The Day Washington Died
On this day, 212 years ago, George Washington died. He was the right guy, at the right time, in the right place. Harry "Light-horse" Lee was right on the mark with his famous eulogy, Washington really was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."
December 14, 2011 No Comments
Icky History Curricula
If historical events are going to be presented through the prism of particular political biases, truth in labeling requires that the title should indicate that is the case.
December 13, 2011 3 Comments
Learning about the Constitution
In order to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, we need to understand it. Luckily, there are some great learning tools available to every American. These include an online course at James Madison’s Montpelier Center for the Constitution, the webcast series Introduction to the Constitution from Hillsdale College, and several good books, including The Heritage Guide to the Constitution, Tempest at Dawn, and Decision in Philadelphia.
December 12, 2011 1 Comment
Before There Was TV
December 9, 2011 1 Comment
The Founders on Limited Government
The Founders feared an overly powerful government. Governments govern ... which means they exercise power. George Washington may have said it best, “Government is not reason: It is not eloquence, it is Force, like fire it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.†James Madison chimed in by adding, “The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.â€
December 8, 2011 1 Comment
Original Intent, A Poor Substitute For Natural Law
The Fall 2011 issue of the Claremont Review of Books contains a fascinating article by Hadley Arkes, entitled, A Natural Law Manifesto. In it, Arkes lays out a compelling argument for the use of Natural Law in adjudicating Constitutional issues. One of the topics discussed in the article is the mistaken reliance on the doctrine of "original intent," by conservative jurists.
December 6, 2011 3 Comments
Federalist No. 24
In this Federalist, Hamilton pillories those who criticize the Constitution because it does not possess sufficient safeguards against maintaining a standing army. Hamilton first attempts to show that this argument is specious, because this is not something that had been enough of a problem to even warrant a mention, in any of the state constitutions or the Articles of Confederation. This done, he points out the necessity of maintaining frontier garrisons against the insults and depredations of the British and Spanish, as well as for protection from the Indians; and coastal installations to protect dockyards, while the country is getting its new navy launched.
December 5, 2011 No Comments
The Mob and Freedom Of The Press – Part 2
The mob is always categorized by cruelty and inhumanity. When a newspaper in Baltimore had the temerity to criticize the government for declaring war on Great Britain, the mob decided to tear down the house in which it was published. When the newspaper started up again, they resolved to kill the publishers.
December 2, 2011 No Comments
Custer’s Last Stand at the Little Bighorn
December 1, 2011 No Comments
Motivation
Four years after this administration took office, the Founders’ creation is barely recognizable. After eight years it may no longer be possible to reclaim what has been destroyed. Consider the following summary of what may be in store as a motivator for the apathetic.
November 30, 2011 2 Comments
The posts are coming!
