Hail to the Chief?
The peaceful transfer of power from one president to another is among the most splendid features of our republican system. On fifty-seven occasions, every four years beginning with George Washington in 1789, a president has taken the oath of office. Many were sworn in after heated campaigns, amid economic troubles, or during terrible wars. Some differed sharply in style… Read more »
The Congressional Review Act: A Valuable Tool
As presidents near the end of their terms, they often race to accomplish as much of their agenda as possible. Famous examples include John Adams’ “midnight” appointment of John Marshall as chief justice and John Tyler’s annexation of Texas into the Union.
President Obama is no different. He is determined to implement as many of his ideas via… Read more »
Beyond Obamacare
Every day brings new word of the damage Obamacare has inflicted on our healthcare system. As long as this law is on the books, it will diminish the quality, affordability, and choice of healthcare for everyday Americans.
In the seven years since Obamacare became law, the promises made by its creators have been broken. President Obama told us that we could keep our… Read more »
Israel; Better Process Means Better Policy
Recently, President Obama oversaw the failure of the United States to veto a United Nations resolution against Israel. John Kerry then gave a speech lasting more than an hour blasting Israel regarding peace talks with the Palestinians. It is my opinion this was wrong. It is hard to reach a peace accord recognizing a new nation-state (Palestine)… Read more »
Celebrating All Twelve Days of Christmas
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is one of the most popular carols for this time of the year. Its alliteration like “swans a swimming,” outlandish gifts like “twelve lords a leaping,” and repetition make it an enjoyable song to sing and hear. Artists from Perry Como to John Denver and the Muppets have recorded their own versions that are played… Read more »
A Christmas Message
The Christmas season is a time to gather to celebrate. The Nativity story is familiar to most, whether Christian or not: Mary and Joseph with Jesus in a manger, where shepherds and kings came to honor him. For over two thousand years, we have celebrated this event and pondered its meaning. The Christmas story celebrates the promise of redemption for our world.
While I… Read more »
Clearing the Air at the EPA
President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is welcome news. As Oklahoma’s attorney general, Pruitt has strongly pushed back against many rules and regulations coming from Washington, DC. In particular, he has led states in suing to block the EPA’s overreaching policies.
Many in the media report… Read more »
A Date Which Will Live in Infamy?
Seventy-five years ago, on the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States of America was “suddenly and deliberately attacked.”
At the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii, hundreds of Japanese fighter planes destroyed eight massive battleships and more than 300 airplanes and killed 2,000 Americans.
One ship, the USS Oklahoma, was hit with… Read more »
Words of Thanksgiving
At Thanksgiving, it is good to remember our history for which we give thanks.
Throughout American history, Presidents have spoken on America’s good fortune and given thanks to our Creator. In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26, as a day of “public thanksgiving and prayer” dedicated to “the service of that great and… Read more »
Reasons for the Electoral College
Every four years, American news is dominated by the presidential election. Pundits and analysts play up the drama, predict the outcome of the Electoral College, and endlessly analyze the results.
Discussions of this year’s results are unavoidable. Since the Republican candidate won the election, yet lost the popular vote by less than… Read more »
