From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Apr 19, 2026 What began as promising negotiations between the United States and Iran earlier this month ended in an impasse. Following a massive U.S. bombing campaign against Iran that began in February, both sides agreed to a two-week ceasefire starting on April 8 to pursue a … Continue reading From Panama to Tehran: Big stick diplomacy then and now
Category: Historically Speaking
The evolution of voting and election integrity
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Apr 9, 2026 With all the legislation about voter integrity, it seems worthwhile to look at voting practices over the years to see how past generations tackled the issue of fair elections. What we find is that both voting technology and the systems used to ensure election … Continue reading The evolution of voting and election integrity
1968 and now: When space united a divided nation
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Apr 12, 2026 Stop me if you’ve heard this one. In the months after a very contentious election, our nation seems more divided than at any time since the decade before the Civil War. The new Republican president is under constant attack for his beliefs. Cultural wars … Continue reading 1968 and now: When space united a divided nation
Importance of Chiles v. Salazar and the protection of free speech
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Apr 7, 2026 Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision regarding the legality of conversion therapy for gay and transgender minors. Over the past week, I’ve seen a lot of confusion about what the Court decided. Because this is such a hot button issue, it’s … Continue reading Importance of Chiles v. Salazar and the protection of free speech
Constitution 101: The Commerce Clause
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. When studying Congress’ authority and responsibilities in Section 8 of Article I of our Constitution, one of the shortest clauses has become one of the most complicated and litigated in American history. Clause III, known as the Commerce Clause, gives Congress the power “To regulate Commerce with … Continue reading Constitution 101: The Commerce Clause
What Does A ‘Fair Share’ Really Mean?
From the Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.d. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 With all the debate about taxation in our state, I’ve been trying to educate myself more to better understand it myself. I’ve also had several discussions with students about ideas like equality and fairness, especially since many of them constantly repeat phrases … Continue reading What Does A ‘Fair Share’ Really Mean?
The First Amendment: America’s Unique Foundation of Freedom
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Mar 29, 2026 When I teach about the American Revolution, I explain that it initially began as a fight for the colonists’ rights as British subjects that later turned into a revolution for independence. Even among the patriots in the colonies, many believed the British Empire was … Continue reading The First Amendment: America’s Unique Foundation of Freedom
Historic Travels: Wilson’s Creek, Missouri
From the Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.d. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Like many from Oklahoma, I enjoy visiting Branson. Nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Branson is a fun, family-friendly destination where faith and patriotism still thrive. While most people come for Silver Dollar City or the shows, next time you make the … Continue reading Historic Travels: Wilson’s Creek, Missouri
Why Iran stands alone in the Middle East
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Mar 22, 2026 As the United States’ aerial war with Iran enters its third week, it’s worth examining the geopolitics of the region, how it has evolved over time, and even the differences with the Persian Gulf War in the 1990s. This can help explain why Iran … Continue reading Why Iran stands alone in the Middle East
The Unintended Consequences of Attacking Higher Education
From the Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.d. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 One of the lessons I try to teach my students through history is the idea of unintended consequences. A good example comes from the presidency of Andrew Jackson, who had a deep hatred of banks, especially the Second Bank of the United … Continue reading The Unintended Consequences of Attacking Higher Education
