Category Archives: Politics

Snoopy, Lincoln, and the Presidency

Posted on by March 6, 2016

Abraham_Lincoln_2There’s an old Peanuts comic strip which shows Snoopy on the top of his dog house making several severe or angry looking faces—in one panel after the other. In the last panel I have changed some of Snoopy’s words in his thought bubble to say: “I would have made a good presidential nominee candidate!”

I sometimes wonder if any of our current presidential nominee candidates remember the quote ascribed to Abraham Lincoln. One day an old friend of President Lincoln, one who had lived as a neighbor of his in Springfield was visiting Abe in the White House. read more

Republicanism and The Trial of Christ

Posted on by March 5, 2016

constitutionI know it’s a little bit early yet, but Easter is fast approaching. I have sometimes been asked why I have written my books on totally different subjects. Well, the short answer is my background is in law, therefore the Trial of Jesus Christ became a very real matter of interest to me.

I lived outside of the country for a while which imbued in me a spirit of patriotism. Then when I attended a conference in Philadelphia, in 1976, the Bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence my interest in the Founding Fathers grew by leaps and bounds. I gave many presentations about my heroes, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, John Adams, and James Madison, to the point where people in my audiences began to ask for me to write a book. So I did. read more

Politeness in Politics Epitomized by Washington

Posted on by March 3, 2016

GeorgeWashingtonGeorge Washington could teach all our politicians a thing or two—of course they’d have to listen. George was taught penmanship by a mentor or tutor when he was still quite young. His teacher taught him how to write in beautiful script which was plain and easy to read. George had good penmanship throughout his life.

But the tutor taught him something more by using his method to teach fluid writing. He would pronounce certain maxims or sayings that became a basis for good character. These maxims had to be written over and over again while George could perfect his writing ability. To the satisfaction of his tutor. read more

John Adams and the U. S. Constitution

Posted on by February 29, 2016

JohnAdamsJohn Adams doesn’t get the honor and acclaim he deserves! Even in his lifetime he saw this coming. He said:

“The History of our Revolution will be one continued Lye from one end to the other. . . . The essence of the whole will be that Dr. Franklin’s electrical Rod, smote the Earth and out sprung General Washington. . . .That Franklin electrified him with his rod—and thence forward these two conducted all the Policy, Negotiations, Legislatures and War . . . . Mausoleums, Statues, Monuments will never be erected for me, . . . .nor flattering orations spoken to transmit me to Posterity in brilliant Colours.” read more

Who is Your Favorite Founding Father?

Posted on by February 27, 2016

GeorgeWashingtonThat was the question put to John Kassich in a televised question and answer period with future voters. He promptly replied with his answer: “George Washington.” And then he expounded on his answer, which was thoughtful.

On the same or a following TV program, the other contestants were quoted in their presentations to groups of followers. There was much bad talk, mud slinging, and derogatory remarks from Mr. Senator from Florida and Mr. Senator from Texas. None of these remarks were very thoughtful. read more

John Adams vs. Thomas Jefferson—Vitriolic Elections

Posted on by February 26, 2016

JohnAdamsIn discussing last nights GOP Presidential debate, one commentator boldly stated that there possibly hadn’t been an election with as much acrimonious attacks since Adams and Jefferson. Of course, none of us were alive to really remember that—and there wasn’t any TV coverage.

But it’s true, there had developed some animosity between the two stanchions of the early years of America. They disagreed on the French Revolution, and about the appointment of judges by Adams at the end of his term of office (hey, is that going to come up again?). read more

Just Facts about U.S. Presidents

Posted on by February 23, 2016

Ronald ReaganWith our upcoming Presidential Election coming this year, I thought you might be interested in a few fascinating facts about our past presidents.

The oldest President—Ronald Reagan

The youngest President—Theodore Roosevelt

The youngest to be elected President—John F. Kennedy

The shortest President—James Madison (5’4’’)

The heaviest President—William Taft 321 lbs. in 1911 (a new larger   bathtub was installed for him in the White House)

The first President to live in the White House at Washington, DC—John Adams read more

Politics and Wealth

Posted on by February 22, 2016

HeaderPerhaps both of our democrat candidates for President of the United States should listen to this story:

A certain nobleman had a valet who was violently opposed to the capitalistic system, and who devoted most of his spare time to attending meetings where he could listen while socialistic theories were expounded. The man’s master was tolerant because the servant was diligent in the performance of his duties.

Suddenly the valet stopped going to meetings, and after several weeks the master became curious enough to ask the reason. read more

Lincoln and Federal Judgeships

Posted on by February 21, 2016

Abraham_Lincoln_2I don’t know why, but the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia reminds me of a story about Judges, Lawyers, and President Lincoln.

A great admirer of President Abraham Lincoln once appeared in front of President Lincoln and asked for an appointment as a federal judge as a reward for some campaigning he had done in Illinois. The President, who was aware of the man’s complete lack of judicial attributes told the man: “There simply are no vacancies at the present time.”

That man left. Early the next day, this same man was walking along the Potomac River and he saw a man being pulled from the river, drowned. He immediately recognized the man as a federal judge. Without any hesitation, the man again presented himself to President Lincoln as he was eating breakfast. He told President Lincoln what he had seen and demanded an appointment to this new vacancy. read more

Happy Valentines Day, or More Backbiting?

Posted on by February 14, 2016

Ronald ReaganAfter last nights GOP Presidential debate, some of us have broken hearts. It seemed like such a squabble, (which is defined as a “noisy altercation”), that I couldn’t tell who won, or who would likely lose support, or who had the best ideas, because of all the noise!

Aesop said it this way: “A husbandman who had a quarrelsome family, after having tried in vain to reconcile them by words, thought he might more readily prevail by example. So he called his sons and bade them lay a bundle of sticks before him. Then having tied them up into a fagot (a bundle, as in bundle of sticks), he told the lads, one after another, to take it up and break it. They all tried, but tried in vain. Then, untying the fagot, he gave them the sticks to break one by one. This they did with the greatest of ease. Then said the father: ‘Thus, my sons, as long as you remain united, you are a match for all your enemies; but differ and separate, and you are undone.’” read more