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 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 →

Big Beautiful Bill Part V-Taxes

Fun class today. After I answered all the history questions, I asked what we needed to talk about as part of our civic class. Of course, this Bill was the main topic of consideration. I warned them I did not want to hear what they heard, but only what they looked at, too much misunderstanding … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part V-Taxes →

Big Beautiful Bill Part VI-Middle Class Tax Cuts

Now that church is over and I had my nap, an important activity on the Sabbath, I thought I might as well jump into the next part as it is some of the parts that Trump has been touting. This is section 70201 to 70204. If you are paid in tips like a bartender, waitress … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part VI-Middle Class Tax Cuts →

Big Beautiful Bill Part III

I had one of those nights last night where I just could not sleep. I thought, you know what might help, reading laws. It was actually boring enough to do the job. Section 60001 to 60026 are about the environment and public works. This part is very simple, they found a place to cut. All … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part III →