Being George Washington
Glenn Beck's recent book on Washington is not a biography, a political rant, or even a history. Instead it is book designed to show the difference one man of character can make. It is a challenge to all Americans to be people of character. Read the rest of this entry »
February 1, 2012 1 Comment
An Interesting Letter From Alexander Hamilton
Hamilton was often accused of being an advocate of a monarchical system of government. His political enemies saw his arguments in favor of a strong federal government and his efforts to strengthen the presidency as indications of his disposition to institute a monarchy in America. He was not deaf to such accusations. In this letter to Timothy Pickering, he explains his views. The last paragraph, is perhaps the most interesting. Read the rest of this entry »
January 27, 2012 1 Comment
With Musket and Tomahawk by Michael O. Logusz
With Musket and Tomahawk covers the Wilderness War of 1777 and is a great book to read in conjunction with several others reviewed here at WWTFT, particularly the Ethan Allen biography. Logusz provides a lot of interesting detail about the people and events leading up to Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga in October of 1777. Read the rest of this entry »
January 26, 2012 No Comments
Michigan – A Canadian State
The following regulations were issued by Colonel Henry Proctor, concerning the new Canadian Territory of Michigan. Detroit was shamefully surrendered to the British on August 16, 1812. Read the rest of this entry »
January 20, 2012 No Comments
Observations on Federalist No. 25
Aside from the obvious historical purpose, support for ratification of the Constitution, Hamilton's perspective is interesting to consider in terms of its ramifications for the present day. Federalist No. 25 contains several interesting assumptions and premises. It is for history to decide if Hamilton was right. Read the rest of this entry »
January 17, 2012 No Comments
Federalist No. 25
In this Federalist Hamilton makes several arguments for the consolidation of the nation's defense under the control of the federal government, rather than under those of the States. The crux of this essay is an effort to show that the argument against a standing army is not only a straw man, but that being ill-prepared is irrational and dangerous. Read the rest of this entry »
January 16, 2012 No Comments
Have We Elected an Autocrat
Friday's Wall Street Journal contained an article aptly entitled Contempt For The Constitution, in which they point out the inconsistent, if convenient, (to them) interpretations given to the nation's founding document by the Obama administration's Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel on Thursday. Read the rest of this entry »
January 14, 2012 No Comments
A “Polite” Challenge
The only bright spot in the War of 1812 for the Americans was the American navy. The American heavy frigates and privateers enjoyed several stunning successes early in the war. This was especially humiliating to the British, who took such pride in their navy. Readers of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series get a flavor of how desperate British captains were to "wipe the eye" of the Americans. This brief challenge, issued by an English captain was reprinted in the Niles Register, in the fall of 1812. Read the rest of this entry »
January 13, 2012 No Comments
Missing the Point
Adam Winkler, author of Gunfight: The Battle over the Right to Bear Arms in America, tries to position himself as the guy with the answers, frequently irritating those on the right and the left. However, his arguments are flawed and inconsistent. Read the rest of this entry »
January 10, 2012 2 Comments
Gehry’s Ghastly Eisenhower Memorial – George Weigel – National Review Online
The National Review is covering a story we covered here, some time ago. We’re just glad someone is paying attention to the travesty being visited upon one of the best presidents of the 20th century.
Gehry’s Ghastly Eisenhower Memorial …
Read the rest of this entry »January 9, 2012 No Comments