From Southwest Ledger When the American colonies first clashed with Britain over taxation, much of their frustration focused on Charles Townshend and later Frederick North. Both men served simultaneously as members of Parliament and as Chancellor of the Exchequer. In American terms, this would be like someone serving as a senator while also acting as … Continue reading Constitution 101: The Ineligibility and Incompatibility Clauses
Category: Historically Speaking
The cost of misusing history in our political debates
From the Southwest Ledger I had an interesting experience in class last week; one I hope won’t get me in too much trouble. As the semester is winding down, one of my classes was giving presentations on their research projects. Two students happened to present on Nazis. Both did an excellent job; their work was … Continue reading The cost of misusing history in our political debates
From Bob Wills to Blake Shelton: Oklahoma’s mark on the first 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry
From Southwest Ledger During the dark days of the Great Depression, one essential piece of technology was the radio. After long hours of trying to put food on the table, families gathered around the radio to listen to news, FDR’s Fireside Chats, radio programs and most importantly, music. With the depression, buying records was difficult … Continue reading From Bob Wills to Blake Shelton: Oklahoma’s mark on the first 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry
If college football won’t settle it on the field, maybe the courts should
From the Lawton Constitution James Finck Ph.D. Normally I don’t think government and sports should mix, but in the current college playoff system, including mostly public schools, it may be time. College football has always been controversial in the way it chooses its national champion. Because teams don’t all play each other it has depended … Continue reading If college football won’t settle it on the field, maybe the courts should
The Story Behind the Stories: Unlocking Western Literature and History
From Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.D.One of my all-time favorite movies, “Hoosiers,” is a perfect example of a David and Goliath movie where a small-town basketball team in Indiana makes it all the way to the 1954 State Championship to take on a big-city team. As the team is getting ready to leave the … Continue reading The Story Behind the Stories: Unlocking Western Literature and History
Constitution 101: Privileges, Immunities and Debate
From Southwest Ledger https://www.southwestledger.news/opinion/constitution-101-privileges-immunities-and-debate Over the years, I have come to realize that many of my students know little about the U.S. Constitution. And even as I speak to older generations, I realize parts of the Constitution are somewhat foreign to them as well. Most know the basics and major clauses, but there is so … Continue reading Constitution 101: Privileges, Immunities and Debate
From Smith to Friedman: What great economists would say about Oklahoma’s proposed minimum wage hike
https://www.southwestledger.news/opinion/smith-friedman-what-great-economists-would-say-about-oklahomas-proposed-minimum-wage-hike In June 2026, Oklahoma voters will decide on State Question 832. If passed, the minimum wage in Oklahoma will go from the federal minimum wage of $7.25 to $15 by 2029, more than doubling minimum wage wages over the next three years. Economists and politicians will argue the pros and cons of this wage … Continue reading From Smith to Friedman: What great economists would say about Oklahoma’s proposed minimum wage hike
How a hole and mule named Sal changed our world
Militia, Insurrection acts give Trump authority to protect Americans
From Southwest Ledger One of the biggest differences between traveling abroad and traveling domestically is seeing armed soldiers at airports and on the streets in most other nations. While this is still fairly true, it is not the case if you are traveling to our nation’s capital, and possibly soon to Portland or Chicago. President … Continue reading Militia, Insurrection acts give Trump authority to protect Americans
Open primary voting and ending party choice? Not here.
From Southwest Ledger Next year, Oklahomans will have the opportunity to go to the polls and basically decide if the Republican Party will still be allowed to choose its own candidates for state elections. While this is being touted as closed versus open primary elections, it is more complicated than that.As the U.S. Supreme Court … Continue reading Open primary voting and ending party choice? Not here.
Historically Speaking 