Opinion

America 250: The Battle of Long Island

America 250: The Battle of Long Island

America 250: The Battle of Long Island

James Finck, Ph.d.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Back in July, I wrote a column about the Declaration of Independence in which I praised the document while also arguing that, in many ways, it was worthless. Its ideas were revolutionary, but words alone did little to secure American independence.
Party infighting harms chances for governance

Party infighting harms chances for governance

Party infighting harms chances for governance

News Staff
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
It is a great day to be an Aggie and we are excited for the fall semester ahead. Seeing the economic growth and new job announcements over the past few months illustrates that the future has never been brighter in southwest Oklahoma.
Number of retiring U.S. senators ranks among top 5

Number of retiring U.S. senators ranks among top 5

Number of retiring U.S. senators ranks among top 5

James Finck, Ph.d.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
I have said this many times before, but the number one question I am asked when I give talks is: Are we more divided now than ever before? My answer is always no. We fought a war in 1861 and have not gotten as bad as the 1960s.
Historical Travels: Beaver Lake, Utah

Historical Travels: Beaver Lake, Utah

Historical Travels: Beaver Lake, Utah

James Finck, Ph.d.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Before my semester begins next week, I was able to fit in one more trip out west to attend my nephew’s wedding. Most of the family festivities took place in Provo and St.
James Finck stands beside a historical marker which tells of the 1832 rendezvous at Pierre’s Hole in the Teton Mountain Range. Located near present-day Driggs, Idaho, the historic site was a central point for mountain men, traders, and Native Americans of the American frontier. James Finck, Ph.D. | For Southwest Ledger

James Finck stands beside a historical marker which tells of the 1832 rendezvous at Pierre’s Hole in the Teton Mountain Range. Located near present-day Driggs, Idaho, the historic site was a central point for mountain men, traders, and Native Americans of the American frontier. James Finck, Ph.D. | For Southwest Ledger

Historic Travels: Pierre’s Hole, Idaho

James Finck, Ph.d.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
One of my favorite periods in history is the golden age of the mountain man. It’s what I want to be when I grow up, but I’m afraid my wife won’t let me.
Constitution 101: The Coinage Clause

Constitution 101: The Coinage Clause

Constitution 101: The Coinage Clause

James Finck, Ph.d.
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
In a 2023 Saturday Night Live sketch, George Washington, played by comedian Nate Bargatze, tries to motivate his troops during a desperate moment in the Revolutionary War.
Under The Dome

Under The Dome

Under The Dome

M. Scott Carter
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Oklahoma’s local, county and state government – like every local, county and state government – needs revenue to function.
1856 election demonstrates strengths, weaknesses of our democracy

1856 election demonstrates strengths, weaknesses of our democracy

1856 election demonstrates strengths, weaknesses of our democracy

James Finck, Ph. D.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
On July 16, President Donald Trump addressed the nation to push the SAVE America Act and make our elections safe. In his speech, Trump did not repeat his claim that he won the 2020 election, but he did declassify documents showing Chinese influence in the election and supposed fraud in Michigan.
Subscribe to