From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Back in July, I wrote a column about the Declaration of Independence in which I praised the document while also arguing that, in many ways, it was worthless. Its ideas were revolutionary, but words alone did little to secure American independence. To accomplish that, the colonists would … Continue reading America 250: The Battle of Long Island
Month: August 2026
Historical Travels: Beaver Lake, Utah
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Before my semester begins next week, I was able to fit in one more trip out west to attend my nephew’s wedding. Most of the family festivities took place in Provo and St. George, Utah, but, as I always do, I looked for interesting historical sites to … Continue reading Historical Travels: Beaver Lake, Utah
Number of retiring U.S. senators ranks among top 5
From the Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.d. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 I have said this many times before, but the number one question I am asked when I give talks is: Are we more divided now than ever before? My answer is always no. We fought a war in 1861 and have not … Continue reading Number of retiring U.S. senators ranks among top 5
Historic Travels: Pierre’s Hole, Idaho
From the Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.d. One of my favorite periods in history is the golden age of the mountain man. It’s what I want to be when I grow up, but I’m afraid my wife won’t let me. Being one of my favorite subjects, I have visited the sites of some of … Continue reading Historic Travels: Pierre’s Hole, Idaho
Summer Road Trip Playlist: C Artists
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Aug 9, 2026 Even though it doesn’t feel like it outside, summer is coming to an end as kids get ready to head back to school. I’m planning on making my way back home soon since my own semester begins shortly, which means I have one more … Continue reading Summer Road Trip Playlist: C Artists
Constitution 101: The Coinage Clause
From the Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.d. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 In a 2023 Saturday Night Live sketch, George Washington, played by comedian Nate Bargatze, tries to motivate his troops during a desperate moment in the Revolutionary War. Washington told them they were fighting for a country of their own, a nation where … Continue reading Constitution 101: The Coinage Clause
Historic Travels: Idaho Falls, Idaho
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Aug 4, 2026 Every year I try to make a pilgrimage to eastern Idaho to visit my parents and escape the Oklahoma heat. Idaho Falls sits at almost 5,000 feet, and my grandpa used to have a cabin up in the mountains that remains one of my … Continue reading Historic Travels: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Historically Speaking 