Charles A. Beard argued that the Found Fathers ratified the Constitution was ratified was due to their economic interests, not for the desire of egalitarian government.As February began, the weather seemed too warm. But it was Wednesday, so I got to go to the comic book shop. Always makes the day got a little better when I have something to look forward to.
My Country – Charles A. Beard
Charles A. Beard wrote the book An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States. Charles A. Beard argued that the Constitution was essentially a document designed to put private rights in property beyond the reach of popular majorities. In other words, checks and balances were designed to protect against democratic forces. And then the word populism shows up again. “The Constitution, therefore, was a safeguard which an opulent minority erected against populism that had got out of hand during the Revolution.” This “discovery,” as Justice Douglas called it, brought out many of the reforms to American business and economics.
Ironically, we continue to argue today about populism, property rights, and how our system affects both. Most of the 2016 election could be tied to these arguments that Charles A. Beard laid out in 1913.
- Full text of An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States
- Full text of Economic Origins of Jeffersonian Democracy
I have never heard of Charles A. Beard, but these texts may hold an interesting vision while we struggle with the future of America. This may become a more in-depth biography as I work through this year.
Daily Briefing
- Was the nomination of Judge Gorsuch appeal to Justice Kennedy retiring? Way to go liberals…
- If the Democrats take back the House, it will be because of this type of analysis.
- At least the leadership of the Boy Scouts are humane…
- We’ve all heard about the opiod epidemic. So did the pharma industry as they raised the prices on the drugs to help addicts six-fold.
- Putin celebrates his win in our elections with new missiles shooting through the skies. Thanks, America!
- Next time any Republican talks about God or being a Christian, remind them of this burned victim child who suffers due to their Muslim Ban. I am sure God is smiling.
- The world has begun to look like 1935. Which country will become the United States – fighting the illiberal forces? Canada? Germany? China?
- Jon Stewart. I’m less hopeful about what satire can do, but every call to action needs to happen.
“And if we do not allow Donald Trump to exhaust our fight, and somehow come through this presidency calamity-less and, constitutionally, partially intact, then I, Donald J. Trump, will have demonstrated the greatness of America — just not the way I thought I was gonna.”
- This has been my argument. It is not about a lack of opportunity for white America. It’s the expectations they had for their lives that cannot be met due to the housing crisis, lack of higher education, and automation. So, they take it out on everyone else, not on their own bad decisions.
- Jason Kander deserves the attention. Hopefully, he gets back into office soon.
Daily Distraction
As one of our New Year’s Resolutions, Brian and I have vowed to exercise more. The goal is thirty minutes a day of any activity. Some days, I will go for a run. Others, we will walk the dog. But I have also decided to do some body weight strength training. I tried several apps and the one that stuck was Sworkit. I use the free version but if I find it becomes my daily workout regime, I may upgrade.
What I like is that the workouts are relatively easy to understand and have videos that go along with it so I know what I am supposed to be doing. I have no idea yet if it will actually work but it has been useful in January. I have found that this exercise concept does work to relax me when the rest of the world stresses the hell out of me.
One Sentence Story
With one hand out the window holding a lit cigarette, she enjoyed the 52 degree beginning to February in only a way that someone who won’t see next February could.
