Category: Historically Speaking

National Guard troops policing capital not unprecedented, history shows

From the Southwest Ledger On Aug. 11, President Trump ordered around 800 National Guard troops to assume control of policing our nation’s capital — something that was done frequently in the 1960s but had not been done since the Nixon administration. According to CBS News, crime has fallen since the takeover, including violent crime down … Continue reading National Guard troops policing capital not unprecedented, history shows →

Constitution 101: Journal and Adjournment Clauses

Article I, Section 5, Clauses 3 and 4 of our Constitution proves there are some areas of the government where everyone actually can agree — well almost. Clause 3 states, “Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment … Continue reading Constitution 101: Journal and Adjournment Clauses →

Gerrymandering. It’s nothing new, but its effects are always decided by the majority.

From Southwest Ledger “The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy” is one of my favorite quotes from a Founding Father and one that I use whenever I teach about the Constitution. The quote by our most underrated founder, Elbridge Gerry, shows how the founders were cautious of protecting the government from the … Continue reading Gerrymandering. It’s nothing new, but its effects are always decided by the majority. →

Are we simply choosing to ignore the diamond anniversary of a forgotten war?

From Southwest LedgerHow many are surprised to know that this summer marked the 75th anniversary of the start of a war that claimed the lives of more than 36,000 Americans?If this had been a major anniversary of the American Civil War or World War II there would be ceremonies and parades, yet with the Korean … Continue reading Are we simply choosing to ignore the diamond anniversary of a forgotten war? →

Seen and unseen tax changes in Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill

From Southwest Ledger President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill has proven to be one of the most contentious bills in recent memory. At the heart of the debate is who the OBBB benefits. While the left claims the bill is simply a tax break for the rich, the right claims our middle class will benefit … Continue reading Seen and unseen tax changes in Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill →

Constitution 101: Congressional Punishment and Expulsion Clause

From Southwest Ledger On Dec. 21, 2023, the United States House of Representatives voted 311-114 to expel Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., from Congress. Doing so was the first time a member had been expelled without a prior conviction of a crime since the Civil War. While Santos eventually would plead guilty to identity theft and … Continue reading Constitution 101: Congressional Punishment and Expulsion Clause →

Historic Travels: How a Hollywood sex scandal helped create a slice of paradise

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 →