History Matters
“We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it, would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy. And this effort very nearly succeeded. But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.
In this truth, in this faith, we trust. For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.” – Amanda Gorman
Was Abraham Lincoln a Racist?
Image: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln Discussing Emancipation. 1942-1943 Hale Woodruff When examining the subject of racism within the context of North American slavery, it is necessary to make a couple of crucial distinctions. First, we must differentiate...
That they “…reverently humble themselves in the dust”
Abraham Lincoln Proclamation 118—Thanksgiving Day, 1864 October 20, 1864 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation It has pleased Almighty God to prolong our national life another year, defending us with His guardian care against unfriendly...
We Are Not Descended from Fearful Men
On this day of celebrating our independence, I think it is well to remember its cost. The men who led what the Declaration calls the "united States" (note the capitalization) into rebellion pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to create a new...
Death of a Pennsylvania Soldier
Death of a Pennsylvania Soldier Walt Whitman (1819-1892) FromThe Civil War: The Final Year Told by Those Who Lived It The following introduction is adapted from headnotes that appear in The Civil War: The Second Year (edited by Stephen W. Sears) and The Civil War: The...
“Go f@#% yourself!”
Ukrainian soldier on Snake Island tells Russian officer 'go (expletive) yourself' before being killed USA TODAY 2 hrs ago Asha C. Gilbert, USA TODAY Ukrainian soldiers on a small island in the Black Sea had scathing last words before being bombed by a Russian warship...
September 1, 1939
New Yorker: Hitlery
An Apology from Prince Charles My dear Russians, Yesterday, it was reported that I compared your President Putin to Hitler. If by making this comment I have in some way offended you, I am deeply sorry. Adolf Hitler was one of the horrible villains in world history,...
Salon: Washington’s Farewell Address
Why George Washington's Farewell Address has never been more important It was the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Songwriter and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda had joined the cast of his hit musical "Hamilton" to virtually perform the song "Dear...
Politico: What Ulysses Grant Can Teach Joe Biden About Putting Down Violent Insurrections
Politico: What Ulysses Grant Can Teach Joe Biden About Putting Down Violent Insurrections The deadly siege of the Capitol in Washington, which sought to overturn a legitimate election by targeting lawmakers with assassination, was not the first attempted insurrection...
WP: The Banker’s Plot to Take Over the Government
Just like this time, they could have gotten away with it because no one believed it could happen, Wealthy bankers and businessmen plotted to overthrow FDR. A retired general foiled it. Some of the country's wealthiest men - furious with President Franklin D....