Category Archives: Government

Founding Fathers Blueprint for a Nation

Posted on by September 24, 2015

northwest-ordinanceIt’s so great that our Founding Fathers were such learned and wise men that they left us a blueprint for our nation. They warned us that if we would follow their instructions we would be a long enduring and prosperous nation. They had high hopes for us.

But somewhere along the way, we thought we were wiser and more learned than they, and we got off their track. They warned us that the type of government we enjoyed was meant only for a moral and religious people. They solidified their intent in the Northwest Ordinance (which was passed the same year as our U.S. Constitution). read more

And To Think It All Started With 10 Commandments

Posted on by January 17, 2013

On the wall in my law office, next to my grand bookcase full of law books, I had a framed cartoon.  It wasn’t a very large cartoon, but it made a point. The cartoon drawing showed a man, presumably a lawyer, standing in front of an enormous bookcase, full of law books. The man’s image of a thought balloon held these words:  “And to think it all started with just 10 Commandments!”

On July 4, 1776, 56 representatives from the original 13 colonies in America chose to begin a new nation. They declared our independence from Great Britain with an inspired document. That was the beginning of the United States of America. read more

The Constitution – Intended to Endure for Ages

Posted on by September 6, 2012

It was Labor Day. I was having lunch with several of my friends and neighbors. At some point I decided to ask:  “We are enjoying Labor Day. So now I ask you, what is the next federal holiday to celebrate?”

Those around the table looked sheepishly at each other. One finally volunteered, “is it Columbus Day?’

“No,” I said, “the next holiday is between Labor Day and Columbus Day.”  They seemed embarrassed and even chagrined–but no one came up with another federal holiday. read more

Declaration of Independence — July 2?

Posted on by August 17, 2012

ONE MORE THOUGHT ON THE DECLARATION

The resolution that the American colonies should break from Great Britain and become free and independent states was proposed by Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, in the Continental Congress, and was unanimously adopted by Congress on July 2, 1776.

The adoption of this resolution on that date caused John Adams to write home to Abigail. He thought that date, July 2, would become the great day of American celebration for independence. He wrote to her:

“Yesterday the greatest Question was decided, which ever was debated the America, and a  greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided among Men . . . .The Second Day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha [sic], in the history of America.– I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews [sic], Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of the Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”  (His capitalization retained.) read more

The Shot Heard ‘Round the World

Posted on by September 24, 2015

On April 18, 1775, the British General Gage decided to send 700 British soldiers to march on April 19, to Concord, Massachussets, to capture two prominent rebels: John Hancock and John Adams, who were hiding in that area. He was also determined to capture the munitions and guns that were then assembling in Lexington.

Joseph Warren, an American Patriot, heard of these plans and so he alerted two speedy couriers to watch for his signal and ride to warn and alert the Minutemen in those towns. The riders were Paul Revere and William Dawes. They were joined by Dr. Prescott. Revere was arrested, his horse confiscated, and he was released. So he actually got to Concord too late. But Dr. Prescott gave the warning that “the British are coming!” read more

The Battle of Trenton — Did You Know?

Posted on by September 24, 2015

I’m sure you’re familiar with the miraculous march to the Battle of Trenton on Christmas Night in 1776. Everyone loves that beautiful painting of Washington crossing the Delaware. He was on his way to stealthily approach that city where the major force of the Hessian soldiers were encamped, along with the British.

Although we love that painting, it is technically not correct in all its details. For example, George Washington never would have stood up in such a precarious position while crossing that river with its ice floes floating so swiftly. And at that date there was no American flag as so prominently positioned in the boat. read more

Constitution Day

Posted on by September 24, 2015

I realize we don’t celebrate this day like we do the 4th of July, but nonetheless I am surprised at how little people seem to know about it.

On September 17, I asked 7 or 8 of my friends and acquaintences a few simple questions. (Notice they weren’t all ‘friends’ or you would have expected them to be as patriotic as I am.)

The people I asked were young or old, white or black, educated or not so educated, as a sampling of our population. One of those was even an ex-Congressman. read more

The Constitution: “What? A Half a Bar of Soap?”

Posted on by September 24, 2015

Constitution Day is coming up on September 17. The Constitution of the  United States was unanimously (at the request of Benjamin Franklin) adopted by the People of the United States, through their representatives to the Constitutional Convention on that date in 1787.

Fifty-five wise and noble men put their all into the creation of that immortal document. Among these wise men, two were indispensable, or absolutely essential to its adoption. Without George Washington, the Father of Our Country, and James Madison, the Father of the Constitution, our U. S. Constitution would never have been created. read more

Thomas Jefferson – What Would He Think of Our Country Now?

Posted on by September 24, 2015

It would be interesting to hear what Thomas Jefferson would have to say about his country now, 235 years after he penned his immortal document, The Declaration of Independence. I believe in some ways he would be pleased. In others he would be chagrined and very disappointed.

The Shot Heard ‘Round the World

Posted on by September 24, 2015

When British troops plan to destroy American ammunition at Concord, Massachussetts, the Boston Committee of Safety learns of this plan. It sends Paul Revere and William Dawes to alert the countryside and gather Minute Men.

On April 19, 1775, Minute Men and British troops meet at Lexington, where a shot from a stray British gun leads to more British firing. This shot has been dubbed “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World.’

 The Americans fire only a few shots; several Americans are killed. The British march on to Concord and destroy some ammunition. They soon find the whole countryside swarming with militia. At the end of the day, many are dead on both sides. The Revolutionary War has begun. read more