Southerner, American, Lover of Liberty, PhD of political science, professor, blogger.
We discuss liberty in America like we discuss chocolate. It’s as if we all are referring to the same thing, the same concept, when, in truth, no one knows what the other means. We say we love liberty, but what is liberty? Is liberty a state of perfect liberty where there are no restraints, no …
Liberty Guarantees Rights, But Rights Do Not Guarantee Liberty Read More »
Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) was the first Supreme Court case to interpret the meaning of the commerce clause in the Constitution. And in case you didn’t know, the Constitution’s commerce clause is the source of most of Congress’ claim to power today. So, as Americans, it’s important to understand what initially got us to where we are now. Click to read further.
This is a repost but the subject and ramifications of “revolution” are something I’ve come to realize are imperative for my students to understand. However, it’s not just my students who need to understand it…every American ought to understand it. Thus, without further ado…Have you ever thought about what “revolution” truly means? It seems to …
The more I teach–and let me tell you, I’ve been teaching a lot these last few months–the more I’ve come to realize something significant. Americans grow up with an extremely rare mindset (and yes, this mindset exists in a few other countries as well). It’s a mindset though that, in world history, and even in …
Ah, Alexander Hamilton, the hip, the modern and the “woke” founding father. If you haven’t noticed, Alexander Hamilton has his own Hip Hop Broadway play and has somewhat turned into an icon in modern-day America. He’s on the ten dollar bill, has many statues and is the primary subject of a slew of popular biographies and fiction books.
But, I’m not here to look at the dramatized version the man, Alexander Hamilton. I want to introduce you to the brilliant political mind of one of America’s key founders.
Have you ever heard of selective incorporation? How about the Fourteenth Amendment? If not—or if so—read this article to give yourself something to puzzle over in this time of “social distancing”. Click to read further.
I republished an article this past Monday, one that discussed the importance and significance of the oaths of office our government officials take when they step into their government positions. But, as I was thinking about it more today, I became more convinced of this simple reality: the oath of office is meant to stir …
We the People Must… Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America Read More »
The “sole organ” doctrine and the Curtiss-Wright (1936) case fundamentally altered and expanded the power of the executive and has since established an entirely new form of executive power as it relates to the Constitution and the other branches of government. You need to read further to learn more.
I hope that the following realization is as impactful to you as it has been for me. I’m sure you’ve heard the president or other members of government give their oaths of office before. But have you ever really listened to what they’re saying? Further, have you ever taken the time to contemplate how unique …
I Do Solemnly Swear to… Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States Read More »
I’ve reviewed the Constitution many times but I’ve never really touched on the Declaration of Independence. While the declaration was just that, a declaration, and has no legal effects on the political system of the U.S. today, it is a profound document, speaking volumes about the men and country who wrote it, so today I …