The Man Who Would be King

Alexander Hamilton was a lawyer, statesman, financier, and one of the main authors of the Federalist Papers. He supported a strong central government, and his influence convinced Congress to use a flexible interpretation of the Constitution to pass far-reaching laws. During his tenure as Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton influenced the passing of laws that funded the national debt, created a national bank and a system of taxes that would pay for it. Hamilton’s detractors called him unprincipled and dangerously aristocratic. At the Constitutional Convention, Hamilton proposed that the “rich and well-born” have a permanent role in controlling the masses. He wanted an elective monarchy with a strong centralized and representative government.

Hamilton believed that the common man needed governing for the common good. According to Hamilton, without government the “unthinking populace” would lead a nation to anarchy (It is true that too many people who are ignorant on the issues vote...)

Hamilton was killed in 1804 by Vice President Aaron Burr during a duel.

Today in History - Star Wars: A New Hope Released

Space fantasy Star Wars opens on this day in 1977. The film became one of the most popular movies of all time, breaking box office records. Filmmaker George Lucas was nominated for Best Director and Best Screenwriter Oscars, and the film won seven Oscars for technical achievements and its musical score, written by John Williams.

I was six years old when I saw this movie. The entire Hopper Clan went stood in line for what seemed like hours at the Cooper 6, downtown Denver, CO. I remember sitting in the smoke (you could smoke in the movie theater at the time) filled balcony section of the theater. Stadium seating, surround sound, a "gi-normous" movie screen accompanied by pretty state-of-the-art special effects, cool plot, blasters, aliens, interstellar space travel via light speed, made this space opera come to life; a remarkable accomplishment

Thirty-one years later and I'm still a big fan (not withstanding the short comings) of the series.

CELEBRATING OVER THREE DECADES OF BRINGING ORDER TO THE GALAXY!

Indiana Jones 4 - May 22

He's back after a 19 year sabbatical; this time he gives the Nazis a break, and turns his whip towards the commies!