Category — Founding Fathers

President Obama remains unable to conceal the conflict between his political ideology and that of the Founders.   Read the rest of this entry »

Calvin Coolidge deserves a good deal more attention. Strangely, he is not much more than a footnote in most history textbooks. He exists in the education system as a kind of witless boob Neanderthal relic of the pre-Depression 20’s. Progressives can’t refute his argument, so they seek to shut Silent Cal up instead.   Read the rest of this entry »

Individual rights were not a significant issue during the Constitutional Convention, but a Bill of Rights certainly became a major issue during ratification. Those who fought for a Bill of Rights weren’t looking for a government guarantee of an itemized list of rights. Even the anti-Federalists believed that rights came from God, not the government. These Constitutional dissenters were demanding that government be restricted from interfering with their rights. In other words, they wanted it made crystal clear where the government dare not tread.   Read the rest of this entry »

The takings clause is the people's bulwark in defense of private property. Despite its clarity, it has been a weak shield against the abusive exercise of determined power. Madison’s Convention notes show that the Framers spent little energy on rights, because delegates assumed a national government would adhere to Constitutional restrictions. We all know what happens when you assume ...   Read the rest of this entry »

On a recent trip to Washington, I had happened upon Mr. Pitch signing copies of his books in the lobby of the American History Museum. It was a stroke of very good luck for me, as I discovered his books are excellent, and he is an extremely erudite and generous guy. Mr. Pitch very kindly agreed to answer some questions about his book (reviewed here), his research, and even shared some of his insights into the book writing process.   Read the rest of this entry »

A visit to Gunston Hall, home of forgotten Founder George Mason, one of the architects of the Constitution, and one of three Convention attendees who didn't sign the document.   Read the rest of this entry »

The Constitutional Convention was an astonishing accomplishment. Some say it was a miracle. The members of the convention surmounted numerous hurdles - including agreeing to exceed the bounds of their instructions from Congress. Bearing the heat, flies, and short tempers, the delegates pounded through numerous debates and arrived at a consensus.   Read the rest of this entry »

The connection between virtue and the future of the republic was cited often by the Founders. Without belief in God and his commandments to temper the natural weaknesses of human nature, neither liberty nor the republic would long endure.   Read the rest of this entry »

"Ideas have consequences," Richard Weaver wrote some 70 years ago in his book urging a return to the transcendental values of Western Civilization. Especially consequential are the ideas in the preamble of the Declaration, as this essay reminds us.   Read the rest of this entry »

The Heritage Guide To The Constitution is a reference that no home should be without. James explains why you need it and what it's for.   Read the rest of this entry »