Alex Beehler

As we approach the 2010 midterm elections, issues related to the U.S. Constitution and the original intent of the Founders in limiting the role of the federal government increasingly drive the political debate. As the resulting partisan acrimony intensifies, it may be of value to inject an historical perspective which reveals that our country has faced variations of these same constitutional conflicts continuously throughout its young life. A recent biography, "Henry Clay, the Essential American,” which is well written and extensively researched by the husband and wife team of Jeanne T. and David S. Heidler, brings this clearly to light. (more)

The debris from recent storms and residue from nature’s seasonal budding cycles bring forth the opportunity to sweep clear (as compared to power blow) walkways and driveways of dead twigs, decaying berries, and dry leaves. By one’s own hand, every surface is purged as all dirt is vanquished even in the most angular nooks and crannies. A new freshness is revealed, if only until the next strong wind showers more debris upon the recently-swept grounds. (more)

"But not a drop to drink", completes the verse from the" Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Unlike the storied sailor whose thirst could not be quenched by the bountiful surrounding waters due to the ocean's salinity, much of our nation faces decline in available potable water due to faulty and antiquated infrastructure and regulatory regimes. (more)

In my last post, there was a discussion of developments in mid-2008 that led to promoting energy security issues to certain prominence among policy and decision makers both within the Pentagon and within the Beltway. This post assesses what has transpired in the last two years and what opportunities lie ahead for effectively addressing energy concerns. (more)

It was two years ago, the first week of July, 2008, where a symbolic seminal confluence of energy and national security concerns may have occurred. For that week, the wholesale price of crude oil reached an all-time high of over $141/barrel. (more)

Robert Young, as the firm but fair button-down patriarch in the popular 1950s television series, “Father Knows Best,” was so convincing as an icon of veracity and wisdom, that he had in real life an even longer and more lucrative role in the 1960s selling the virtues of a certain brand of coffee. Now, two generations later, as Father’s Day 2010 approaches, it is appropriate to reflect on Madison Avenue’s current image of fatherhood and its impact on contemporary culture. (more)

In a previous post, in recognition of National Military Month, it was discussed how our military had improved as first defenders of America’s freedoms. This post focuses on how the military, while assuring our national security, has also in unheralded fashion improved civilian society, enhancing daily lives of people and their surroundings, in health and conservation, both here and around the world. (more)

With May being declared National Military Appreciation Month, and with the approach of Memorial Day, it is appropriate to take stock of the role and respect of the military in American society today. It is truly a good news story. (more)

The word “bank” is derived from the French banc, meaning bench, hearkening back to early medieval times when moneychangers and gem traders conducted their business face-to-face with their customers on a long bench. There was direct personal contact; business was based on mutual trust (or lack thereof). With all the current discussion about financial reform “so that Wall Street answers to Main Street,” it is also appropriate to examine banking on Main Street with small businesses in the neighborhood. (more)

The recent April 15 tax-filing deadline brings forth the yearly ominous reminder that there is nothing certain except “death and taxes.” Perhaps the adage should be more optimistically couched as “life and taxes.” (more)

Earlier this week, the all-news radio stations in Metropolitan Washington were giving frequent flash bulletins about the “gun situation” at the city’s National Cathedral. From the initial reports, the “developing story” had political drama for a cathedral setting last reached in Victor Hugo’s epic novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” The Cathedral Schools—Saint Albans (boys) and National Cathedral (girls) were “locked down” for 90 minutes until calm was restored. Even Sidwell Friends middle school, a mile away from the alleged incident was” locked down” as well, out safety for the president’s daughter who attends the school’s sixth grade. (more)

There once was a dog named Nemo. He was no ordinary dog and certainly did not look like a fish of Captain Nemo fame. Nemo was a black-and-tan mixed breed; best guess by the rescue shelter was part Rottweiler, part black Lab, perhaps part Chow, and part unknown. On first impression, he was truly intimidating: 115 pounds of canine muscle, with teeth that could puncture most substances known to man (or dog), lion-like paws, and a bark that would turn would-be trespassers retreating in the opposite direction. (more)

A recent issue of the Princeton Alumni Weekly reported that the most popular spring term course based on enrollment on the Princeton campus was overwhelmingly, “Children’s Literature,” the reading list of which included “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” While a big fan of the Harry potter series, having read all seven books and seen some of the movies, I nevertheless suggest that these aspiring” best and brightest” who are receiving academic instruction expensed at over$1,500/hour/student, might be better educated in the responsibilities and opportunities based on a society founded on individual liberty. (more)

For blizzard-battled sports fans in Washington, D.C., it is some comfort that the reporting of pitchers and catchers, the official heralding of spring training for a new Major League Baseball season, is in a week. Spring training provides a structure to get in shape, both mentally and physically, for all who desire to play the game competitively. Fundamentals of baseball first learned by 8-year-old Little Leaguers are relearned and drilled to achieve automatic execution to perfection. The rules of the game and their implementation become embedded second nature to each player likely to succeed. (more)

Within 48 hours last week, two quick victories for individual freedom occurred. (more)

During the past 32 years, I have had the insightful opportunity to work in both public and private sectors in roughly equal portions of time impositions all based inside the Beltway. (more)

President Obama and other leading Democrats (more)

Congress and President Obama may tackle the controversial issue
of immigration reform as soon as the fall of 2009. If past
congressional debates are any guide, one point of contention will
be the impact of reform on the American underclass. (more)

Recent discussions of economic inequality, (more)

To alleviate the global recession, the G-20 group of (more)