Christmas Brings a New and Glorious Morn

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”What a perfect line for our world today one that often feels so very weary While December 25th is not the actual birth date of Jesus, I’m still grateful that this is when we celebrate it.

From Schenck to today: When political rhetoric edges toward dangerous lines

By James Finck, Ph.D.As a Civil War historian, I’m often asked how close we are to repeating 1860. My answer has always been that we aren’t there yet, but we are edging closer to the 1850s.A recent example of this rising partisanship came last month when six Democrats released a video urging U.S.

Under The Dome

Oklahomans should prepare themselves now forIn a few weeks, 2025 will come to an end.And then, just a 2026 is getting up to speed, the Oklahoma Legislature will return to the state Capitol and convene the Second Session of the 60th Legislature – a session that could be a wild ride.

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We should be thankful we celebrate TIt happens every November. Here in the United States most of us pause for a moment and inform the Almighty that we are thankful for the people and blessings in our lives.Most of us.

Constitution 101: The Ineligibility and Incompatibility Clauses

When the American colonies first clashed with Britain over taxation, much of their frustration focused on Charles Townshend and later Frederick North. Both men served simultaneously as members of Parliament and as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

From Bob Wills to Blake Shelton: Oklahoma’s mark on the first 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry

By James Finck, Ph.D.During the dark days of the Great Depression, one essential piece of technology was the radio. After long hours of trying to put food on the table, families gathered around the radio to listen to news, FDR’s Fireside Chats, radio programs and most importantly, music.

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Leave the initiative petition process aloneThe idea goes back before statehood. Our founding fathers – the populists who didn’t like government and the politicians who didn’t like anyone – made a good call as they drafted the Oklahoma Constitution.

If college football won’t settle it on the field, maybe the courts should get involved

By James Finck, Ph.D.Normally, government and sports shouldn’t mix, but in the current college playoff system, including mostly public schools, it may be time.College football has always been controversial in the way it chooses national champions.

The Story Behind the Stories: Unlocking Western Literature and History

One of my all-time favorite movies, “Hoosiers,” is a perfect example of a David and Goliath movie where a small-town basketball team in Indiana makes it all the way to the 1954 State Championship to take on a big-city team.

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The shutdown is over. Now it’s time to govern...Last week the shutdown ended. Spanning 43 days – the longest federal shutdown in history – and impacting more than 1.4 million federal employees, the trainwreck over exactly what taxpayer money would be spent on is over.