With a piece of coal in one hand and an American flag in the other, he stated of his grandfather, "...He didn't come (to America) for this," showing the coal, "he came for this--freedom," holding high the American flag.
Words as true today as when Ben Franklin first spoke them…
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” - Ben Franklin
Memorial Day 2015
When I was younger, Memorial Day was just another holiday, another day off from school or from work. It was the Indy 500 and barbeques. It's not that I wasn't patriotic-- I was, but even though I knew that people had died for my country the idea of a fallen hero was still an abstract.
Debate on PATRIOT Act Continues (Constitutionalist Prepare to be Disappointed)
Fans of the Constitution, and the Fourth Amendment in particular are going to be disappointed. The plain text of the Fourth Amendment would suggest that Rand Paul's argument should prevail, but as a realist, I believe it won't.
Thoughts on Atlas Shrugged, and Today’s World
There is one scene that crystallizes the nature of the societal dysfunction that Ayn Rand tries to highlight. Dagny and a band of her compatriots from Atlantis raid a Government Lab where the movement's leader is being held. When she encounters the guard at the door, she gives him a stark choice, let her and her associates in, or die. The guard is befuddled.
Today, Give Thanks to Those in Uniform.
Yes, Mr./Ms. university dean, believe it or not, some people actually choose to make the military their career, or at lease try it.
Mass Data Collection Discussed
When I saw the Privacy & Civil Liberty Oversight Board was going to hold a public discussion at the National Constitution Center I was very interested. Our First and Fourth Amendment rights are very much in the news with mass data collection being declared illegal by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month, and the PATRIOT is set to expire at the end of the month.
Field Trip: The National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA
The history of our Constitution is inexorably linked to the history of our country itself. Just about every important moment in U.S. history therefore receives some coverage at the Center, from the American Revolution, to the Civil War, to Watergate.
70th anniversary of VE Day Remembered
Seventy years ago today, the Allies emerged victorious against the Nazi/Fascist war machine in Europe. We won because we put aside their differences to fight a homicidal and genocidal evil regime.
An American Musing on the British Election
I have to say, I watch with fascination British politics, much the same way a dog watches with fascination a running vacuum-- not understanding what I see, but with an innate knowledge that it bears watching.
Liberty Relearned 