1984 and Today?

Hillsdale College, in Hillsdale, Michigan, is one of a small number of institutions of higher education in this country that reject the prevailing political correctness and are actually devoted to seeking the truth. Among Hillsdale’s publications is Imprimus, a free monthly “dedicated to educating citizens and promoting civil and religious liberty by covering cultural, economic, political, and educational issues.” It accomplishes this by reprinting major speeches by a wide variety of contributors. The latest issue — it arrived in yesterday’s mail — offers us a wonderful speech delivered on November 17 by Hillsdale’s President, Larry P. Arnn. Entitled “Orwell’s 1984 and Today,” Dr. Arnn’s speech makes what should be obvious connections between Orwell’s depiction of a totalitarian society and what is taking place today in the United States. I first read 1984 back in 1961 when I was in high school, but should probably reread it now so I can measure Orwell’s frightening vision against my lifetime of experience. A Kindle version will be downloaded today.

Please take the time to read Dr. Arnn’s speech and then share it with those generations, our children and grandchildren, whose education has likely deprived them of the truth about our nation, its origins, and the urgency of the crisis we face today. Here’s a direct link to the speech: Orwell’s 1984 and Today. And while you’re at it, sign up for a free subscription to Imprimus and then, if you are able, send them a few bucks to help cover their costs.