Author speaks on modern U.S. politics to SEMO Pachyderm Club

Bill Federer, a nationally-known author, speaker and former Missouri congressional candidate, visited Cape Girardeau on Tuesday night to give the SEMO Pachyderm Club a historical lesson jam-packed with messages about politics in the United States in modern times.

During a more than hour-long presentation at Dexter Bar-B-Que before about 50 people, Federer explained how the developments in political power seen during multiple historical periods throughout the last 6,000 years have worked to build successful societies, or not.

"What's rare in history is people experimenting what it's like when they don't have a king," Federer said.

He recently released a new book, "Change to Chains -- The 6,000 Year Quest for Control," and an accompanying video which he outlined for the audience.

Federer singled out the history of Israel as an example of where, throughout history, the people have tried living at times without a monarchy or dictatorship -- where they governed themselves.

"This country's philosophy was built in Israel," he said.

A main theme of Federer's presentation was a comparison between "concentrated power," the power he said governments derive from controlling all aspects of society, and self-governance.

"The government is happy to concentrate power when they need to," Federer said, "and when they do, corruption happens."

Federer said some religions, including Islam, contrast with the idea of equality and self-governance.

He also referred to American public school systems as an example of where concentrated power can be seen.

Federer also is known for a radio broadcast, "American Minute," and has appeared as a guest on nationally-broadcast television shows such as "The O'Reilly Factor" and "Hannity & Colmes" and on networks including CSPAN, Fox and MSNBC.

He has run for congress three times in Missouri with backing from well-known conservatives. In 1998 and 2000, he was defeated by former congressman Dick Gephardt. He ran against and lost to current U.S. Representative Russ Carnahan in 2004.

"Change to Chains" is Federer's seventh book that covers history. He is president of Amerisearch Inc., a publishing company that specializes in researching American heritage.

SEMO Pachyderm Club membership consists of local Republican officeholders and supporters.

eragan@semissourian.com

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236 S. Broadview St., Cape Girardeau, MO