One of the property owners along the county road I drive into town flies an American flag high on a bluff. I love seeing
Tag: History
150 years later, would Lincoln be okay with secession?
It was in 1863, during the heat of the Civil War, that 50 counties in the western part of Virginia decided to secede from
NSA data-mining: Not doing anything wrong doesn’t protect you
I’m trying to sort out my thoughts and feelings about the recently revealed NSA data dragnet, in which millions of Americans’ phone and internet
FDR’s Fourth Freedom and gun control
As our national debate on gun control continues, we can learn a great deal from FDR and his Fourth Freedom. This was part of
When a museum forgets that it’s a museum
It’s disappointing that those who are in charge at the Missouri History Museum seem to have forgotten an important rule when it comes to
Lincoln and the socialist roots of the Republican Party
These capitalists generally act harmoniously and in concert, to fleece the people. —Abraham Lincoln, from his first speech as an Illinois state legislator, 1837
Healthcare history: Fighting infections & resistance to change
Today’s battle between science and willful ignorance is not new. Scientists have always had to struggle against entrenched, non-empirical beliefs, as well as resistance
The Afghan war is not about terrorism
The war against Afghanistan continues to be portrayed by President Obama, and other government officials—with the help of a compliant and complicit media—as a
1956: A presidential election to remember
The 1952 and 1956 presidential elections between Republican Dwight Eisenhower and Democrat Adlai Stevenson might stand as the last time that the American people had a choice between two capable candidates with clear and reasonable philosophies of government.
Progressive Republicans: extinct in 2010, but not forgotten
Jacob Javits’ legacy stands on its own and it can be a model for humanizing the Republican Party and repositioning its “tent.” First, it should be a home for honest and public-oriented Democrats who feel uncomfortable with their local Democratic Party. Second, the Republican should learn that the door swings both ways. If individual Republicans are stifled by near-totalitarian rule within the party (are you listening Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins), they can bolt and join the Democrats. Anyway, it’s a much more enjoyable “club;” with whom would you rather have dinner, Al Franken or Mitch McConnell? Thank you, Mr. Javits.