This puzzle came about in the course of researching the concept of natural rights, e.g. those inherent to human beings. A lot of what Madison put into the original version of the preamble echoed what was in the Declaration of independence, but those in Congress at the time, didn't like such an explicit statement about how people were entitled to overthrow an abusive government. After all, they were now the government. Still, the preamble they came up with says a lot about their views on government and its role.   Read the rest of this entry »

The war considered by its supporters, as the nation's second war of independence, stirred patriotic fever among those of all ages. This article from the Niles Register was published to illustrate patriotic fervor.   Read the rest of this entry »

In the early 19th century, the US Navy, perhaps more than most navies, was forced to rely on private ships granted letters of marque, which licensed them to prey on the shipping of belligerent powers. This article from the Niles register explains how they made their money.   Read the rest of this entry »

With the hindsight of over two hundred years, we may safely say that the concerns of those advocating a Bill of Rights were justified, regardless of the philosophical premise. Our country would be a very different place without the guarantees they offer.   Read the rest of this entry »

On this day, 212 years ago, George Washington died. He was the right guy, at the right time, in the right place. Harry "Light-horse" Lee was right on the mark with his famous eulogy, Washington really was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."   Read the rest of this entry »

If historical events are going to be presented through the prism of particular political biases, truth in labeling requires that the title should indicate that is the case.   Read the rest of this entry »

An interesting article about some very hardy people.   Read the rest of this entry »

The Fall 2011 issue of the Claremont Review of Books contains a fascinating article by Hadley Arkes, entitled, A Natural Law Manifesto. In it, Arkes lays out a compelling argument for the use of Natural Law in adjudicating Constitutional issues. One of the topics discussed in the article is the mistaken reliance on the doctrine of "original intent," by conservative jurists.   Read the rest of this entry »

In this Federalist, Hamilton pillories those who criticize the Constitution because it does not possess sufficient safeguards against maintaining a standing army. Hamilton first attempts to show that this argument is specious, because this is not something that had been enough of a problem to even warrant a mention, in any of the state constitutions or the Articles of Confederation. This done, he points out the necessity of maintaining frontier garrisons against the insults and depredations of the British and Spanish, as well as for protection from the Indians; and coastal installations to protect dockyards, while the country is getting its new navy launched.   Read the rest of this entry »

The mob is always categorized by cruelty and inhumanity. When a newspaper in Baltimore had the temerity to criticize the government for declaring war on Great Britain, the mob decided to tear down the house in which it was published. When the newspaper started up again, they resolved to kill the publishers.   Read the rest of this entry »