nothing special about most
Tuesdays. You probably get up, get to work and get through the
day. The trial of perseverance is in carrying on for the long-term
to reach your goals, not expecting every day to be especially
rewarding.
So, get to work. Follow the example of first generation
Americans. Do what you must and do it with pride. America
is the land of opportunity and you are fortunate to live here, so
persevere in making the most of it.
Plug the leaks in your life that are causing you to slowly
sink. Pay attention to your bank account and think about how
much money you are wasting. Get organized to get your time
leaks under control. Stop letting leisure activities interfere with
your ability to live sacrificially. When you plug these leaks, you
will find that working like a first generation American is far
more financially rewarding.
We’ve taken our examples from those who have made
the journey before us. Reaching their destination is based on a
sacrifice of today’s pleasure for tomorrow’s reward. Right now
our country is adrift and in a battle for its very existence as we
25. 19
know it. To win such a monumental battle takes massive com-
mitments of time and levels of courage from each individual to
alter the course of this great country as we reconquer America.
The benefits are not always immediate. In fact, it may
be a painful process to plug those leaks in your life. When
it hurts, think about how you are preparing to live better in
the future. That is what living sacrificially is all about. You
work like an immigrant and live comfortably uncomfortable
to ensure your future security and one day you will be able to
enjoy luxuries without financial burden. If you are in a hole,
you will climb out. As you look toward the future, you will
find it getting brighter with every penny you save.
26. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
ACTION STEPS with Hudson Flynt
Q: What do you mean by “Freedom: Live for her,
die for her”?
Hudson Flynt: I’ve traveled the world, and what I’ve seen, ev-
erywhere, is that people want the American dream–to be able
to live their lives, raise their families and run their businesses
with a minimum of interference. To have a decent opportunity
to rise to their highest level of success, happiness and contri-
bution. Our rush to “level the playing field” for everyone risks
reducing our Dream to the American Nightmare. To be honest,
to be charitable, to offer education and opportunity to all is
about as fair as the world has ever been, and far fairer than na-
ture itself. We risk losing everything in a misguided attempt to
make everyone feel good about themselves, whether they’ve
earned it or not. I’m saying Freedom is a lady, one deserving
of courtesy, love and sacrifice.
Action StepS:
Right NOW, turn to the end of the first chapter and write down
what “freedom” means TO YOU. The definition should be
strong enough to make it worthwhile to risk your life for its
attainment and preservation. The men who built this country
felt that way, and so should you!
27. 21
Q: You state that “Life and games have rules. Learn them
well and play to win!” Alright, I’ll bite: how do I learn
these rules?
Hudson Flynt: Surround yourself with those who have suc-
ceeded. Read their biographies, watch interviews with them,
understand the way they spend their time, their attitudes and
beliefs. Do as they did. As Tony Robbins says, “Success leaves
clues.” As success coach Steven Barnes says: “add up the
success, health, and happiness of all the people you associate
with. Divide by the number of people. You’ll be exactly in the
middle of the pack.” If you can’t associate with them in person,
do what Napoleon Hill suggested in “Think And Grow Rich”–
select five or six role models, study them exhaustively, and
every day have an internal “board meeting” in your imagina-
tion where you ask them questions and advice. It sounds crazy,
but there’s nothing crazy about something that works!
Action StepS:
By the end of this week, create a list of no fewer than three,
or more than seven role models who have succeeded in the
most basic aspects of life. Business, health, and family/rela-
tionships should be the first three, but you can add more if
desired. Look at your list daily, and spend ten minutes a day
visualizing them in conversation about your life, actions and
decisions.
28. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
TOP SECRET BATTLE PLAN:
Objective: Your mission, glad you decided to accept it, is to
map your own life and find ways to plug any and all leaks.
You already work hard, now start living sacrificially and keep
more of your money.
My Plan of SACRIFICIAL LIVING:
35. 29
STUDY LIKE
THE CHINESE
Despite the impact on their personal lives, horseshoe
repairman could not stop the automobile industry, nor could
typewriter repairmen stop the coming of the computer age.
We must gain the knowledge and information to adapt to
life’s changes and apply that knowledge to our life’s goals;
whether to get a job, to survive in a tough economy or to
conduct international business.
When it comes to academics in Chinese families, A
stands for average, B stands for bad, C stands for crippled,
and D means you’re dead. It really should come as no surprise
that the Chinese hold their children to such high standards.
Due to the nature of the Chinese family and the complexity
of Chinese culture, there is a tradition of passing down what
I call generational intelligence.
36. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
GENERATIONAL EXPECTATION,
GENERATIONAL INTELLIGENCE.
From one generation to the next in Chinese house-
holds, knowledge about what it takes to succeed in the world
is passed along with a great deal of expectation. Consequent-
ly, there’s no need for trial and error in Chinese culture in
how to make it in the modern world because that knowledge
is passed down. They understand that good grades and re-
lentless devotion to practice and study are the most effective
methods to succeed in the modern world, and they drill this
into their children.
In my early childhood, show and tell was an exciting
time. It gave me an unknowing glimpse into how and why
some of my classmates became pillars of their community
and society. I remember a particular day when a few of my
classmates brought in stethoscopes and gavels; their parents
were doctors and judges. As an adult, it became apparent what
these symbols of accomplishment meant. Familial expecta-
tions were set to a high standard of accomplishment.
As a child, I viewed those show and tell items as a
different kind of toy. But, as an adult I know why my class-
mates’ parents gave them those items. They were preparing
their children for the world they would face. I call this “learn-
ing by proxy.” Simply by being near and around business,
children actually learn.
This became apparent in the simplest way when I asked
my oldest daughter to teach my son how to tie his shoe. Over
time, my baby son saw me tie my shoes and I expected him to
do the same. The older he got, the more he saw. He was learning
37. 31
by proxy. When the time came (he was about two years of
age) for him to give it a try, I asked my oldest daughter (about
six at the time) to have a go at teaching him. She taught;
he learned!
As I had learned to tie my shoe, so did my oldest
daughter. It made me so happy to see just how she took that
knowledge of how to tie her shoe and passed it along to my
son. That day I had two reasons to celebrate. For one, it was
clear how intelligence was transmitted from one generation
to the next. And, two, I saw my own children pass along their
knowledge! I expected it.
FULL CIRCLE.
The familial expectation came full circle. As I was
working for a Knight-Ridder newspaper, I happened upon
a familiar face. It was a childhood classmate of mine. After
brief reunion hugs, the time came to say goodbye. He wanted
to stay in touch and handed me his business card. Lo and
behold, he was an attorney. Over time he had received gener-
ational intelligence as he met the expectations of his family.
Apply this to your own life. You can pass down gen-
erational intelligence as you create family expectations.
Whether you are a student, an actor, a plumber or even an
attorney, if you expect to succeed you must continue to
expand your knowledge and adapt to changing times.
This is more important now than ever. Technology is expand-
ing, competition is becoming fiercer, and the job market is
becoming leaner. You must gather knowledge in order to
keep up and stay competitive.
38. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Think of the business of delivering the news. The print news-
paper, as a medium, is quickly becoming a relic. Companies
that are successful in this business are those that have adapted
and retooled for the age of the internet by adding an online-
centered format.
PROBLEMATIC.
“The average millionaire can’t tell you who got
thrown off the island last night.”
–Dave Ramsey
Americans today are easily distracted. In his book, Bowling
Alone: America’s Declining Social Capital, Robert Putnam
explains that modern Americans are content to stay at home
watching television. The rise of the Information Age and the
television has, paradoxically, left us unfocused on gathering
useful knowledge. America is in trouble, and it is the duty of
every citizen to get on board with the effort to save her. Indi-
vidual self-improvement is the biggest component needed to
reconquer America. One of the best ways to improve yourself is
to add to your knowledge, thereby strengthening yourself, and
in turn, your nation.
According to studies by the A.C. Nielson Company, the average
American family watches four hours of television a day. Talk
about a pleasure leak! Think about how you could improve
your life if you spent those hours studying to advance your
career, or learning a language or a new skill? Turn off the televi-
sion, America, or you will be left behind.
39. 33
Like living sacrificially, studying effectively requires
giving up certain things. Time with friends and family, lei-
sure time in front of the television, or other activities you en-
joy may need to be sacrificed. You have to commit to learn-
ing, set goals, and focus on the outcome you seek to gain
from your study. Find what works for you, and get to work
learning.
T
he way I learn best is through controlled isolation.
To improve my language skills, I find that twenty
minutes in isolation: twice a day, four days a week,
provide an ideal learning environment. My mind is
relaxed knowing that my phone will not ring because it is off.
I have notified my contagion of my state of isolation so that
they understand to avoid interrupting me. I also find those
who natively speak languages I am studying, to anchor the
practice of what I’ve learned.
This may not be your preferred method of study, but it
works for me. Whether you need to find a means of isolation
or to attend classes; like the Chinese, you must discover how
you study best and get started. Get out there and start gather-
ing knowledge and employing it in your daily life.
YES I CAN!
Did you know you can become an expert on any sub-
ject in six months or less? If you find something about which
you are motivated to gather and apply knowledge you can
really do amazing things.
40. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Take Alex and Patricia, two very dear friends of mine.
After returning from a night of dancing, they were preparing
for bed when Patricia passed out. A CAT scan revealed she
had developed a blood clot in her brain, a condition which
can be deadly if not managed properly.
Alex feared that he would lose his wife. Before this
surprising turn of events, she seemed the picture of health,
working out at the gym and running. He had many questions
and the doctor could not provide adequate answers. The sec-
ond and third doctors were no more helpful in giving him a
comprehensive understanding of his wife’s condition.
He spent weeks immersing himself in medical jargon
associated with brain conditions. Weeks turned into months
while he studied the brain and its interactions with the rest of
the body. Patricia’s treatment continued, along with Alex’s
study. For him, the possibility of losing his wife was motiva-
tion to learn all he could.
Eventually Alex found that he was conversing with
Patricia’s doctors using medical jargon about brain chemis-
try on their own level. He no longer spoke like a layman;
in a matter of months he had learned the brain and the nu-
ances about his wife’s condition. Sure, he could not have
performed brain surgery, but he knew a great deal about his
wife’s condition, and he used it to assist her doctors, who
actually found him to be a good source of knowledge in his
wife’s treatment.
The doctors knew what they knew, and what they did
not know was up to him to learn, so he did. His motivation
41. 35
set him on a course of assembling knowledge that allowed
him, working with her doctors, to assist in the effort to save
his wife.
The doctors were impressed. Alex’s study contin-
ues today, acquiring knowledge from both known and little
known places. He understands that knowledge truly is power
and it is certainly playing a role in saving his wife’s life. To-
day she has recovered and they are living happily. Alex often
accompanies her on her doctor visits and continues studying
the brain in order to assist her in living a healthy life.
In the same way Alex was able to become an expert
on the brain, with the proper dedication in six months or less
you can become an expert in the field of your choice. As you
become an expert, you can harness that knowledge to suc-
ceed in your own life. So, turn off the TV and get started.
LEVERAGE YOUR KNOWLEDGE.
In the 1970’s, few people traded on the stock market.
This was not because of a lack of resources or drive to in-
vest, but because of a lack of knowledge and understanding
about the stock market. Like the horseshoe repairman and the
typewriter repairmen mentioned earlier, you must constantly
retool and advance your knowledge in order to thrive in an
ever-changing world. People now invest in the market far
more regularly. This is because knowledge of the stock market
is more widespread and people are seeing the opportunities it
presents.
Someone once told me, “Don’t trade commodities;
you could lose your shirt.” What he was really saying is,
42. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
“I don’t know anything about trading commodities and
haven’t bothered to study them.” Of course, if you don’t
know how to do something, you will lose your shirt trying to
do it. The person who is afraid to lose his shirt suffers from a
lack of knowledge. We fear what we do not understand, and
a lack of knowledge can prevent us from taking advantage of
opportunities.
As for commodities, did you know that your own bank
trades your deposits on the commodities market every day?
They can do so because they have people who have taken the
time to study the markets. This practice is very profitable for
banks. They seize opportunities based upon knowledge. The
person who warned me about losing my shirt could make
statements about the dangers of the commodities market, but
failed to understand the opportunities it presents.
Actually, you can lose your shirt in any kind of busi-
ness venture. Think about opening a restaurant. When a cus-
tomer enters your restaurant, he must be greeted and seated
by a greeter and have his order taken by a server. This simple
process requires training and payment of staff, but they are
just the direct line from the customer to the kitchen, commu-
nicating his desires in the form of an order. This communica-
tion requires a number of things that a restaurant owner must
understand, like paying his employees, choosing uniforms
to give a professional appearance, training the workers and
other similar tasks.
In the kitchen, the restaurant owner has even more to
consider. He must ensure that he has enough food products,
that they are properly stored and that his cooks are adequately
43. 37
trained and paid to prepare the dishes. He has to consider
how to manage shrinkage of food and the correct portioning
of meals. In addition to all of these business concerns, he
must demand that the proper health and safety regulations are
followed. Cleaning is a day and night job, and he must make
sure that every day begins with the cleaning the night before
in order to reduce the time leaks in his own life, as well as
his restaurant.
Failing to live up to high standards in any way can
result in a loss of customers or even the danger of being shut
down, sued or slowly leaking money due to inefficient prac-
tices. It is clear how, as a restaurant owner, you will lose your
shirt if you do not understand and consistently apply your
knowledge and experience to the specifics of the business.
Like the demanding Chinese parent, so too is a business de-
manding. If you don’t live up to customer expectations and
industry standards, your business will end up with a grade
of “D” for dead, and there goes your shirt! The remedy, of
course, is to gather and apply the appropriate knowledge.
S
tudying is about self-improvement and taking ad-
vantage of opportunity. On our voyage to reconquer
America, it is important to understand the power
of knowledge. Whether you are like the typewriter
repairman in the midst of the computer age or you just need a
more positive way to spend your time, you can improve your
life through devoted study.
First, focus on something that will directly improve
your way of life. If you are a plumber, study to become a
master plumber. If there are certifications for which you can
44. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
study, earn them. Acquiring this type of knowledge is vital to
moving forward in your chosen field.
Next, learn another language, or two. Language skills
will always be in high demand amongst people in any field. I
suggest learning two new languages. My choices are Chinese
and Spanish. Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language
in the world. The second is English and third is Spanish. The
broad brush goal in America should be to attain fluency in
these two additional languages. The Spanish language is in-
creasingly valuable in domestic businesses because of the in-
flux of people from Spanish-speaking countries while Man-
darin Chinese is increasingly necessary on the global market
due to the growth of China as an economic superpower.
In order to reconquer America, we must learn these
things with foresight in mind. By foresight, I mean thinking
about the fact that the second largest economy in the world is
Shanghai, having just surpassed Japan. China is poised to be-
come the next global economic superpower and knowledge
of the Mandarin Chinese language will give studious Ameri-
cans opportunities above and beyond the norm.
The benefit of studying is to gain opportunity. It’s
true that knowledge is power. Knowledge can get you hired
or promoted, and can enhance your business or provide in-
sight in your daily life. You will be able to help America
retake its place heading the rest of the world. Like the horse-
shoe and typewriter repairmen, you need to constantly retool
your skills.
“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
–Hosea 4:6 NIV
45. 39
ACTION STEPS WITH HUDSON FLYNT
Q: What is the most important rule for success?
Hudson Flynt: Actually there are two: First, To have well
defined, WRITTEN goals, and plans for their accomplish-
ment expressed in continuous action. Second, to close your
mind against negative voices and thinkers. The Chinese call
this “Thick Face, Black Heart.” You can either have your
dreams, or you can listen to the “crabs in a basket” trying to
drag you back down. Your choice.
Q: What do you mean by “Ask a child anything difficult in
five words or less”?
Hudson Flynt: I think it was Einstein who said that every-
thing should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit
simpler. If you can’t communicate a concept to an intelligent
child, you don’t really understand the concept. Too many
people conceal their ignorance and confusion with an ava-
lanche of highfalutin’ words. Forcing yourself to think: “how
would I communicate this to Timmy?” cuts through the b.s.
Q: What do you mean by “Your own answer is buried in
your asking.”?
Hudson Flynt: There’s a saying that a well-formulated ques-
tion is half-way to the answer. I’ve found that to be extraor-
dinarily true.
46. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
ACTION STEPS:
1) By the end of the week: write out your current situation
and desires in AT LEAST the three basic arenas of your
life: career, family/relationships, and physical health.
Where are you? What do you want and need to achieve?
2) Rewrite this in language that a seven-year-old child would
understand. What would you gain from achieving in each
of these arenas? What do you stand to lose if you don’t
master them? Imagine explaining your goals and reasons
to your own younger self. Why should he or she care?
Be clear, and passionate.
47. 41
TOP SECRET BATTLE PLAN:
Objective: Your mission, glad you decided to accept it, is to
find an area of study, identify your best method of study and
start applying new knowledge to your life. Take this in steps
and become an expert in six months or less!
MY PLAN OF STUDY:
55. 49
INVEST LIKE
THE WEALTHY
“The key to accepting responsibility for your life is
to accept the fact that your choices, every one of them, are
leading you inexorably to either success or failure, however
you define those terms.”
–Neal Boortz
We need to make the distinction between being rich and
being wealthy. Think about a lottery winner or any person who
experiences a windfall of cash. These people can rightfully be
considered rich because, very simply, they have a lot of money.
In cases where people lack the wisdom of wealth, it is only a
matter of time before they are broke, in debt, bankrupt, friend-
less (of fair-weather friends), and disappointed in life. It is all
too easy to go from rich to poor, but wealth can last a lifetime
and through generations if we understand it. You do not have to
become rich to become wealthy.
56. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Consider the example of former Major League Base-
ball player Jack Clark. During his 18-year career, he hit 340
home runs, played on the All-Star team on four separate
occasions and won two silver slugger awards. Jack earned
millions from his impressive career and, properly managed,
he should never have needed to worry about finances again.
U
nfortunately, Clark is as famous for squandering
his earnings as he is for his career in baseball. In
1992, he filed for bankruptcy. The problem was
that Jack liked expensive cars. At the time of the
filing, he was paying for 17 luxury cars and could not keep
up the payments. In the unfortunate fiasco, he lost his $2.4
million home, his cars and his racing business. Someone who
could have lived comfortably the rest of his life ended up
broke because he lived above his means and failed to invest
his riches well. Jack Clark had riches, but he did not possess
the wisdom of wealth. Fortunately, Jack has recently gotten
back on his feet financially. He has learned to live sacrificially
to make his money go farther. He no longer owns so many
cars and he still enjoys a good relationship with his family.
Here’s my definition of wealth: an abundance of
valuable possessions, friends and time. That’s right; wealth
is not defined only by possessing a large amount of money.
The wisdom of wealth lies in recognizing the importance of
each of these assets and taking care of them. Yes, it is about
living sacrificially, as we mentioned in Chapter 1. You must
understand the resources that bring wealth and invest them in
what’s important to you.
57. 51
First of all, we know that money is a resource, and it
is a very important one. It must be saved, invested and spent
in a manner that causes it to grow over time. As discussed in
Chapter 1, you work hard for your money. Live sacrificially
and make your money go as far as you can. You use your
money for possessions and property as well as security for
your future and the future of your family. So make money
and enjoy the opportunities America offers. Enjoy material
wealth, but realize that money is not the only resource that
must be invested well. You must also invest your time.
People often say that time is money. In my view, time
is far more valuable than money. Time, like money, is a re-
source that must be well invested. To gain valuable posses-
sions, you must devote time to earning money. In the same
way, you must devote time to developing relationships with
family and friends.
It is important to strike a balance and diversify your
investments of time. Time is a resource that, when properly
invested, can yield far more valuable dividends than money
alone. Do not over prioritize your investment into money.
The old platitude says money cannot buy you happiness.
While that is certainly true, happiness does not elude those
willing to devote time and effort to rewarding relationships.
TAKE CARE OF THE PENNIES.
My father told me if you take care of the pennies the
dollars will take care of themselves. You may think one of
the advantages of being rich is that you do not need to be
concerned about cost in your dealings. After all, being rich
58. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
is about being able to spend on luxuries. To contrast, the
wealthy understand that taking care of the pennies is the best
way to hold on to your wealth.
A trip to Hank Aaron’s home changed my perspec-
tive on this. I was invited to Mr. Aaron’s home to finalize a
business transaction. Walking in, I looked around at all the
historical evidence of his achievements. He has been suc-
cessful in baseball as well as business, and his home provides
great evidence of that fact. Among the treasures in his home
was a pair of Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves preserved in a
glass case, autographed photos from presidents, gifts from
foreign dignitaries and a number of other amazing items. By
my observation, Hank Aaron does not want for possessions,
he has provided well for himself through his baseball career
and successful car dealerships.
To my surprise, when we sat down his first questions
were about how we could save money through our business
transaction. He wanted to know the cost. I was amazed. Here
was someone with great riches as well as the wisdom of
wealth. He understood that taking care of the pennies would
allow the dollars to take care of themselves. He is truly an
American hero.
It should be apparent then that to invest like the
wealthy you must understand the concept of saving money.
In other words, you must learn to cut back, not only to live
sacrificially, but to build the resources that can be spent wise-
ly on the possessions you desire.
Believe it or not, people who are rich but also possess
the wisdom of wealth do not buy luxury items first. First, they
59. 53
take care of the pennies, find how they can save money and
invest it well. Then they plan purchases. In your own life, try
to hold off on luxuries and invest well in things that are nec-
essary first. Always try to save money and live sacrificially.
This is how you take care of the pennies. Do this, and the
dollars will truly take care of themselves.
Think about this in the investment of your time. Plug
your time leaks. Save the minutes and the hours will add up
as well. Get organized. Apply time management skills, and
you will find that you save a lot of time. Then time can be
reinvested in those things that are valuable to you.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
It is important to understand that relationships must
be more heavily invested in than possessions because they
often require more time. You cannot simply buy rewarding
relationships. You must invest time and energy into them.
Too often, people neglect this and tie up their resources dis-
proportionately into possessions that have less of a payoff
than investment in family and friends.
In my own life, I have struggled with this. I remem-
ber how, many years ago, my legs were broken, financially
speaking. I was temporarily homeless, light on money, and
recently divorced. I didn’t have much in life to hold on to, so
I held onto my children.
Because I did not have a place to take them to stay
at night, I used to pick up my children from their mother’s
house early in the morning and take them back at night. We
would eat breakfast in my vehicle in front of a gas station.
60. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
We sang songs, played games and prayed together. We would
spend time at parks and enjoy nature. When I could afford it,
we would take trips to my parents’ house in a neighboring
state. I did not have much to give them, but it was my great-
est joy to give them my time.
I
n the case of my son, when he was a small child, I would
come get him for lunch and we would go to fast food
places near his daycare. We’d eat a quick lunch, talk and
cut up. I cherished the times we spent together and all
the other kids envied him because his dad would eat lunch
with him several times a week.
I joined my older children on field trips out of state or
at parks. I went on almost all of them. They used to call me
the classroom dad because I would chaperone every field trip
to spend as much time as possible with my kids.
That was when I had nothing. My possessions were
very limited, but I possessed great wealth in my relationship
with my children. We often reminisce about those good old
days when I was broke and homeless and had much more
time to invest in them.
Today I have more possessions and money but have
failed in continuing my tradition of spending time with my
children. I have invested my time poorly with my young-
est daughter, who had not yet been born during my hardest
financial times. I realized this when she came to my office
with her mother and sat on my lap to tell me about her day.
She was excited about how she had milked a cow on her most
recent field trip. I started reminiscing about field trips I had
61. 55
taken with my older children and realized that I have not
made those memories with my youngest. In a sense, I have
invested more of my time in material possessions and failed
to invest properly in the relationship with her.
Today she is five and very clearly stated that she
wants me to go on her next field trip and I can tell you, come
hell or high water, I will be there. At the time of this writing
I am motivated once again by my own words. I too am in
a constant state of reconquering my America. I have made
a plan to reprioritize my time and place more value on my
family relationships.
In the case of my relationship with my daughter, until
now I have not invested like the wealthy but like the rich, pri-
oritizing my possessions over my relationships. The people
whom I consider wealthy do not make these mistakes. The
wisdom of wealth comes in the understanding and proper
prioritization of resources with an eye on goals and an un-
derstanding of the things that are most important. I can say
that, for all the wealth of possessions I now have, I feel the
greatest sense of accomplishment and joy from the relation-
ships with my older children and the greatest sense of loss
from my failure to properly invest in the relationship with
my youngest daughter.
Of course, investments in people are more complex
than those relating to possessions and monetary investments.
Rather than just putting away money and seeing returns, rela-
tionships require active attention and effort. So take time out
of your day and invest it in your relationships. Understand
that when it comes to riches; it’s just money. There is always
62. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
the potential to gain more money, but you may not get
another chance to build a connection with the members of
your family.
YES I CAN!
Habitize your life. I think many Americans probably
fail in the same way I failed my youngest daughter. Maybe
you are out of balance; you have not correctly prioritized the
things that are important to you. Investment is about properly
using your resources of time and money to enhance the most
important aspects of your life. It is about incremental sacri-
fice. You sacrifice money to your savings and time to your
relationships. You must do these things regularly, plug your
leaks, and live sacrificially to see the biggest payoff from
your investments.
Think about your average Tuesday again. Hundreds
of tasks are performed out of habit. You don’t think about
how to drive or how to brush your teeth; you just do these
things because they feel natural and necessary. In a blend be-
tween the conscious and the subconscious, you accomplish
hundreds of tasks every day without thinking about them.
This should be true of your investments as well.
When it comes to money, you have probably already habitu-
ated investments. Going to work day after day, for example,
is an investment, as is putting away part of your paycheck in
a savings account. You need to learn to invest your resources
in the same way so you make a habit of investing in your
priorities. The key to monetary investment is to regularly put
away money that appreciates in some way over time. If you
63. 57
make it a habit or set up a way to do it automatically, you
minimize the effort and eventually get used to sacrificing that
money.
When you invest time into your family you find that
relationships appreciate in a similar way. For example, your
bond with your child improves because you invest the time
to attend his sporting events or even a field trip. If you make
this investment of time into your relationships, you will see
a payoff. Whether it is a better connection with your children
or a stronger marriage, you will find that your investment of
time is truly worthwhile.
With friends, invest a listening ear. If your friends
need you, be there for them. Help them work through bad
experiences, start businesses, or work for a raise. Friends are
a family we choose and, in many cases, can be closer than ac-
tual family. Relationships with friends build in similar ways
to those with family, and they provide similar rewards.
Next, understand what you are getting into when you
take on an investment that involves both money and friends.
Always verify your payoffs and keep close track of the re-
sources that are invested. When it comes to doing business
with friends, do not be afraid to trust them responsibly but
also verify transactions. I follow this rule because of an ex-
perience I had while doing business with a longtime friend.
I was paid $500 cash for a personal item and I did not
bother to count his payment. After all, we were friends and
I had no reason to mistrust him. The next day, he claimed he
had accidentally given me $600. Unfortunately, I had spent
64. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
the money on living expenses without keeping track of the
exact amounts. It never occurred to me that it may have been
more or less than $500.
We were both at a sensitive time financially and could
have each used the $100 in question. The tension was enough
to end a long-time friendship. Had I the money to do so, I
would have given it to him to save the relationship. If I had
counted the money at the time of receipt it would have been
simple to just return the overpayment or know for sure I had
not been underpaid.
I trusted my friend irresponsibly. Take it from me,
America. Keep your friends. Trust them, but verify.
F
inally, I want to reinforce that investment must be
well-prioritized. Put money away regularly, give time
to your family daily and invest resources in your con-
tagion constantly. The payoffs will be well worth the
temporary sacrifices. Prioritize the things that are important
to you. If you want to strengthen the relationship with your
family, do not spend all your time working for money. Bat-
ten down the hatches and set sail on your journey to become
wealthy! Invest your resources wisely and you will see pay-
offs, and be well on your way to Reconquering America.
65. 59
ACTION STEPS WITH HUDSON FLYNT
Q: What do you mean by a “Rush to Planned Selflessness.
It emancipates your children from deficits and endows
liberty upon your grandchildren”?
Hudson Flynt: You pass along generational intelligence and
finances. You have to plan on establishing security for your-
self and your children. Start with yourself. You must have pa-
tience. Structure your life for tomorrow.
Vietnamese immigrants often live in less than desirable condi-
tions, multiple families often living in a single house. The old-
est moves out to purchase a home as the family resources goes
towards paying for it. The next oldest moves out and purchase
a home, and so on. This creates a toehold in the country for the
others to build upon. Selflessness is not foolishness.
Q: You say to “Live within your means and achieve finan-
cial patience. Riches grow from this vine.” What is
“financial patience?”
Hudson Flynt: It is the proper use of cash and credit. Don’t
buy depreciable goods on credit. This is what poor people do.
On the other hand, wealthy people use credit to make invest-
ments, or purchase items that appreciate—or better still, they
buy with cash.
66. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Q: How do riches grow from the “vine” of financial patience?
Hudson Flynt: The vine provides sustenance to the branches
to the tree of your life, if you will. Achieving financial pa-
tience, means waiting to buy something you can’t afford
today. Not always doing things on credit. When you use credit,
you give away some of your power to those who have had
more financial patience than you. In a sense, you voluntarily
enslave yourself and your family.
ACTION STEPS:
IF YOU HAVEN’T DONE THIS ALREADY: This month,
purchase a copy of Quicken or another financial software
program or use a free online service like Mint.com and begin
to take control of your finances. If they are painful, if you
engage in avoidance, it is even more critical that you spend
this time on a daily basis becoming familiar with where and
how your money is going, and where and how it is coming in.
Like losing weight, until you know the patterns of gain and
loss you can’t begin to staunch the flow of financial bleeding.
67. 61
TOP SECRET BATTLE PLAN:
Objective: Your mission, glad you decided to accept it, is
to prioritize and habitize your life. Decide how to invest
your time and money, investing and building lasting wealth.
Whether this is time with family or money put aside, make it
a habit to invest your resources well.
My Investment Portfolio:
75. 69
“The Egyptian, the Babylonian, and the Persian
rose, filled the planet with sound and splendor, then faded
to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman
followed; and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other
people have sprung up and held their torch high for a time,
but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have van-
ished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what
he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of
age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies,
no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are
mortal but the Jew; all other forces pass, but he remains.
What is the secret of his immortality?”
–Mark Twain
SURVIVE LIKE
JEWS AND
OVERCOME
LIKE AFRICAN
AMERICANS
76. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Survival, as a concept, implies struggle, the struggle
to simply continue to exist. For the individual, this typically
applies to the struggle to continue breathing. When it comes
to a people, like the Jews, survival is about a culture and a
way of life.
The Jewish people have been faced with the greatest
of history’s trials. From the time of Abraham until modern
times, the Jews have not only had their way of life threatened
time after time, but have been faced with discrimination and
even extermination.
Consider this brief chronicle about the survival of the
Jews. (Excerpts from Ken Spiro’s Crash Course on Jewish
History article for aish.com and simpletoremember.com)
1812 BC Time of Abraham begins (Mesopotamian & Egyp-
tian civilizations also flourish)
1544 BC Joseph sold into slavery. The story of Joseph dem-
onstrates a classic historic pattern of the Jew. The
Jew arrives impoverished, works hard despite
deprivation, and rises to the top
1428 BC Israelites enslaved in Egypt
555 BC Assyrians overturn northern Israel and introduce a
new way of dealing with vanquished nations; exile
422 BC Babylonians conquer Israel and destroy the Temple
370 BC Jews return from Babylonian exile
77. 71
312 BC Greeks conquer Israel
245 BC Greeks persecute Jews and terror reigns
167 BC Jews revolt against the Greeks (Revolt of Macca-
bees); it becomes the world’s first religious war
63 BC Romans invade Israel
67 AD The great revolt of Jews against Rome begins
70 AD Jerusalem conquered by the Romans
136 AD Beloved Rabbi Akiva is martyred and the Romans
banish the Jews from Jerusalem, as well as renam-
ing it after themselves
638 AD Islamic conquest of Jerusalem
1096 AD Crusades begin
1478 AD The Inquisition begins
1492 AD Jews expelled from Spain
1648 AD Chmielnicki massacres in Eastern Europe
1791 AD Jews are herded into Pale of Settlement in Russia,
an area of Russia where they were most oppressed.
1881 AD Jews made scapegoats for Czar of Russia. In Czar-
ist Russia, government-organized pogroms against
Jews keep the eyes of masses off the corrupt regime
78. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
1894 AD Dreyfus Affair in France. Anti-Semitism runs ram-
pant in France as a Jewish army captain is false-
ly accused of spying. His conviction takes many
years to overturn
1897 AD First Zionist Congress, a major event in the estab-
lishment of the modern State of Israel
1933 AD Hitler comes to power in Germany (While Nazi
Germany proceeds to systematically round up and
execute Jews, the rest of the world closes its eyes
and its doors.)
1942 AD “The Final Solution” plan begins and millions of
Jews are gassed and cremated in six death camps,
including Auschwitz
1948 AD Israel is declared a state on May 14 and the follow-
ing day is invaded by the Arab armies of Egypt,
Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon in
what began the War of Independence
1967 AD Six Day War and reunification of Jerusalem. Fac-
ing another large scale attack by surrounding Arab
nations, they launched preemptive strikes and in
just six days, Israel captured huge chunks of ter-
ritory and won what is generally considered to be
one of the greatest military victories in history.
Since its founding in 1948, Israel has been in a
constant state of war and yet it has achieved great
economic success
79. 73
T
he Jews still exhibit this same spirit of survival to-
day. The nation of Israel sits with its back to the
Mediterranean Sea and is otherwise surrounded by
nations that are largely hostile to the Jews. In Octo-
ber of 1973, Israel faced what can be described as the greatest
modern military threat to its national survival when Egypt and
Syria invaded Israel from the north and south.
A great deal of force and planning was leveled against
Israel. Since it was Yom Kippur, the Israelis were celebrating
and let down their guard. The small country was caught un-
prepared by blitz tactics from two fronts. To put this into per-
spective, it is important to remember that Napoleon’s French
Empire and Hitler’s Germany were two militarily successful
empires that fell due to fighting two-front wars. To catch an
enemy off guard is to attack with an advantage. To do so while
splitting the attention between two fronts should have resulted
in overwhelming victory.
Amazingly, Israel not only survived this attack, they
went on to beat back Syria and launch a counter-invasion of
Egypt. What could have resulted in the demise of the entire
nation actually ended in a relatively successful military cam-
paign that forced the Egyptians to sign a ceasefire agreement.
Through it all, the Jews persevered and, indeed, thrived. If
we are to reconquer America, we must learn from the Jews
and understand what it takes to survive, both personally and
collectively.
So what is it that gives the Jews strength to survive?
They understand the necessity of preparation. Despite the fact
that attacks came at unexpected times, the military reacted
80. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
quickly and efficiently, just as they had practiced. Even com-
mon Israeli citizens from across the country joined in mili-
tary efforts to stave off attackers. Much like first generation
immigrants, the Jewish people understood that their actions
were tied to their survival. Just as immigrants must work and
live sacrificially for the possibility of a better future, Jewish
people prepared for the unexpected.
Americans must first understand the possibility of
demise before we can understand what it means to survive.
Like Israel, we must acknowledge the threats against us and
prepare for them. Economically, politically and internation-
ally, we face situations that may damage our status as well as
bring our very survival into question. Unless we understand
the very real threats against us, it is possible that this genera-
tion will be the last to experience the greatness of America.
Next, we must comprehend the value of our American
way of life. Our sacred liberties are unique in the world. Too
often, we take them for granted without considering the cost
paid or the alternative ways of life in other nations. Make no
mistake: America is the world’s only bastion of freedom. Our
system is the model worldwide for people who seek liberty.
If we do not survive, the cause of liberty will have suffered a
mortal blow.
America’s tomorrow is not promised. We do not have
the luxury that generations past enjoyed – the belief that
America would always be a bastion of liberty and freedom for
the rest of the world. Daily we fight on all fronts. We live out
81. 75
of balance. Economically, we struggle to keep afloat in a sea
of debt. Socially, many Americans live out of balance, and
we are falling behind the rest of the world in our studies. The
specters of incompetence and debt loom large over us. We
have indebted ourselves too deeply. Change must happen
now, or the great American beacon of liberty may grow dim
and fade away to darkness.
OVERCOME LIKE AFRICAN AMERICANS.
All hands on deck! Once we commit to weather the
storm, we can be more assured of our survival. However, there
is still a great deal that we need to do as a nation to overcome.
Who in America has overcome more than African Americans?
According to David Barton, author of Setting the
Record Straight: American History in Black and White: “The
story of African Americans is not unlike that of God’s cho-
sen people, the Jews. Originally prospering in their homeland,
they were taken to a foreign land where for centuries they
lived in slavery until God delivered them and established them
in a new land. Overcoming their tragic beginnings, African
Americans have triumphed and prospered - or, in the words of
Joseph, whose brethren sold him into slavery: ‘You intended
evil against me, but God turned it for good.’”
Before I go further, I must address the description of
African-American; it’s a misnomer. In this book I generally
call African-American people Blacks or Black people, which
are also misnomers since the color brown would be more ap-
propriate. What’s more, Blacks are Americans, in the long and
short of it; there is no need to refer to people by skin color
82. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
unless you need to make a point. There seem to be inherent
divisions in our culture when we should only have one man-
ner of addressing people: Americans. However, for simplic-
ity and clarity I will refer to African Americans as Blacks.
The story of Black people is one of the best examples
of overcoming. When our Constitution was written Blacks in
America were typically used as slave labor and their vote was
counted as 3/5th of a man. They were forcibly taken from
Africa and sold as commodities to wealthy landowners.
Though there were slaves in both the north and the south, the
southern states benefitted more heavily from slave labor due
to the agricultural nature of their commerce.
After the Civil War and the end of slavery, Blacks
were free – in a sense. Though the institution of slavery was
publically gone, they were still subject to the oppression of
terrorists draped in white robes and laws designed to enforce
hierarchical social structures. During that time, Blacks in the
south were often tenant farmers, working and living on lands
owned by Whites.
S
egregation policies remained in effect across the
country. In educational institutions, public facilities
and private businesses, Blacks were treated differently
from Whites. This typically meant that Whites were
given preferential treatment by private businesses and even
the government. Yet Blacks overcame.
It must have been tough for Blacks drafted into the two
World Wars to fight and die for a country that considered them
second-class citizens. At home, separate drinking fountains,
83. 77
bathrooms and unequal opportunities awaited them. When
Blacks took to the streets to protest the inequality, they faced
down police forces armed with water hoses, dogs and batons.
They marched fearlessly down hostile streets against a re-
morseless enemy, demanding freedom.
In 1964, Congress signed the Civil Rights Act, guar-
anteeing that the discriminations of the past would no longer
be legally sanctioned. No longer would Blacks be forced to
sit at the back of the bus or be barred from lunch counters.
In theory, Blacks would now have equal access to the Ameri-
can way of life. However, this struggle continues. Blacks still
face problems from racism and prejudice to this day.
Sure, Blacks have been subject to a number of injus-
tices. This has not, however, stopped them from overcoming
prejudice and discrimination. Think of the Blacks from our
history who have proven the American ability to overcome
on their personal journeys to transform America, and their
own lives. Here are a few of those great Americans.
Harriet Tubman.
You may not know that Harriet Tubman suffered a
debilitating brain injury early in her life. She overcame this
brain injury in addition to the challenges of being born into
slavery. She went on to famously conduct the Underground
Railroad, lead military raids and even continue fighting for
the cause of women’s suffrage after the war was over.
84. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Reverend Hiram Revels.
Hiram Revels was the first Black elected to the United
States Senate in 1870. Though he was free born and college ed-
ucated, Senator Revels faced the same discrimination as other
Blacks of his time. After serving as a Chaplain in the Civil War,
during Reconstruction, he was elected to the senate from the
state of Mississippi.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is probably the most well-
known civil rights leader in American history. He organized
much of the movement as the leader of the Southern Christian
Leadership Council, including famous acts like the Montgom-
ery Bus Boycott. During this time, he delivered inspirational
speeches that mobilized an entire culture. Though he died as an
activist, his life continues to motivate people of all races today.
Hank Aaron.
In addition to his dedication to frugality briefly outlined
in the previous chapter, Hank Aaron had a very impressive ca-
reer in professional baseball. He is known for his consistent
performance from 1954 until 1976 resulting in his 1982 induc-
tion into the Baseball Hall of Fame as well as three Gold Glove
Awards.
85. 79
Muhammad Ali.
Olympic Gold Medalist and Heavy Weight Champion
Muhammed Ali earned fame for his personality as well as his
athletic prowess. Like most blacks in the early part of the cen-
tury, he was bullied as a child. This bullying encouraged him
to invest his time and energy into learning to box and the rest
is history.
Oprah Winfrey.
Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most influ-
ential people, Oprah worked her way up through network tele-
vision jobs to her own show in 1986. She succeeded in spite
of the fact that most talk show hosts at the time were white
males. Her list of accomplishments includes Oscar nomina-
tions, ranking as the world’s most influential woman by mul-
tiple sources and her numerous charities, including the Oprah
Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
Tiger Woods.
Despite his recent personal problems, the famous
golfer earned over $90 million in winnings and endorsements,
making him the world’s best paid athlete. He is second only to
Jack Nicklaus for number of title wins.
86. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Michael Jordan.
Widely considered to be the greatest basketball player
of all time and one of the greatest athletes ever, Michael Jordan
was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. He has
gone on to run his own basketball team as well as a number of
other business ventures.
Bill Cosby.
Before becoming a famous comedian and activist, Bill
Cosby was a Navy Corpsman. Realizing the importance of
education, he earned his doctorate from the University of Mas-
sachusetts. He became a very influential comedian and social
commentator. During his long entertainment and humanitarian
career, he received numerous awards.
Kenneth Chenault.
The current CEO of American Express and the third
Black CEO of a Fortune 500 company in history, Kenneth
Chenault attended Harvard Law School then went to work at
American Express in 1981. He also sits on the Council on For-
eign Relations.
Barack Obama.
The election of Barack Obama is a moment for which
all Americans should be proud. Even if you find fault with his
politics, we now know that once and for all the glass ceiling
has been shattered and Blacks can achieve the highest office
in our land.
87. 81
STOP BEING BELLIGERENT, BITCHING, AND BLAMING
WITHOUT SOLUTIONS.
Don’t find fault. Find a remedy.
–Henry Ford
Black people, you have overcome a lot. Congratula-
tions! It is important for me to point out that the following does
not describe all Blacks and Whites in America. Blacks and
Whites work together as equals every day all over the country.
Over my lifetime and especially in recent history,
however, I have heard some Blacks express the following
views concerning Whites: Whites are sneaky, smiling in your
face while shanking you in the back. The white devil that has
plagued every continent in the world is still employing his
treachery on you and your fellow Blacks, talking about equal-
ity while holding you down. His game is rigged, and you are
meant to lose.
BUT HOLD ON.
Here are some views I have heard Whites express about
Blacks: Blacks are lazy, have a lack-luster attitude about learn-
ing, and are LOUD and ludicrous in their statements about
inequity. Blacks are parasites that demand resources undeserv-
edly. They exploit past injustices to bully the guilt-ridden into
submission.
Stop it and stop it today, the both of you! You remind
me of misguided children in the kitchen fighting over who stole
88. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
the cookie from the cookie jar. No longer can we allow the mal-
adjusted few to set the tone for the national dialogue between
Americans. The maladjusted have harnessed the beast of ra-
cial tension and employed its strength for personal gain for
too long. Their verbal spewing and unsupported bigotry have
worked to drive Americans of different ethnic backgrounds
apart for too long. We, as Americans, must wholeheartedly
reject their rhetoric and strive to move forward.
Whether you like it or not, we’re in this boat together.
Since the founding of our nation, Whites and Blacks have
been in the nation together. Certainly, there is a rocky past
and an uncertain future in America when it comes to race,
but we cannot focus on old tensions. There are more pressing
matters at hand for all Americans.
A
merica is a melting pot. White Americans, Black
Americans, Korean Americans, Russian Ameri-
cans, Arab Americans, Cuban Americans and
any and all other Americans: I have a message for
you. Got a complaint? Bring forward two possible solutions
to the problem! The point is that you cannot overcome by
complaining. Bring a solution and then you will be heard.
Otherwise, your words are no more than seagulls in the wind
or discarded plastic bottles bobbing in the ocean. As a matter
of fact, your noise is verbal litter to my ears!
To me, overcoming is a continual process. If you hear
silent racism or bigotry today, don’t listen to it! Learn the rules
of the game and overcome that spirit of disunity in the same
89. 83
way that our nation has overcome its challenges. The hearts
and minds of men are for God to deal with. Let’s move on.
IT’S NOT ALWAYS RACIAL.
During the Bush years, I was having a conversation
with a business associate about the state of the economy. As I
listened to this person’s story I was not surprised to hear him
begin to blame Bush for his financial troubles. I said to myself,
“I’ve heard this before.”
I was determined to get to the bottom of his frustration
with the former President. Patiently, I listened as he vented
his frustrations. Then I began a line of questioning designed
to find out exactly how a president had such a personal impact
on his life. I asked him, “What happened to your money? How
did Bush deplete that?”
A
fter about a minute of silence, he explained that
he had given six thousand dollars to a friend who
bought cars as investments at auctions at good
prices. Instead of investing the money, his friend
had used the cash to pay off personal bills and debt that,
as you probably have guessed, did not result in a return on
his investment.
After I let his explanation marinate in the subsequent
silence, I asked, “And what did Bush have to do with that?”
Like many Americans, my associate took comfort from blam-
ing his financial woes on a boogieman, in this case President
Bush, instead of taking responsibilities for his own actions. I
hope my associate learned a lesson that day and began to see
90. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
that his complaining failed to solve any problems. All Ameri-
cans need to understand that personal responsibility and wise
decision-making are keys to success. Blaming and complaining
do no good.
YES I CAN!
In your life, you may be in survival mode. It could
be that your ship has capsized, your personal finances are a
wreck, and you need to swim to shore. How can you reconquer
America if you are in such dire straits? First, focus on your own
survival. Like the Jews, you have to live to see tomorrow and
make sure that your way of life is preserved.
We must personally survive and weather the storm. Then
we must overcome our national challenges. Our nation faces not
only economic hardship but also threats from those that hate
us for our way of life. The past fifty years have been good for
America, but we are now facing unprecedented challenges.
In your own life, you must ensure that you can survive
and overcome the challenges of today then you can circle back
and give a hand to others facing hard times. This is important.
As Americans, we are individualists. We value personal en-
deavor and achievement, and we should. These are part of our
American way of life. However, we must understand the need to
help each other. Lend assistance to those in your contagion and
encourage them to do the same.America will be reconquered by
the survival and overcoming of tough times by her people.
Jews understand this principle. They band together to
overcome threats to their existence. Blacks have also learned
91. 85
they could overcome hardships through unity. As we recon-
quer America, we must understand the importance of assisting
those in our contagion and encouraging them to assist others.
How? Pay close attention to the following plan.
GET YOUR OXYGEN FIRST!
We have a lot to overcome in America. The challenges
that face us demand that we shift our course and change the
way we live. We must, first and foremost, get over ourselves
and address our own unwillingness to adhere to the principles
discussed in previous chapters. We must overcome the tenden-
cy to spend ourselves into debt. We must live sacrificially and
invest for tomorrow, both in possessions and in relationships.
We must overcome our own laziness. Like the Jews, we must
strive for excellence because our very existence depends on it.
Part of that is gathering information and applying it. We must
employ all the concepts previously mentioned in this book to
survive and to begin to overcome the challenges we face.
Your first step is to ensure your own survival and that
your own vessel is seaworthy. Think of it like this: if you are
on a plane and the cabin loses pressure, you are taught to put
on your own oxygen mask first then reach out to others. Pro-
viding for others before securing your own future would be
to harm, not only your own chances for survival, but also the
person’s whom you hope to assist. You cannot assist others in
overcoming if you are not able to overcome in your own life.
If those around you start to lose their balance and begin to fall
and you reach out to help them without a firm footing, you will
both go down.
92. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
It is simply irresponsible to give heavily to charity or
to over commit resources to members of your contagion when
you are unable to afford essentials in your own life. Don’t do
it. Keep those resources for your own survival. Like invest-
ment, survival is about prioritization of resources. When it
comes to your time and monetary resources, be sure that you
appropriately provide for yourself, your business, and your
family before you provide assistance to others.
This is not to say you must forsake your contagion
completely. Certainly, the Jews or Mexicans could not survive
without assisting one another. Give what you can, whether it
is time, a listening ear or even a few dollars if appropriate.
However, do not put yourself in jeopardy by giving beyond
your means. This is part of living sacrificially and prioritiz-
ing your investments. You must take care of your own needs
first. Love your neighbor as yourself – yourself being in the
supporting position.
W
hen I was an adolescent, I was not a strong
swimmer. Still, I spent my childhood summers
in my hometown lake, splashing about and en-
joying the water. On one warm summer’s day,
several friends and I were cooling off in the lake, swimming
from one end to the other, when I noticed an acquaintance in
my age group struggling in the water. In a display of youthful
zeal and overconfidence, I decided to swim out to try to help
him to shore. By the time I reached the struggling boy, I could
tell he was exhausted, and so was I. He had gone out too deep
and panicked, being unable to swim back due to his own fear
and his quickly diminishing strength.
93. 87
I knew I was not a strong swimmer. I had never worked
as a lifeguard or taken classes on rescue swimming. It became
apparent to me that I had overestimated my ability to rescue
the boy. As he latched onto me, his thrashing weight dragged
me under the surface with him. I gulped water and began to
panic myself. In a very real sense, I was in over my head!
I struggled to escape the grip of the panicking boy, but he
latched on more tightly. From his perspective, I was a lifeline
but he didn’t seem to notice that I was drowning as well. My
effort to save him would have been better spent getting some-
one that could help.
Fortunately, a few of the other boys had rushed to the
shore to inform some adults about the drowning boy and I was
soon grabbed, along with the other boy, and pulled to shore. I
was lucky that someone was there with the means to save both
of us. I had rushed to aid someone who endangered my life as
well. Helping others is often like that. You must take care of
yourself and understand your own limitations before you rush
to aid others.
HELP THAT LASTS CAN ONLY BE DONE WITH INTENT.
In America, the success of the nation relies on the suc-
cess of individuals. When we commit to help each other, we
contribute to the success of our contagion. This will result in
a domino effect. Like a drop of water in a pond, the outward
waves will affect those in our contagion who will go on to af-
fect their own contagion as well. Economic prosperity, safety
and the excellence of America all depend upon the actions of
every citizen. So survive, then support your contagion. Make
your own success waves ripple throughout the country.
94. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
Here are the rules I apply to effectively help someone expe-
riencing hard times:
The first step is to identify the situation. You must
understand as much as possible about those you seek to help.
This will give you insight not only about the situation but
about the hidden needs of the person. What does the person
need? Perhaps a friend asks for money. What is he leaving
out when he tells you his situation? Would it be better to help
him find a job? Or would it help to put him up for a few days?
Helping is not necessarily giving someone exactly what he
asks; it is about assisting in the best way possible. That is not
to say that providing resources is necessarily an inappropri-
ate method of assistance, but realize that it is not always the
best solution to a problem.
Next, determine if it is worth lending help. Find out if
your friend is willing to go the extra mile to change his situ-
ation. Would helping him be worth your investment? Would
your effort and resources be wasted? You are on a quest to
reconquer your America and those who are not willing to row
may need to be thrown overboard. Do not invest in those who
will simply squander your resources.
Once you decide to commit to helping, you must use
your wealth of resources and time to affect change in that
person’s life. Follow up is key and investments of time en-
sure that material investments are put to the best possible
use. Do not make the mistake of under-investing and ending
up providing help that does not return results. This is a waste
of precious time and resources. Let the following be a lesson
to you.
95. 89
I had a friend named Matthew who wanted to open a busi-
ness. He came to me for help. We sat down, talked a bit and
devised a business plan. His ideas seemed very viable. Days
later, I invested a few thousand dollars to get him started and
gave him some space in my office building. I provided office
technology and tools. But tools and money were simply not
enough to make his business a success.
Unfortunately, his business never got off the ground.
He had difficulty attracting customers and keeping his busi-
ness organized, so he was unable to follow through and close
his business deals. Though these are problems for many new
businesses, they are areas with which I could have assisted
him. However, I was unable to devote the right amount of
time to help him.
B
asically, I had invested a great deal of resources,
but he was underfunded by me with time. By fail-
ing to give Matthew the guidance he so desperately
needed, I all but ensured that his business would fail
and that my investment of money and time would be ineffec-
tive. I had committed to help a member of my contagion and,
by doing so; I was obligated to commit my time. Setting up
a system of acquiring new customers would have made the
difference, but since I did not give it, I failed Matthew.
When you commit to helping someone, you must un-
derstand the full extent of his needs and fully commit to him. I
failed my friend; do not make the same mistake. Reconquering
America is not a challenge that can be undertaken alone. We
have no choice except to work together, commit to each other
and take on this challenge as a team When you circle back to
96. R E C O N Q U E R A M E R I C A
help others come ashore, be sure that you can fully commit
to follow through. At whatever level you choose to help, say
what you mean and mean what you say.
Do not help those who are in greatest need first. It is
most effective to help those who are closest to success. It is
a natural inclination to want to help those who are in greatest
need. However, we must prioritize effectively. Helping those
closest to shore will allow them to recover more quickly and
circle back to help even more Americans.
In our journey to reconquer America, we must think
about the most effective ways in which to help others over-
come. Getting yourself and others to shore is a survival step,
but our goal is to overcome the situation and get our ship sail-
ing toward our destination once again. Follow my direction
and you too can become a great American.
