When Associate Justice Antonin Scalia sat on the Supreme Court, he advocated for an originalist interpretation of the Constitution based on the words that actually appear in it. He was not a proponent of judicial activism, but rather of judicial constraint. Do the facts of a case comport to the letter Read more…
Last Saturday morning, our yellow Labrador, Sonny the Wonder Dog, went on his last retrieve peacefully at home lying beside me. He had been suffering from severe arthritis in his hind legs and a very bad bowel condition. Through it all, he never whimpered or complained. But I could see in Read more…
There are few judicial principles more vital to the freedom and our republican form of government than this: Jus dicere, et non jus dare, that is “to declare the law, not to make it.” The people who founded America debated this concept. The Federalists wanted a strong national government with three branches: Read more…
I suppose there are few talents as important in life as seeing things clearly. George Washington, while leading the American Army in the Revolution, was particularly gifted at seeing things as they were, not as he wished them to be. He saw the poor state of readiness and discipline in his Army Read more…
This week I had trees on my mind. It’s that time of year when I pick apples, having already enjoyed cherries and peaches that I harvested earlier this summer. Trees are remarkable. But as sturdy as they can eventually become, those we plant for their fruit require much care if they are to Read more…
Recently, I had a discussion with someone about the nature of truth. I contended objective truth is important to distinguish between right and wrong actions. He countered that deciding what is right or wrong was actually engaging in “subjective” truth; that truth, righteousness, and wisdom, are all subjective. Moreover, he argued that “perception” is Read more…
Recently I was thinking about how blessed we are in our modern existence. Like many of you, I’ve travelled throughout Europe. In the process I’ve visited museums and castles where images of past kings, queens, dukes, and duchesses graced the walls. There were also images of common people doing common things, frequently in Read more…
I’ve spent a good portion of life in the political world, so I am familiar with how words are used in politics and, if the public isn’t adroit in understanding how terms are used to manipulate the truth, they risk being hoodwinked. Some words have been twisted beyond reason and Read more…
I love to write. So I thought I’d use my update this week to share with you how I go about it. The start point is fairly basic. I ask myself, “What will I write about this week and do I have anything to say on the topic that would be useful?” Nothing is Read more…
It’s hard, these days, not to think about the quality of our leadership, not only at the national level, but also in our states. The leaders we select to govern across the nation very much reflects the quality of our choices. Moreover, the people we elect also reflects a voter’s ideology, preferences, Read more…