Tag: history

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? →

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 →

Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth

From Southwest Ledger Last week after learning about America’s bombing of Iran, two debates emerged: Did we do the right thing? And did President Trump have the legal authority to attack Iran without congressional authority or input? The first question is difficult to answer, and we probably will not know until everything has played out. … Continue reading Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth →

Army’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Overshadowed by ‘No Kings’ Protests

From Southwest Ledger I was disappointed June 14 as I saw several social media posts celebrating the low turnout at the military parade honoring of the 250th anniversary of the United States Army in Washington, D.C. Closer to home, Lawton/Fort Sill canceled their anniversary celebrations to ensure public safety following protests nationwide. I understand that … Continue reading Army’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Overshadowed by ‘No Kings’ Protests →

We Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Our United States Army

Happy 250th birthday to the United States Army. Thank you to all my many friends and family who bravely served and to all the soldiers today may God watch over you until your mission is done. From the Southwest Ledger After the April 19, 1775, battles of Lexington and Concord, delegates of the Continental Congress … Continue reading We Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Our United States Army →

Book Review: Skousen’s “The Big Three in Economics”

From Southwest Ledger To better understand economic thought, I decided to tackle Mark Skousen’s 2007 book “The Big Three in Economics: Adam Smith, Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes.” Not written as an economics textbook but more of a biographical look into the lives of these three important men, Skousen also analyzed their economic philosophies. … Continue reading Book Review: Skousen’s “The Big Three in Economics” →

Constitution 101: Congressional Authority and the Quorum Clause

From Southwest Ledger In many ways, Article I, Section V of our Constitution is a continuation of Section IV in that it established the rules and powers of Congress. The first part gives Congress some judicial power while, at the same time, it eliminates one of the biggest tricks parties used to block legislation. Article … Continue reading Constitution 101: Congressional Authority and the Quorum Clause →