From Southwest Ledger As part of my son’s graduation celebration my in-laws flew the family down to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We spent a week in a tropical paradise enjoying the beauty and the friendly people. While it was hot — obviously part of being tropical — I can see why people enjoy the city so … Continue reading Historic Travels: How a Hollywood sex scandal helped create a slice of paradise
Month: July 2025
Why are we snapping over SNAP?
Last week our nation seemed to split across a metaphorical fault line over the “Big Beautiful Bill.” One side called the measure a masterpiece while the other condemned it as the downfall of our society. Yet, amid all this fighting, our nation experienced a real tragedy. While politics is always important, last week the political … Continue reading Why are we snapping over SNAP?
Big Beautiful Bill Part XI
It is finally finished. I hope this was worth it. Section 86001 has just one part and sets aside $40 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities to use between 2025 and 2028 to buy statues honoring American heroes. This funding supports projects described in three executive orders that focus on creating and rebuilding … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part XI
Big Beautiful Bill Part X
It’s a rainy Saturday afternoon so I took some time to read a bit more, I’m getting so close. Just waiting for some of my oldest friends to arrive for a visit. It turns out my friend Micky from Virgina actually lived in Chickasha as a kid. I can't wait to show him around. I … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part X
Big Beautiful Bill Part IX
I am a little behind where I hoped to be, I did not realize how long this would take but I am committed and can’t stop now. I finally got my finals graded and got in a round of golf with my son, so I am back. Everything from last time were all part of … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part IX
Big Beautiful Bill Part VIII
Sorry I took a day off. I needed to write next weeks article and I have a bunch of finals to grade. While all that takes priority, I am actually getting closer to the end and Medicare is still one of the most talked about aspects of this bill, I can’t just stop now. I … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part VIII
Big Beautiful Bill Part VII
Those last few sections were no fun, but now we get back into the drama. This section explains the messy divorce between President Trump and his ex-BFF Elon Musk. This is taking on and eliminating much of the green new deal and taking away tax credits for green energy and solar. It also goes into … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part VII
Journalism Awards
Thought I would share some more exciting news. On top of the award I earned last month from the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists, I won just found out I won three more today from the National Newspaper Association, all three in the Non-Daily Division. Also, a huge congratulations to the Southwest Ledger who won … Continue reading Journalism Awards
Constitution 101: Congressional Rules Clause
From Southwest Ledger In July of 2022 U.S. Rep. John B. Larson (D-Conn.) wrote an op-ed in which he called the Senate “the most debilitating threat” to our nation. He was writing about Rule 22 in the Senate which requires 60 votes to take up a House bill. Larson claimed that the Constitution did not … Continue reading Constitution 101: Congressional Rules Clause
Big Beautiful Bill Part VI
I’m sure you are getting tired of reading these, honestly it is getting harder to read. Most of this is business taxes which I honestly have use dealing with. I will keep going because I have not reached some of the real interesting parts, like Medicare. I really only skimmed these sections and tried to … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part VI
Historically Speaking 