Tag: history

Revisiting the end of History

From Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Historically, the 1990s stand out as a fascinating decade, the one immediately following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. For generations, political theorists had grown up in a world where “containment” defined foreign policy and shaped global strategy. With that structure … Continue reading Revisiting the end of History →

Fallen heroes memorial comes to Hobart

From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. 7 Over my years of travel, I have had the opportunity to visit many sacred sites. Some of these are sacred to religions, like small temples, giant cathedrals, or the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Other sacred sites are more patriotic, like Arlington National Cemetery, Valley Forge, or … Continue reading Fallen heroes memorial comes to Hobart →

From Panama to Tehran: Big stick diplomacy then and now

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 →

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 →

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 →

1776 wasn’t just about independence

From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Mar 13, 2026 There is no argument that 1776 was a revolutionary year. The political ideas coming out of the American Revolution changed how people viewed government and inspired change around the world that continues to the present. It is easy to focus on those political changes … Continue reading 1776 wasn’t just about independence →