Category — Taxation

One of the “Essential Documents” featured in The Patriot’s History Reader, is President Jackson’s veto message. Jackson’s words are perhaps more applicable to today than for his own time.

The limit of executive power under the Constitution and the prerogatives of the states in a federal system were vexing in 1832 and have continued to be so. John C. Calhoun’s arguments regarding nullification resonate today.

Imagine a welfare program without legions of bureaucrats making rules and ordering people’s lives. Imagine a program that draws on citizens’ voluntary generosity and the opportunity to do well by doing good. No imagination necessary. It happened in 1781.

Who are we as a people? What do we believe in?

Societies which fail to transmit their core beliefs to the next generation can expect those beliefs to erode, sometimes by design, sometimes by default or by carelessness. Standards not reinforced whither away. Liberty, independence and equality under the law give way to less demanding ideals.

The system of checks and balances we gloss over in the education system deserves a closer look. The Constitution is a contract that ensures those checks and balances and that the government is ultimately answerable to the people. It’s not a “living document” as so many would have us believe. No lawyer believes in a living contract. If something isn’t working properly, then the contract must be amended, and contracts are amended every day all over this country. In fact, the United States Constitution has been amended twenty-seven times. That doesn’t mean that the contract is subject to interpretation – just amendment through the designated process.

The Boston Tea party was more than a protest over taxes. Nor was it just a prank perpetuated by a few rowdies dressed as Native Americans. On December 16, 1773, as many as 7,000 people congregated around the Old South Meeting House. John Adams did not like mob action, but he wrote this about dumping the tea: “There is a dignity, a majesty, a sublimity, in this last effort of the patriots that I greatly admire.”

This week’s crossword puzzle is based on another one of Franklin’s writings. His observations on taxation and charity are just as applicable today as when he wrote them in 1766. Even if you don’t do the puzzle, it’s worth reading.

Judge Andrew Napolitano hosts an interesting discussion with General Bill McCollum, John Tamny, and Professor Randy Barnett on the constitutionality of the Health Care Bill.

Watch the latest news video at video.foxnews.com

Napolitano’s rapid fire discussion style is clear and …

The Stamp Act was passed by Parliament on March 22, 1765 with an effective date of November 1, 1765. It passed 245-49 in the House of Commons and unanimously in the House of Lords.

Not really, but it makes for a good title. 

I just finished reading Paine’s Common Sense, and after witnessing some of the debate at the round table at Blair House and listening to the talking heads go on about …