Why are we snapping over SNAP?

Last week our nation seemed to split across a metaphorical fault line over the “Big Beautiful Bill.” One side called the measure a masterpiece while the other condemned it as the downfall of our society. Yet, amid all this fighting, our nation experienced a real tragedy. While politics is always important, last week the political … Continue reading Why are we snapping over SNAP? →

Big Beautiful Bill Part XI

It is finally finished. I hope this was worth it. Section 86001 has just one part and sets aside $40 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities to use between 2025 and 2028 to buy statues honoring American heroes. This funding supports projects described in three executive orders that focus on creating and rebuilding … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part XI →

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 →

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone. I assume you all have spent the day like me, dividing your time between watching 1776 and reading Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. I did not intend to spend the holiday reading this, but I have not been able to find a source I felt I could trust. Mostly what I … Continue reading Happy 4th of July →

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 →

Constitution 101: Election and Assembly Clauses

From Southwest Ledger As we have seen over the past few months, there has been a lot of debate as to who is eligible to vote and where the power belongs. However, in federal elections, it is up to the states to make these rules. While most people are familiar with the first three sections … Continue reading Constitution 101: Election and Assembly Clauses →

Constitution 101: Senate Leadership Clauses

From Southwest Ledger Have you ever considered what the vice president does all day? My guess is probably not, but the framers of Constitution did. When they got to the point where they considered a vice president, his only role was as a backup president — a spare, so to speak.Originally, he had no actual … Continue reading Constitution 101: Senate Leadership Clauses →

DOGE Underscores Gradual Power Shift Between Legislative, Executive Branches

From Southwest Ledger This may be the most difficult column I have ever written. When it comes to the Department of Government Efficiency, I really have no idea what’s going on. How is that for an opener? What makes me feel better is I don’t think anyone else really has an idea of what is … Continue reading DOGE Underscores Gradual Power Shift Between Legislative, Executive Branches →

Controversy over Cabinet Secretary Choices is Nothing New in American History

From Southwest Ledger Amongst the many perceived controversies of Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. president are some of his choices for cabinet secretaries. Of the 15 secretary positions, so far 11 have been confirmed by the Senate including controversial nominees like Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Robert Kennedy Jr. for Health and … Continue reading Controversy over Cabinet Secretary Choices is Nothing New in American History →