From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Feb 17, 2026 This year, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, let’s not forget other important events that shaped our nation, not politically, but culturally. Two hundred years ago this week, one of the most important novels in American literature was published: “The Last of … Continue reading Hawkeye and the Birth of the American Myth
Category: Historically Speaking
Eliminating tenure would impose dire consequences on Oklahoma’s struggling higher education system
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Feb 15, 2026 I began writing this column for Southwest Ledger in 2023 and for The Lawton Constitution just last year. I have genuinely loved this time. Writing has always been an outlet for me, almost a form of therapy. I’ve been blogging since around 2016, when … Continue reading Eliminating tenure would impose dire consequences on Oklahoma’s struggling higher education system
Constitution 101: General Welfare Clause
From the Layton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Feb 10, 2026 One of the primary goals of our Founders in writing the Constitution was to limit governmental authority. While they recognized the need for a stronger federal government, they also deeply feared it. To help protect the nation, they created a system that limited the … Continue reading Constitution 101: General Welfare Clause
The Tree of Liberty and the cost of Revolution
From the Layton Constitution “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” This famous line, attributed to Thomas Jefferson, has returned to public discourse amid protests against ICE and Donald Trump. It is not usually spoken by elected leaders, who understandably avoid revolutionary language, but … Continue reading The Tree of Liberty and the cost of Revolution
The Long Shadow of the Monroe Doctrine
From the Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.d. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 When it comes to the situation in Venezuela, President Trump made an interesting comment: “If any South American country misbehaves toward any European country let the European country spank it.” While this certainly sounds like something Trump might say the quote actually … Continue reading The Long Shadow of the Monroe Doctrine
We don’t need more school days, just better days
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Jan 27, 2026 I’m sure you’ve heard the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. That’s exactly what came to mind when I heard that Oklahoma is considering extending the school year by up to two weeks. I … Continue reading We don’t need more school days, just better days
Understanding Associated Risks in an Era of Protest
From the Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.d. , January 27, 2026 I remember attending a training session in college that included a presentation on sexual assault. At one point, the speaker advised women to be cautious about accepting drinks or drinking too much at parties. Some female students became upset and asked why women … Continue reading Understanding Associated Risks in an Era of Protest
The long shadow of the Monroe Doctrine
From the Lawton Constitution When it comes to the situation in Venezuela, President Trump made an interesting comment: “If any South American country misbehaves toward any European country, let the European country spank it.” While this certainly sounds like something Trump might say, the quote actually belongs to Theodore Roosevelt. It is a reminder that … Continue reading The long shadow of the Monroe Doctrine
An Impossible Journey That Helped Win a Revolution
From the Southwest Ledger In the history of great events, there are usually hundreds of smaller moments that make them possible. While those moments are critical at the time, they are often lost to history. Such is the case with the American Revolution, which we are commemorating this year. One of those overlooked events occurred … Continue reading An Impossible Journey That Helped Win a Revolution
When protest threatens democracy
From the Lawton Constitution For me, one of the most important issues we face moving forward is our respect for law and democracy. Whether one agrees with it or not, ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is a legal federal agency carrying out legally authorized duties. To claim otherwise is misleading and, at best, risks … Continue reading When protest threatens democracy
Historically Speaking 