Constitution 101: Congressional Pay Clause

From Southwest Ledger We have come to the juicy part of our Constitution where members of Congress get paid. Congressional salaries have come under great scrutiny since our nation was founded. Lately, with the administration’s appointments and confirmation hearings, some may say, “Congress spends too much time investigating the people when someone should be investigating … Continue reading Constitution 101: Congressional Pay Clause →

National Guard troops policing capital not unprecedented, history shows

From the Southwest Ledger On Aug. 11, President Trump ordered around 800 National Guard troops to assume control of policing our nation’s capital — something that was done frequently in the 1960s but had not been done since the Nixon administration. According to CBS News, crime has fallen since the takeover, including violent crime down … Continue reading National Guard troops policing capital not unprecedented, history shows →

Constitution 101: Journal and Adjournment Clauses

Article I, Section 5, Clauses 3 and 4 of our Constitution proves there are some areas of the government where everyone actually can agree — well almost. Clause 3 states, “Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment … Continue reading Constitution 101: Journal and Adjournment Clauses →

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 →

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 VIII

Sorry I took a day off. I needed to write next weeks article and I have a bunch of finals to grade. While all that takes priority, I am actually getting closer to the end and Medicare is still one of the most talked about aspects of this bill, I can’t just stop now. I … Continue reading Big Beautiful Bill Part VIII →

Constitution 101: Congressional Rules Clause

From Southwest Ledger In July of 2022 U.S. Rep. John B. Larson (D-Conn.) wrote an op-ed in which he called the Senate “the most debilitating threat” to our nation. He was writing about Rule 22 in the Senate which requires 60 votes to take up a House bill. Larson claimed that the Constitution did not … Continue reading Constitution 101: Congressional Rules Clause →

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 →

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 →