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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former NY Congressman releases new book on America's past and future
(WIVT/WBGH) – A former representative of New York's 19th District is out with a new book that looks back on how difficult decisions made during the founding of our country might offer guidance on how to deal with the deep divisions that exist today. Chris Gibson has published 'The Spirit of Philadelphia: A Call To Recover The Founding Principles.' The book is based on research Gibson did about the Constitutional Convention held in 1787 in Philadelphia to address some of the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation. Gibson says the years between the Revolutionary War and the adoption of the Constitution was marked by a lot of dissent, dysfunction and open rebellion. Gibson says the framers of the Constitution purposely created checks and balances that decentralized power and gave control over lawmaking, funding, and the ability to go to war to the people's representatives in Congress. He says that over the past century, and even more so in recent times, power has steadily been consolidated in the president at the expense of Congress. 'Basically, you vote for a president, that president comes in, whether it's Barack Obama on the left or Donald Trump on the right, and the expectation for those voters is that they're going to get everything they're looking for and it's going to come by way of executive action. This is in part what changed how we interact with each other. By moving away from founding principles, we have really torn our social fabric and we're living with the consequences of those changing ideas,' said Gibson. Gibson, who spent three years as president of his alma mater, Siena College, says the convention in Philadelphia not only created a framework for the government but also a spirit of collaboration and optimism. He says, despite the divisions of today, most Americans still agree about the value of liberty and equality. You can find out more information and purchase the book at Gibson includes some of his recommendations for addressing our country's polarization and says he'd be happy to Zoom in with any book clubs interested in reading his book. Watch the full interview with Gibson below. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Epoch Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Reflecting on America's Legislative Tradition
Commentary On May 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress convened for its opening session in the building that would later become known as Independence Hall. Its organization followed the Battles of Lexington and Concord that April. With all other means of contending with the British Empire then exhausted, its purpose was to place the colonies on a war footing. Two hundred fifty years later, why should we care about the anniversary of a legislative body that no longer exists? After all, it was replaced by a new Congress under the Articles of Confederation in 1781, and was replaced again by the Congress under the Constitution several years later. First and foremost, this body would declare America's independence just 14 months after its convening. In the process, the Continental Congress set forth the most extraordinary political statement about human dignity, freedom, and equality ever written. They changed the world forever. But none of that would have happened if leaders from 12 of the 13 colonies (the 13th joined later on) hadn't decided to form a congress. This was the Congress that created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, and the next day named a Virginia farmer and veteran of the French and Indian War named George Washington as commander-in-chief. None of the underdog, revolutionary American war effort would have been possible without the critical governance and support of the deliberative body that met together in Philadelphia, and then later in Baltimore, York, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We are indebted for our nation's existence to the revolutionaries who took part in that Congress. Some have familiar names like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and John Hancock, but others are less familiar, like Abraham Clark of New Jersey and William Williams of Connecticut. Related Stories 5/22/2025 5/21/2025 We would be remiss not to see the continuing legacies of the Second Continental Congress 250 years later. The American pattern of organizing legislative bodies is a remarkable feature of our political tradition . Not only did the Constitution make the legislative branch a permanent institution of the federal government, but it also mandated republican government throughout the states. State constitutions set in motion 50 different experiments in legislating. Just as importantly, local governments everywhere rely on legislative bodies—county commissions, city councils, school boards, fire commissions, and water boards—for their governance. The great legislation we remember, from the passage of amendments to ban slavery and give women the vote to the Civil Rights Act, stands alongside countless smaller acts of state and local legislative service to build roads, open schools, and ameliorate poverty. But the American legislative tradition is more than just another element of our political life. The American way of working together in teams is an extraordinary feature of our cultural life, and an indispensable ingredient in our national success. Think of the great sports teams, astronaut crews, and startup companies that made their mark for all the right reasons. Remember Lewis and Clark, the Wright Brothers, and the Doolittle Raiders. In the many thousands of civil society organizations across the country—from food banks and Rotary Clubs to universities and hospitals—teamwork is alive and well. Millions of citizens are members of nonprofit governing boards. Millions more exercise team leadership in public and social sector roles as school principals, church pastors, or government agency executives. The great business writer Jim Collins has observed that great social sector leaders don't just draw on executive skills to move their organizations forward—they use legislative skills too. They listen, persuade, win buy-in, and turn individual talents into collective impact. It turns out these skills are incredibly valuable in business as well. If we are all too aware of counterexamples, where leaders, legislative bodies, and other American institutions have fallen short of their potential, the blame lies in part with those who chose not to get involved. Self-government depends on each one of us doing our part. In that spirit, there could be no more fitting way to celebrate America's 250th birthday than to join the board of a nonprofit or perhaps start one, lobby elected leaders for a needed change, or even run for office. And let us never forget the members of the Second Continental Congress who made the practice of legislating a great American tradition. From RealClearWire Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Epoch Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Gouverneur Morris: The Penman of the U.S. Constitution
Known as the Among his many contributions, Morris is most famous for coining the phrase 'We the people of the United States, in order to form a perfect union.' Morris was born on Jan. 31, 1752 to a wealthy, landowning New York family in an area that is now the Bronx. He was named after his mother, Sarah Gouverneur, a French Huguenot. Brilliant, Morris was given a scholarship to attend King's College (now Columbia University) at the young age of 12. He graduated in 1768, then turned to studying law. Morris passed the bar exam in 1771; he was just 19 years old when he started practicing. Soon after, he entered politics by representing Westchester County in the New York Provincial Congress. A portrait of Gouverneur Morris (1752–1816), 1817. Ezra Ames-Avery Library, New York. (Public Domain) Taking Sides Once the Revolutionary War broke out, Morris's family, who were mostly Loyalists, exiled him for supporting the rebellion. Morris didn't sign the Declaration of Independence, but he supported it. In 1778, Morris was appointed as a New York Delegate to the Continental Congress. He visited Gen. George Washington's winter camp at Valley Forge and witnessed the brutal conditions soldiers faced. As a result, he petitioned to improve their situations and enact reforms. He soon became good friends with Washington. Related Stories 5/3/2025 3/16/2025 That same year, a group of delegates tried to remove Washington from his position. Morris cast the tie-breaking vote to retain Washington as the country's Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. After signing the Articles of Confederation at the young age of 26, Morris was defeated in his bid for reelection to Congress in 1779. Morris chose to stay in Philadelphia, where he'd contributed to the Continental Congress. He then worked as a lawyer and a merchant. In 1787, Pennsylvania appointed Morris as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention that was called by Congress. Morris was on the He is most famous for writing the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. Before Morris, the Constitution started by stating 'We the people of the states of' and then listed all of the states. Morris changed the wording to 'We the people of the United States.' It was his way to define America as one nation instead of an association of independent states. Opinionated and Proud of It During the nine-month-long Constitutional Convention, Morris was very outspoken. In fact, he's credited with giving 173 speeches, more than any other delegate. Morris spoke on his belief in universal freedom of religion. Additionally, this Founding Father was staunchly against slavery. During the Convention, Morris spoke out several times against slavery declaring that it was inhumane. And, after he helped develop the Electoral College, Morris chimed in during discussions on whether slaves should be counted towards how many representatives a state got in congress. Morris argued that since slaves couldn't vote and were seen by Southerners as property, it wasn't right that the South would have more representatives than the North if slaves were counted towards a state's population. In the end, the delegates passed the 'Three-fifths Compromise' that stated that enslaved people would count as three-fifths of a person when it came to representation in Congress and tax purposes. It was intended to prevent the Southern states from having disproportionate governmental power. "Foundation of the American Government," 1925, by John Henry Hintermeister. George Washington looks on from his seat as Gouverneur Morris signs the Constitution. Public Domain An Eventful Later Life After the Convention, Morris traveled to Europe, where he became the American minister to France. While there, he took a stance against the French Revolution and even tried to help the royal family escape. During the Reign of Terror, a period of extreme violence during the French Revolution lasting from September 1793 to July 1794, Morris almost lost his life to violent mobs several times. At one point Morris was carried away by a French mob bent on killing him. He removed his peg leg, waved it above his head, and yelled that he'd lost it while fighting for freedom (he had not). Morris was spared. Morris returned to the United States in 1798. He was then elected to fill a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate in 1800. He lost his bid for reelection in 1803 and returned to his family home in New York City. American Gen. George Washington (1732–1799) presides over the Constitutional Convention, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 25–Sept. 17, 1787. () In 1810, Morris became the chair of the Erie Canal Commission. There, he played a key role in constructing the canal that transformed New York City into a commercial powerhouse. He also assisted with the Commissioner's Plan of 1811 that created the Manhattan street grid system. Morris passed away in 1816 in the same home he was born in. Nearly a century later, President Theodore Roosevelt memorialized Morris when he wrote a biography about him that was published in 1888. What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to
Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Honoring Monroe's Birthday: New Study Highlights His Drafting of America's First Organic Territorial Law
COLONIAL BEACH, Va., April 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The James Monroe Memorial Foundation proudly announces the publication of 'United States in Congress Assembled Delegate James Monroe: Architect of America's First Organic Territorial Law,' a new paper by historian Stanley Y. Klos. The study highlights James Monroe's pivotal role not only in supporting Jefferson's 1784 Ordinance but, more critically, in drafting the original framework for the Northwest Ordinance, presented to Congress in Spring 1786. Monroe's draft created America's first federal Organic Law governing U.S. territory—setting the constitutional foundation for orderly expansion, equal statehood, and protection of republican principles. As Chairman of the Committee on the Western Lands, Monroe shaped both the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the territorial governance structure that evolved into the Northwest Ordinance of 1787—the only Organic Law enacted under both the Articles of Confederation and later reaffirmed under the U.S. Constitution. 'James Monroe's legal vision defined how America would grow,' said Stan Klos. 'He ensured that new territories would not be treated as colonies, but as future states, preserving the Revolution's ideals.' James Monroe's contributions as a delegate to the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) under the Articles of Confederation have had a profound and lasting impact on the United States, despite often being overlooked. His key accomplishments include: The full paper will be published on the James Monroe Memorial Foundation website beginning April 28, 2025 – About The James Monroe Memorial Foundation: The James Monroe Memorial Foundation is committed to honoring and promoting the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of America's fifth president. Learn more: MEDIA ONLY CONTACT: Stanley Y. Klos [email protected] (202) 239-1774 NEWS SOURCE: The James Monroe Memorial Foundation Keywords: Government, James Monroe, Northwest Ordinance, United States in Congress Assembled, Land Ordinance 1785, Ordinance 1784, Organic law, Founding Fathers, Territorial governance, Articles of Confederation, Early American Republic, historian Stanley Y. Klos., COLONIAL BEACH, Va. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The James Monroe Memorial Foundation) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P125804 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
New York Times
16-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Two-Student Team Stuns the Competition at U.S. Constitution Contest
Matthew Meyers and Colin Williams became best friends over a semantic argument about the word 'homicide' in a freshman history class. Three years later, the wiry-thin, floppy-haired seniors at Sprague High School in Salem, Ore., remained inseparable when they competed as a pair in Constitution Team, a debate-style contest where teams answer questions about constitutional law. In January, they won second place at the state-level competition, earning themselves a spot at the national finals. Occasionally, an undersize team of nine to 15 students reaches nationals, where the average team size is 21 students. But a team of two had never made it, much less won, according to the Center for Civic Education, which organizes the event, formally known as 'We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals.' It would be like a baseball team winning a game with four players. And yet, for four magical days, Mr. Williams and Mr. Meyers basked in the glow of that improbable achievement. On Friday night, after three days of dazzling the judges with their answers to penetrating questions about the Articles of Confederation and obscure Supreme Court decisions, the young men sat at the award ceremony with tempered expectations. They hoped for seventh place. When their names still had not been called as the fifth-, fourth- and third-place finishers were announced, they wondered if there had been a mistake. When the two were handed their championship medals, the hall erupted. 'They are gods tonight,' a rival team's coach said. But on Monday, the head coach of the third-place team was reviewing the score sheet from the event when he saw that something didn't add up. The Road to Nationals On a brisk February evening, in a windowless classroom, Mr. Williams and Mr. Meyers, both 18, began preparing for nationals. Unable to out-memorize the much-larger teams they would face, the two were delved deeper into the philosophies underpinning the Constitution. 'We didn't really have a huge evidence base,' Mr. Williams said. 'But what we did have was a really strong conceptual understanding.' For instance, they argued over a Supreme Court decision that upheld an Oregon city's ban on sleeping and camping in public spaces that critics said effectively punished people for being homeless. 'If a burglar broke into someone's house because they were hungry,' Mr. Williams asked, 'does punishing them for that violate the Eighth Amendment?' No, the hungry burglar could be punished, Mr. Meyers said. He paused and then added, 'Get ready to hear a really, really, really stupid response.' According to a theory from the philosopher John Locke, he said, it would be less wrong if the thief stole from a grocery store than someone's house. On their way up the competition ladder, their insight about the nation's founding documents made an impression. 'My mind was kind of blown,' said Darin Sands, a lawyer and national champion coach who judged the pair at the Oregon state competition. 'It was just clear that they had not only studied the material but engaged with it in a very deep level.' A Convincing Performance On April 9, the first day of the national competition at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, Va., the teenagers were being grilled by judges when something unusual happened. 'I just forgot my train of thought,' Mr. Meyers said. 'I just knew we were talking about something related to judicial supremacy.' He asked the judge to repeat the question — a rare slip. To be among the 10 teams to advance to the final round on Friday, Mr. Williams and Mr. Meyers needed a flawless Thursday. They delivered a convincing performance, and word quickly spread. 'I can't wait, we've heard so much about you,' a judge said before questioning the two. That the duo made it to the state-level competition was a huge accomplishment. Going to nationals? Unheard-of. And when they clinched a spot in the Top 10? Well, that made them legends. People even lined up to take their photograph. The final round on Friday in the National Union Building in Washington, D.C., brought the toughest, most combative line of questioning. Early in the day, one judge found a gap in their knowledge. 'They were asked about a specific court case that the boys did not know,' said Jacqueline Pope Brothers, their coach and a social studies teacher at their high school. 'That kind of shook them.' But the stumble only sharpened their focus. Sean McClelland, a judge who said he was 'philosophically opposed to giving out perfect scores,' asked them whether judges find or make laws. The boys delivered an esoteric and deeply informed answer that earned them Mr. McClelland's only perfect score. At the award ceremony that night, they watched as fourth place went to Denver East High School in Colorado and third place went to Lincoln High School in Portland, Ore. Fishers High School in Indiana took second. With championship medals draped around their necks, the boys savored a standing ovation from hundreds of admiring students and coaches. Finding an Error On Monday, Patrick Magee-Jenks, a social studies teacher and the head coach of the Lincoln High School team, was reviewing the scorecards when he noticed that Lincoln had been awarded 15 fewer points than it should have received. On Wednesday, the organizers announced that, after 'a thorough audit,' mistakes had been discovered on Lincoln and Denver East's scorecards. In issuing an apology to the students and teachers, the Center for Civic Education said that Sprague and Lincoln — the two Oregon schools — would share first place. The Colorado and Indiana schools would share second place. Mr. Magee-Jenks said in phone interview on Wednesday that he 'felt really bad' for the Center for Civic Education but added that he was pleased with the fix. 'Overall, the big winner is the state of Oregon,' he said. As Mr. Williams drove to school on Wednesday morning, he seemed unbothered by the scoring change, and perhaps even a little upbeat about it. 'It's really cool to be able to be co-champions with Lincoln,' he said. Long before nationals, Mr. Meyers had joked with rivals from the competing Oregon school about a fairy tale finish that seemed impossible: What if two Oregon schools tied for first?
