Category Archives: Ideas

Antifederalist No. 22 — Articles of Confederation Simply Requires Amendments, Particularly For Commercial Power And Judicial Power; Constitution Goes Too Far

Benjamin Austin of Massachusetts, used the pen-name “Candidus.” Taken from two letters by “Candidus” which appeared in the [Boston] Independent Chronicle, December 6 and 20, 1787. …. Many people are sanguine for the Constitution, because they apprehend our commerce will be benefitted. I would advise those persons to distinguish between the evils that arise from …

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FEDERALIST No. 22: Other Defects of the Present Confederation

We are on the eve of a very important election.  Much has been said about the Constitution and what is Constitutional so let’s take a few weeks and look at the foundational letters written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay arguing for the creation of the US Constitution.  The comment tab is open.  Please share your …

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The Secular Argument for the Establishment Clause of Amendment 1

It is great to argue that the first Congress was inspired to adopt the Establishment Clause[i] by stories of Puritans and other separatist fleeing religious persecution in Europe and some mythical ideal that Americans are somehow more tolerant of other religions than their forebears but this is clearly NOT TRUE.  Jews, atheists, Wiccans and Muslims …

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FEDERALIST No. 20: The Insufficiency of the Present Confederation to Preserve the Union

We are on the eve of a very important election.  Much has been said about the Constitution and what is Constitutional so let’s take a few weeks and look at the foundational letters written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay arguing for the creation of the US Constitution.  The comment tab is open.  Please share your …

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Antifederalist Nos. 19 — What Does History Teach? (Part 2)

Part 2: “A NEWPORT MAN,” wrote this wit which appeared in The Newport Mercury, March 17, 1788. . . . — I perceive in your last [issue a] piece signed “A Rhode-Island Man,” it seems wrote with an air of confidence and triumph; he speaks of reason and reasoning — I wish he had known …

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FEDERALIST No. 19: The Insufficiency of the Present Confederation to Preserve the Union

We are on the eve of a very important election.  Much has been said about the Constitution and what is Constitutional so let’s take a few weeks and look at the foundational letters written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay arguing for the creation of the US Constitution.  The comment tab is open.  Please share your …

Continue reading “FEDERALIST No. 19: The Insufficiency of the Present Confederation to Preserve the Union”

Historical Tidbits

When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. October 19, 1780              Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown In April 1781 British General Lord Cornwallis led his weary and battered troops toward the Virginia coast, where he could maintain seaborne …

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We’re running a Colonial Brewing Class at Thornbury Farms on November 7, 2021

Colonial Brewing: An Immersive History Experience Join the Regimental Brewmeister for a unique opportunity to experience the art and craft of 18th century brewing. This class will malt the grain, brew the mash over the fire in true 18th century fashion and each participant will take home a growler of the result and necessary equipment …

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