Today's Politicos vs The Words and Deeds of The Founders

The War of 1812 was not kind to William Hull's reputation. He like many other Americans, including Thomas Jefferson, mistakenly supposed that the Canadians would welcome the invading Americans with open arms. Whoops! This proclamation issued by Hull in July of 1812, documents the scope of his miscalculation.

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It is a huge assumption that the government will never claim responsibilities only tenuously related to its enumerated powers. The federal government has embraced countless responsibilities never intended by the Framers. In this, those responsible for its extension, have followed Hamilton almost to the letter. In the context of the times, persuading the states to ratify and accord the federal government the authority it needed to pay its debts and keep the states from squabbling was crucial. In the context of our time, his arguments seem dangerously broad.

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In Federalist 23, Hamilton turns his focus to the extent of the power to be delegated to the federal government by the new Constitution. He points out that the federal government is the obvious place for "NATIONAL INTERESTS" to be looked after. He argues that the authority wielded by the federal government has to match the responsibility it undertakes and that the Articles of Confederation, provide an excellent example of what happens when they don't.

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Isn’t anyone asking why the municipalities under siege have not responded more aggressively to the rioters that are engulfing them? Why are the mobs permitted to camp where no camping is allowed, vandalize property, block traffic, harass citizens, and rape and loot each other? They are not exercising their right to free expression anymore than someone who yells fire in a crowded theater.

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The mobocracy is just the latest Democrat entitlement program since taxpayers in cities afflicted with the Occupiers will pay millions for cleaning up the mobs’ messes, property destruction, and extra municipal services.

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Not even Tocqueville perceived an executive so desperate for re-election that he would be willing to sell the nation into penury to achieve it.

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PBS produced and excellent documentary on the War of 1812 last month. This companion book adds interest and provides still more color on this oft-forgotten war.

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Some words from Founding Father Fisher Ames on the dangers of the mob.

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Murder at Thumb Butte is another great western by James Best. This one takes place right here in Arizona. Best weaves historic people and places seamlessly into his story and leaves you waiting eagerly for the next installment.

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William Fowler’s American Crisis describes a period neglected by most historians. Contrary to popular perception, the struggle for freedom came very close to being lost during the two years after Yorktown. Readers will find this book absorbing and difficult to put down.

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