Reflections on God … Man … Life
Opinions on contemporary political happenings and the workings of civil government.
I read a Charles Krauthammer column the other day that was so clear, concise, and devastatingly accurate that I want to share some of his thoughts. It has to do with the number one national concern right now—no, not Casey Anthony—the huge debt and what to do about it. He trains his incisive analysis on the hubris that comes from the top of our government—the president himself. Obama has been quite vocal lately, telling the Congress to take responsibility. As… Read more »
We in America celebrate independence today. If I really wanted to be picky, I would say this is the wrong day—the actual vote for independence came on July 2, 1776, but since the Declaration of Independence was approved two days later, that has become the national holiday. Fine with me; we should celebrate both days. Of course, in order to celebrate it, one needs to know what it’s all about. As a people, we’re coming up a little short on… Read more »
In my last post, I outlined what I consider to be the most pressing problems we face as a nation. At the end, I said I wanted to address a more foundational need that is essential if we are to turn things around. What I’m about to say might sound simplistic to some, but I believe it is the root of all our problems and, if taken seriously, is also the solution. Critics of Ronald Reagan used to say that… Read more »
The intent of yesterday’s post was to ensure we understand that there have always been bad times in American history, and that we’ve been at the point of despair before. Our future as a nation is still open; the decisions we make now will determine our path. Today I do want to emphasize the severity of our current problems, as a kind of counterpoint to yesterday’s hopeful thoughts. It’s important that we don’t put our heads in the sand, figuratively… Read more »
I don’t think there’s really any disagreement about how pessimistic the majority of Americans are about the future. Currently, all the polls reveal that pessimism. As I survey the scene—the spiritual/moral, political, and cultural aspects [what does that leave?]—I have grave concerns as well. I plan to expound on those concerns in tomorrow’s post. But for now, I’d like to offer a historian’s perspective. Since I teach American history, I have a more in-depth knowledge of what has transpired previously…. Read more »
The War Powers Act has been a focus of attention recently with respect to President Obama’s use of the military in Libya. Passed by the Congress over a veto by President Nixon in 1973, this act says that a president, although commander in chief, cannot exercise that role unless Congress declares a war or gives the president express permission to use the military, or if a national emergency exists because the country is under attack. One feature of the act… Read more »
You knew it had to happen, right? When someone like Congressman Anthony Weiner dominates the news cycle, I can’t ignore him completely. I don’t intend to enter into the realm of double-entendres or get involved with the details of what he has done. You already are aware of the details—unless you’ve been on a deserted island for the past week. His so-called confession on Monday was anything but a real confession, and that’s where I would like to focus. I… Read more »