Alexander Hamilton

He's been called "the indispensible founding father."

After finishing Ron Chernow's epic biography recently, I know why.

Alexander Hamilton played so many key roles in establishing our republic, it is quite literally amazing.

And, to make him more compelling, he had a very colorful personal life.

Anyway, if you don't feel up to wading thru Chernow's work, consider tuning in to local PBS channel 24 tonight (www.wmfe.org) for "The American Experience." Show starts at 9 and lasts til 11, a bit past my bedtime. But, I think Hamiltonian Hijinks are worth losing a little sleep!

Alexander Hamilton and constitutional rights

Call me a geek, but I am really getting in to a book on CD about Alexander Hamilton.

Hey, it helped me pass a few hours on the road trip this weekend, so give me a break!

Anyway, I'm enjoying it because of the insights it's giving me on how our constitution was crafted by the founders.

But, what I'm having a little trouble comprehending--especially in light of yesterday's horrific events up in Blacksburg, Virginia--is why do we extend civil liberties to non-citizens?

I differentiate "liberties" from "rights." Rights are inalienable, as has been so appropriately pointed-out by the likes of Thomas Jefferson.

But, liberties are different.

For instance, if you're in this country legally or illegally but are not a citizen, I do NOT believe you have the constitutional RIGHT to bear arms. You are NOT a citizen, therefore you may enjoy whatever LIBERTIES we citizens choose to allow.

Clearly, after the Virginia Tech tragedy, Mr. Cho (a resident ALIEN) should not have been allowed to carry a gun.

Ah, well, back to the Hamiltonia . . .