Constitution 101: Bankruptcy Clause

From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. It is interesting that our Founders combined naturalization and bankruptcy into a single clause in the Constitution but they did so because with both issues they needed to move away from 13 different laws and create a nationally agreed upon set up rules. Article I, Section VIII, … Continue reading Constitution 101: Bankruptcy 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? →

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 →

Big Beautiful Bill Part X

It’s a rainy Saturday afternoon so I took some time to read a bit more, I’m getting so close. Just waiting for some of my oldest friends to arrive for a visit. It turns out my friend Micky from Virgina actually lived in Chickasha as a kid. I can't wait to show him around. I … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part X →

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 →

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 →

Big Beautiful Bill, Part II

After spending the morning at the Ansel Adams exhibit in the morning, I decided I had had too much fun and so spent a couple more hours looking over the Bill. One thing to remember, please, is that I am a historian and most of this is beyond my sphere of knowledge. Please take that … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill, Part II →