The Takings Clause

The Takings Clause

My brand of Idealism and the problems it faces are pretty easy to figure out. I believe that those of us who abide by the rules and who perform their civic duties should have sovereignty over their own lives. The problem with this fundamentally Democratic perspective...
Taking the Fifth

Taking the Fifth

One of Lily Tomlin’s best characterizations on the Laugh-In show was Edith Ann. Tomlin, dressed like a child and sat in an oversized rocking chair. She always began by saying “My name is Edith Ann, and I don’t have to say nothin’ if I don’t want to.” Then she...
The Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment

In the past two postings, I have illustrated my support and commitment to the ideals of personal freedom enshrined in the Bill of Rights while at the same time advocating for common sense rewording of both the First and Second Amendments needed to eliminate confusion...
The 2nd Amendment

The 2nd Amendment

Nothing against any of the Founding Fathers. They were writing the constitution and the Bill of Rights in a hurry and under duress, and they were trying to stitch together a lasting document that satisfied competing interests. When James Madison penned the Bill of...
The First Amendment

The First Amendment

As a teacher of English for 33 years, I have often lectured on the importance of precise language accurately conveying the true and intended meaning. It is too bad that simple lesson did not inform James Madison when he penned the Bill of Rights. Let’s start with...
Can a Law be Corrupt?

Can a Law be Corrupt?

My friend and I are having a useful debate. Perhaps you’d like to join this discussion. He says that laws can be, and sometimes are, corrupt. I say we live and thrive under the Rule of Law; and if is Legal, it is the very antithesis of corruption. I will quickly...