“In Rome 476, author David Parker awakens readers to the wisdom of 5th Century Athens, 1st Century Rome and 18th Century Age of Enlightenment. Gleaning wisdom from the great thinkers and statesmen of the past, Parker’s mission is to educate fellow Americans in the historical, cultural, and founding principles of our Country.”
— Jeffrey Sikkenga, Executive Director, The Ashbrook Center
SAN FRANCISCO — With the publication of his third book, Rome 476, author David Parker’s influence as a thought leader continues to grow. In his latest collection of essays, the San Francisco based investor, educator and entrepreneur reflects on the country’s political economy and makes his case for why America’s elected representatives need to return to the principles on which the democracy was founded.
For the past year, David Parker’s essays have been featured in the San Francisco and national editions of The Epoch Times, generating a widespread and supportive response from readers. In addition, The Ashbrook Center, a nationwide nonprofit organization supporting America’s History teachers, has begun sharing Parker’s books with their members, who are including his essays in their curriculum. In addition, Parker will debut as co-host of a public affairs radio talk show on KSFO Radio in San Francisco in February.
“We’re asking government to do stuff it’s not supposed to do. The constitution is so well written. It’s really saying, freedom from government,” Parker explained in a recent interview. “The constitution is a pinnacle document. There’s never been a better document written in the history of the world. … Any step from the pinnacle is a step down.”
A collection of essays, Rome 476 (Waterside Productions), is intended to inspire readers to return to a study of history. Parker awakens short attention spans with powerful events in world history — for example, the fall of Western civilization in 476, when the Roman army refused to stop the invading Huns. Those soldiers stood by as Rome and its Colosseum were destroyed. Why? They hadn’t been paid. Why? All tax revenue went to service interest on the debt. Sound familiar? In the opening pages of the book, Parker writes, “Romefell in 476. With it, Western civilization, civil rights, scientific and technological progress. Followed by the Dark Ages. One thousand years.”
In several essays, he describes milestones in American history initially hailed as “progress” — Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society” — as failures.
A lifelong educator in San Francisco’s Public Schools, Parker went back to school to study history, economics and government — to gain a deeper understanding of the principles behind his economic success as an entrepreneur, plus, to find solutions to society’s seemingly intractable problems. Rome 476 is Parker’s third collection of essays. It follows Income and Wealth and A San Francisco Conservative.
Among the important ideas Parker shares in Rome 476, readers will learn:
It is important for progressives to learn that “every economic system has problems … [but] those problems are personal, thus, not solvable by government.”
Societal problems are solved by human beings individually “pursuing their self-interest to survive.” Because, according to Adam Smith, everything then falls into place automatically, without design, as if led by an “invisible hand.”
“Government intervention in any market destroys that market.” In America, the declining quality of education and the exorbitant cost of health care are two good examples.
“Government’s duty is to protect, not provide, life, liberty and property.”
A San Francisco Conservative: The Podcast
Readers inspired by David Parker’s books will also like his podcast series, named after his playfully titled second book, A San Francisco Conservative. Each episode showcases Parker’s views on the proper role of government and how individuals can arrange a market economy to work in their favor. The podcast’s co-host is longtime journalist Tom Martin, who previously served as a producer for ABC News “Good Morning America,” CBS News and CNN.
About Author David Parker
David Parker is the author of Income and Wealth, A San Francisco Conservative and Rome 476. He began his career in education at the age of 24 and served students of San Francisco’s inner-city public elementary schools for 40 years as a music teacher, followed by 10 years as a volunteer. While pursuing his career in education, Parker became a very successful real estate investor. It was his success in business that focused his writing, teaching and career as a professional musician. Parker’s career as a musician is similarly impressive. He spent 20 years as a member of the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, then 20 years as leader of the Dave Parker Sextet, which twice headlined the San Francisco Fillmore Jazz Festival.
Parker’s thoughtful essays have been featured in The Epoch Times, The Economist, and The Financial Times, as well as intwo prestigious law journals. In addition to being an author, entrepreneur and investor, Parker is a proud father and grandfather. His mother, Gertrud Parker, was a powerful inspiration. Late in life, she became an international artist as well as a civic leader in San Francisco.
To learn more about David Parker, including his essays and music, visit: and David Parker Sextet
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
