D. C. Earl was raised in a log cabin in rural Wisconsin. After graduating from college with a teaching credential, he earned an MBA, then a PhD in finance and economics. In 1972, concerned about the Vietnam conflict and the government's isolation from the people, he proposed budgeting changes which would allow citizens greater influence in their government's decisions. A speaking tour, in an old beat up station wagon, was supported in part by the sale of a self-published book, "The Peaceful Revolution." The book defined an easy and efficient method for citizens to directly influence their gove...