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?

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...

This day in history: Surrender Sunday (wsfa.com)

This day in history: Surrender Sunday (wsfa.com)

This day in history: Surrender SundayAPPOMATTOX, Va . (WSFA) - Sunday, April 9th, marks the 158th Anniversary of the Battle of Appomattox Courthouse and Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender of his 28,000 Confederate troops to Union General Ulysses S. Grant,...

We Are Not Descended from Fearful Men

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

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!”

“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...

New Yorker: Hitlery

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

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...