One of the grandest achievements of America’s Founding Fathers was the establishment of a political regime dedicated to the securing the rights granted to all human beings by both nature and God, including the right to the “free exercise” of…
Growing up, Thanksgiving was always — by far — my favorite holiday on the American civic calendar. It still is today. And while I have fond memories of playing football on Thanksgiving Day with childhood friends and eating turkey legs…
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come,…
One suspects the name of William Bradford is either not known at all or, if known, not well known by Americans. As someone who grew up in Massachusetts, Bradford’s story was taught to kids in public schools like mine. As…
Two hundred and eighty-nine years ago, on Oct. 30, 1735, one of the most important yet least appreciated Founding Fathers was born in a place we now know as Quincy, Massachusetts. The birthday of John Adams provides an opportunity to…
VENICE, Italy — When Gasparo Contarini surveyed the political chaos of Italy’s city-states in the 1500s, he grew somber: “It is evident that almost every city in Italy, whether it is governed by a popular order or even by one…
China’s constitution contains a list of conventional rights as impressive as anything in the West. Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are there, as they typically are in Communist constitutions after Stalin’s. It also has a clause that follows…
Conservatism and Skepticism In an era marked by political polarization and ideological entrenchment, the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin’s words resonates more profoundly than ever: “It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.” As we navigate the complexities…
You’ve got to hand it to the Democratic Party. They have a slick operation going. Four years ago, they hatched a plan to circle the wagons around Joe Biden and somehow convinced all the other contenders for the presidential nomination…
