Richard D. Turnquist

Richard D. Turnquist is a “libertarian minded, socially moderate, unapologetic supporter of the unalienable rights described in the Declaration of Independence, enumerated and protected by the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.”

Richard writes articles on limited government, freedom, and the defense of capitalism—along with book reviews and other general topics—at his blog, To Advance Freedom.

If you would like to contact Richard, you can do so at his website, on Twitter, or on his Facebook page.

Fossil Fuels Aren’t Going Away (In Honor of Earth Day)

In his latest essay, Rick Turnquist talks about how reliant we are on fossil fuels, and how transitioning away from them is a completely unrealistic fantasy. Filled with factual data from a U.S. government website, Rick also reviews the sources and uses of the energy we take for granted.

Exactly Wrong – Democrats and Reality

In the latest installment of his Exactly Wrong series, Rick Turnquist takes a look at how Democrat policies fail in several different areas, and how “progressive” ideas contribute to an overall “doom spiral."

Exactly Wrong—Democrats and Identity Politics

In his latest essay Rick Turnquist reviews early American history, the formation of the Democratic Party, and why they employ identity politics to gain and maintain political power.

Exactly Wrong — Democrats and Energy Policy

In this installment of his Exactly Wrong series, Rick Turnquist reviews the Left’s war on the oil and gas industry and what drives it. He reviews a report issued by the Republican minority on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform in November 2022 in some detail, and links are provided.

Exactly Wrong – Democrats and Homelessness

In the latest installment of his Exactly Wrong series, author Rick Turnquist looks at homelessness and how electing Democrats and their policies just make the problems worse.

Exactly Wrong – Democrats and Crime…Revisited

In the latest installment of Exactly Wrong, Rick Turnquist revisits how Democrats are wrong on crime, punishment, deterrence and how Soros-backed DAs are wreaking havoc on our justice system, often harming minority communities.

Exactly Wrong – Democrats and Human Sexuality

Rick Turnquist describes how Democrats are Exactly Wrong on the most important aspect of life: human sexuality. He reviews the science of human biology and describes how the Left is promoting “anything goes” nihilism, especially to children.

Exactly Wrong – Democrats and Economics

In his latest essay Rick Turnquist reviews how the Democrats are Exactly Wrong on business, economics and the role of government. He reviews how the top 10% of income-earning individuals pay 70% of all income taxes, shattering the leftist narrative that “the rich” must pay their “fair share”.

Free Market Capitalism vs Socialism

In his latest essay, Rick Turnquist compares free-market capitalism, the only socio-economic system proven to enhance human flourishing, and socialism, a socio-economic system proven to be harmful and deadly. What’s amazing about socialism isn’t that it’s been tried, it is that some people still think it’s a good idea.

Recapturing the American Dream

The American Idea is in mortal peril. The economy and GDP have not really grown from pre-Covid levels. Government (which does not create or produce anything but lives off the production of individuals) is growing by leaps and bounds. With the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, folks are concerned about the banking system. Government bureaucracy is pushing home ownership out of reach for many Americans. Crime is out of control. And we have Politicians, Bureaucrats, and Interested Parties (PBIs) who are trying to divide us which will ultimately destroy America. Rick Turnquist addresses these challenges and provides solutions to Recapturing the American Dream.

The Role of Fossil Fuels (In Honor of Earth Day)

In commemoration of Earth Day, Rick Turnquist reviews the role that fossil fuels play in our modern lives…and how we must defend their use to expand and promote human flourishing.

What Is Government?

What is Government? Rick Turnquist breaks down what government is, what the proper functions of government are, and how government continues to grow over time. Is anarchy worse than tyranny?

Morality and Human Flourishing

In his latest essay, Rick Turnquist takes a look at Morality and Human Flourishing. What do these terms mean and how do they intersect?

Where We Are (And Where We Came From)

In his latest essay Rick Turnquist takes a look at where humanity came from, where we are, and how it is all at risk from the regressive Left. Don’t take your modern life for granted!

Prices and Profits – Oil and Gas in the Real World

In his latest essay, Rick Turnquist goes over the fundamentals of how the oil and gas industry operates – and how oil companies have zero power to set prices at the gas pump.

The Left’s War on Children

In this essay Rick Turnquist identifies and calls out the Left’s war on children. From insistence on the “right” to abortion to teaching gender ideology in schools to instilling climate change fear, it’s clear the Left is hostile to children today.

Vote Republican

In his latest essay, Rick Turnquist presents objective facts about how our economy is doing and makes the case for voting – and voting Republican. Rick unapologetically points out several ways in which Democrats are simply unfit to govern.

Book Review – San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities

In his latest essay, Rick Turnquist reviews Michael Shellenberger’s book San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities. In San Fransicko. Shellenberger discusses the causes of homelessness and how policies and strategies developed by the progressive Democrats who run our major cities are only making the problem worse. A cautionary tale that applies to any Democrat-run city…including Denver.

Book Review – Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal and Natural Gas – Not Less

Rick Turnquist takes a look at Alex Epstein’s latest book Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal and Natural Gas – Not Less in his latest essay. In Fossil Future, Epstein reviews how our knowledge system is broken, how fossil fuels are necessary to human flourishing and how more fossil fuel use can empower even more people around the world. Oh, and reliable, affordable energy may not be that bad for the climate either.

When “Art Club” Is Child Abuse

In his latest essay, Rick Turnquist documents one family’s nightmare: about how a 12-year-old girl was invited to “art club” after school in a northern Colorado school district, only to find out it was a LGBTQ indoctrination session – and she was instructed to hide this fact from her parents. Rick describes this family’s story and asks the question: “When do we call child abuse “child abuse”?

You Don’t Know What You Got ‘Til It’s Gone

In his latest essay, Rick Turnquist talks about how we are in danger of losing the American dream due to the intentional acts of the progressive Democrats and their elected officials. From the war on energy to runaway inflation, tumbling stock markets and intensifying culture wars, everything happening is by design. Fortunately, we can turn it around in November by electing Republicans.

Anti-Life – Democrats, Abortion, and the Supreme Court

Rick Turnquist talks about abortion and how the Democratic Party, in thrall to its progressive base, will do anything to support the mythical “right” to kill the pre-born, up to and including tearing down the Supreme Court and the American system of government. Rick discusses further how he thinks that mainstream Democrats have become increasingly anti-life. Overturning Roe v Wade will cause the question of abortion law to be decided democratically in the various states. Democrats claim to be in favor of “democracy”, except when it comes to this.

Earth Day

It's (probably) not a coincidence that Earth Day falls on Vladimir Lenin's birthday. The concept of Earth Day is sound, but many of its founders are Leftists who tainted its conception with progressive ideology. Earth Day is a holiday that celebrates a war against modern society and embraces delusions about the benefits and sustainability of renewable energy. In his latest essay, Rick Turnquist examines Earth Day's leftist origins and its use as a political tool by the Left.

Exactly Wrong — Democrats and Energy

War, enabled by American weakness, is driving energy prices up. Instead of asking American oil and gas producers to ramp up, Democrats continue to try to destroy the industry while approaching hostile regimes to increase THEIR oil production. Rick Turnquist takes a look at how Democrats are exactly wrong on energy policy, how “renewable” energy only provides a fraction of our energy needs, and how the upcoming elections are so important. Democrats are unfit to govern.

One Year Later – America in Decline

Record inflation. Escalating crime. Our kids are falling behind. Unsustainable government spending. Immoral government debt. Rick Turnquist shares his thoughts about Biden’s public policies in his Op-Ed One Year In - America In Decline.

Exactly Wrong – Democrats and Crime

The media and political activists on the left handled the facts and situations of Julius Jones and Kyle Rittenhouse in a manner that shows that when it comes to crime and criminals, progressive Democrats are exactly wrong.

Election 2022

Last Tuesday, election day, Virginians said enough is enough. Tired of being disrespected Virginians elected a Republican Governor, a Republican Lt. Governor, a Republican Attorney General and gave GOP control of the House of Delegates. In his Op-Ed Election 2022 author and blogger at toadvancefreedom.com Rick Turnquist dissects some of the big 2021 election results and shares his perspective and strategies for the 2022 mid-term elections.

Where The Heck Are “We the People?”

Is 2021 our 1776 moment? In Rick Turnquist’s Op-Ed Where the Heck Are We the People?, Rick addresses the awakening of Americans to the destruction caused by the far left radical activists that have taken over the Democrat party. Rick notes rumblings of everyday, hard-working people who are awakening to the risk to America. He calls us to no longer politely remain quiet but calls us to action to stand for America and the principles of America’s founding.

Truth and Reconciliation

What's in the Democratic Party's massive 3.5 trillion reconciliation bill? Rick Turnquist gives an accounting.

Still Unfit to Govern

Still Unfit to Govern is author and blogger Rick Turnquist’s follow up Op-Ed to last year’s Unfit to Govern. Rick painstakingly details the debacle of states and cities that have been run by Democrats for years. He dissects the policy decisions and effects of the Biden administration and how these decisions are hurting America. He shares his personal experience at the Colorado Capitol where state legislators dismissed the voices of the people and disrespected hard-working, everyday Coloradans.

LEAP Into Higher Taxes: Colorado Initiative 25

Politicians love to take money from citizens,” notes Rick Turnquist, author and blogger at toadvancefreedom.com. In addition he also explains that politicians also love so-called “sin taxes,” which are taxes levied on things that people consume for pleasure. In his Op-Ed LEAP Into Higher Taxes: Colorado Initiative 25, Rick delves into the details of the potential marijuana tax increase “for the children.”

The American Idea

What is the American Idea? How did it come to be? Where are we? Where are we going? In his Op-Ed The American Idea, author and blogger at www.toadvancefreedom.com. Rick Turnquist reminds and reacquaints us with our United States history. He explains the challenges that we face today and what we must do to reclaim the vision of our American Idea.

Minimum Wage Fail

It is truly uncompassionate; politicians, bureaucrats and interested parties instituting forced minimum wages that make it illegal to hire teenagers, minorities, the less educated and the less fortunate. In his Op-Ed Minimum Wage Fail, Rick Turnquist notes that forced minimum wages are actually reverse Robin Hood-ism, taking jobs and income from the poorest to give to those who are better off.

Colorado Democrats’ War on Colorado

In his Op-Ed Colorado Democrats’ War on Colorado, author and blogger Rick Turnquist explains how Colorado Democrats are attacking free speech, our oil and gas industry, rural Colorado and our livestock producers. Colorado Democrats are not done making your life more complicated and increasing the cost of the basic items everyday Coloradans need to thrive and prosper. What can you do?

The Myth of Government Benevolence

What is the root cause of the monumental divide we see in America today? To those on the Right, they believe that the proper role of government is to protect Life, Liberty and our Pursuit of Happiness. To those on the Left, they believe that individuals are too dumb to take care of themselves and that government should step in to take care of their every need. Author and blogger Rick Turnquist explains in his Op-Ed that government benevolence is a myth.

The Path Forward

Rick Turnquist reflects on the need for election reform and the challenges Colorado's Republican Party must overcome going forward.

Tyranny and Bankruptcy

Rick Turnquist explains that the radical activists that have taken over the Democrat party now have absolute power in Colorado. He notes that individuals and businesses are fleeing the state that Colorado Democrats seem to want to emulate: California.

No More FAMLI

Under the principle of self-ownership, which is intrinsic to us as human beings, we own the product of our minds and our productive labor. Using the force of government to deprive us of what we earn is immoral and wrong. Saying your “need” gives you the right to my earnings and property is not just immoral, it’s evil.

Unfit to Govern

Governments are created by people and granted limited powers. The primary purpose of government is to protect life, liberty and property. By their recent actions and inactions, Colorado Democrats have proven that they are incapable of governing.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – A Look at the 2020 General Assembly Session

What is the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Colorado’s 2020 Legislative Session? Rick Turnquist notes the good; because of the shortened session from 120 days to 84 days, several very bad bills that would (1) dilute your vote (16-year-olds Voting in School District Elections), to (2) the youth unemployment act (Eliminate Sub-minimum Wage Employment Act) or the (3) let the bad guys break into your home legislation (Secure Storage of Firearms), were killed or died on the calendar. Rick notes three bad bills that slipped through and three downright ugly pieces of legislation that were voted upon.

The Perfect Storm

The only way to mitigate the impact of the coming fiscal storm is to Reopen Colorado. Now.

Punishing Success

Energy and Mobility: The Democrat War on Modern Life

If you value your modern life, with all of its wonder and convenience, then you have to fight for it. What does this mean? It means standing up to the climate crowd.

The Case Against FAMLI

Colorado can't afford to pay for the wants and needs of those not prepared to provide for their own situations. It's not an issue of morality or denying those who claim to be in need. It's an issue of not letting progressive politicians rob hard-working small business owners and other employers to bankroll a socialist fantasy.

The Battles Ahead

By Any Means Necessary

Rick Turnquist writes about how progressives have leveraged and weaponized the American nonprofit sector to advance their agenda. With a look at how this works in the state of Colorado and nationally, Rick reviews how this enables their Power Grab, with a review of the book by the same name by Congressman Jason Chaffetz.

The Pillars of Modern Life

Fossil fuels, free-market capitalism, and limited government are the pillars of modern life. These pillars rest on the foundation of reason. Progressives want to tear it down.

Taxation and Wealth

Rick Turnquist looks at the moral basis for acquiring wealth and how taxation impacts individuals and state economies.

The Proper Role of Government

With Colorado's Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) under legislative attack, Rick Turnquist examines the proper role of government and Colorado's use of taxpayer dollars.

Why TABOR Matters

For over almost three decades Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights has protected taxpayers and the state's economy. Proposition CC is an attack on those protections.

Colorado Democrats, 1984, and Newspeak

The Newspeak of George Orwell's near-future dystopian novel "1984" is a weapon Colorado Democrats use in pursuit of a progressive agenda.