Category: Politics & Government

Opinions on contemporary political happenings and the workings of civil government.

Flagrant Immaturity

  

It’s hard to leave the “Occupy Wall Street” story this week, especially when the cartoonists keep coming up with outstanding depictions of the true nature of the protest. One takes aim at what he considers to be the typical protester: Others poke fun at the half-baked political philosophy that seems to dominate: Songs appear to be a theme: Far too often, slogans and chants [of the old, stale variety] serve as replacements for rigorous analytical thinking. What’s doubly sad is… Read more »

Additions to the Constitution

  

I’ve been going through American history with my adult class at my church on Sundays. We’re up to the Constitution. I’m not rushing through anything; I want them to understand the importance of the rule of law and how Christians should be leaders in respecting that dictum. It’s always enlightening to show just how little the national level of our government in our federal system has the authority to do. There’s even one provision in the Constitution that requires Congress… Read more »

What about Ron Paul?

  

Today’s topic is the result of a request by a couple of Facebook friends. They want to know my views on Ron Paul. I will be as direct, succinct, and courteous as I can. I have no desire to “bash” anyone on the Republican side, but I will state my disagreements. First, the positive: Ron Paul is a devoted constitutionalist. That, by itself, deserves praise. He seeks to get back to the Founders’ original intent for the government, and is… Read more »

Constitution Day 2011

  

We held our Constitution Day commemoration yesterday at Southeastern. Each year I’m responsible for bringing in a special speaker to draw the students’ attention not only to the historic event itself, but to the principles underlying the U.S. Constitution and how they should be carried out in our nation. We were privileged to have with us this year Dr. Michael Farris, who is, in my view, one of the best, if not the best, constitutional lawyers and scholars to be… Read more »

Laboring with Gratitude

  

Labor Day 2011. Is this really something I want to celebrate? Let me begin Biblically with a passage that speaks to the concept of work and wealth creation. It’s from Deuteronomy 8:16-18: In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end. Otherwise, you may say in your heart, “My power and the strength of my hand made… Read more »

Christian School Graduates: What Are They Like?

  

I just read through the results of a recent survey of Christian school graduates [pre-college] that sought to determine whether graduates from those Christian schools were achieving the goals of the schools—academic excellence, spiritual formation, and the engagement of the larger culture. Some of those results are heartening, while one in particular is discouraging, to me at least. The positives for Protestant Christian schools, the ones with which I am most familiar and am closer to in spirit, can be… Read more »

The Baneful Effects of a Third Party in Presidential Elections

  

Earlier this month, I spoke at the Winter Haven, Florida, 9-12 Project. Last night I was closer to home at the Lakeland 9-12 Project meeting. As with the Winter Haven group, these are sincere citizens who want to see substantive change, as opposed to a vague, dreamy “hope-and-change” mantra without meaning. They are committed to restoring the original intent of the Constitution and in helping educate the public on basic principles. My topic was the effect of third parties on… Read more »