Signal Hill, NSDAR members learn that political party rancor is nothing new

At the April meeting of the Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, professor David Richmond reminded the chapter members that rancor between political parties is nothing new.

Richmond, a history teacher at Harper College, treated the members to a look at the development of the Supreme Court under John Marshall. Chief Justice Marshall had been a Revolutionary War Patriot, and served in various capacities in the new government of the United States of America, before being appointed to the position of Chief Justice.

Richmond related the pertinent history of political affiliations at the beginning of our nation, as well as the fledgling role the Supreme Court took prior to Marshall's appointment. In five selected cases, Richmond demonstrated the lasting precedents established for Federal v States' Rights, contract law decisions, and the concept of something actually being "unconstitutional". There were familiar themes of broad vs. strict interpretation of the Constitution, the power to enforce decisions made by the Court, and acrimony between the existing parties both in and out of power; all themes familiar in contemporary times.

Signal Hill, NSDAR, is a philanthropic organization that raises funds throughout the year and distributes to 501 (c) (3) organizations, supporting the national organization's mission of education, historic preservation, patriotism, conservation, and Native American issues. The chapter was founded in 1972, and is dedicated to preserving history, promoting patriotism, conservation and historic awareness in our community, and securing America's future through better education for children. Membership is established through approval of documentation of direct lineage from an American Revolutionary War Patriot.

For more information, contact Jacqueline Marcus at J9Marcus@aol.com, or visit the chapter's website at signalhilldar.com.