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
Tag: politics
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
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
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
Iran at a crossroads: Democracy, monarchy, and the lessons of the 1950s
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Mar 8, 2026 Watching the news unfold about the attack on Iran, I find myself both excited and confused. The excitement is easy to understand; there is the possibility of either a good, or even a very good outcome. A “good” outcome would be to damage Iran’s … Continue reading Iran at a crossroads: Democracy, monarchy, and the lessons of the 1950s
Constitution 101: The Borrowing Clause
From the Lawton Constitution By James Finck, Ph.D. Mar 1, 2026 When our Founders drafted the Constitution, they envisioned three branches of government with equal strength, balanced by a system of checks and balances. Yet they clearly leaned toward strengthening Congress. Article I, Section 8, which outlines the powers of Congress, is, by far, the … Continue reading Constitution 101: The Borrowing Clause
Nationalism, Patriotism, and the Politics of Identity
From the Southwest Ledger By James Finck, Ph.d. February 25, 2026 During our recent political difficulties, it has become increasingly hard to keep up with the lingo—especially the labels. For example, what’s the difference between a colonialist and an imperialist? Are they different? Does it matter? Maybe not, but it’s still nice to know what … Continue reading Nationalism, Patriotism, and the Politics of Identity
