When people say they want freedom, always ask: Freedom to do what?

Too often we are inclined to attribute our Constitution and its subsequent success — we should not forget that its 236 year continuing legitimacy is one of the great accomplishments of the modern world

One of the best presidential ranking polls is conducted from time to time by the Wall Street Journal, which strategically interviews a relatively small but ideologically balanced group of scholars.

It is difficult to think of two world leaders more widely divergent from one another.  Gerald Ford, the 38^th President of the United States, is admired today for his lifelong commitment to decency, honesty, and integrity. 

Today I write of President Ford and the liberal arts. The liberal arts are transformative.

For many Americans the rule by a “meritocracy” seems as self-evident as the truths articulated in the Declaration of Independence.

Winthrop gave this sermon aboard the Arabella, the ship upon which the Puritan community arrived in New England.

Ernest Hemingway wrote “Hills Like White Elephants” while on his honeymoon with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, a somewhat boyish looking woman (in the style of the day) and a Catholic, though not a very good one.

Wise people know that every generation stands on the shoulders of giants.

Today, July 13, we celebrate the 236th anniversary of the enactment of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

We have commented before in this space on the problem of polarization.

Judy and family, I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to David than this “grand gathering” of Grand Rapidians.

Nine years ago I wrote an essay on patriotism, highlighted by my son’s exceedingly American golf shirt.

It is a very great honor and a high privilege, Governor Godwin, to come to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to this beautiful and significant home and to participate in this wonderful ceremony.

On this 247^th birthday celebration of our nation, we might be forgiven if we indulge the impulse to feel good about ourselves.

Many accounts of Gerald Ford’s service in Congress, where he served from 1949 until 1973, depict him as a moderate-minded lawmaker who was willing to work with members of the other party to pass legislation.

I write of freedom. It’s that time of year when, on either side of the summer solstice, a federal holiday draws Americans’ attention to freedom.

Back when I was an undergraduate, one of my professors recommended to me a book by the psychologist Julian Jaynes.

On June 15, 2023, three days before Fathers Day, I had the opportunity to spend time with Tom Brady Jr. and Tom Brady Sr. when they came to Grand Rapids, Michigan.