Ramblings about life and some other stuff that I can't remember right now.
One of the primary reasons I enjoy history is because it helps me to gain perspective. As bad as things may seem now, there is always the distinct possibility that someone, somewhere has been through this (or worse) before. Yet humanity moves forward. Possibly after taking a step or two back, but always forward. That [...]
As a teacher (and forever a student) of US History, one of my favorite presidents is Franklin Roosevelt. Whether or not one agrees with his policy actions, the thing that most impresses me when I read about Roosevelt is how in tune with the American people he was throughout his time in office. Sure he [...]
One of the nice things about being a history nerd is that it's often easy to find good deals on books. If you're patient enough, even highly acclaimed books will show up in the bargain section of the book store, as recently happened when I found Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton for $5. If it would [...]
"Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote."George Jean Nathan (1955) Here in Texas, early voting numbers are setting records across the state. The same is true in other states as well. But considering so few people typically vote in midterm elections, these records are really not so hard to break. Midterm [...]
After finishing the entire Harry Potter series this summer, I began reading more fiction than normal...normal for me, that is. I will pick up a novel on occasion, but primarily, I stick to nonfiction, mainly history or economics. Yes, I like reading about old dead guys and the dismal science. That’s my idea of a [...]
Once upon a time, I would hear politicians speak of returning the United States to its “Founding Principles,” and I would simply chalk it up to a type of misguided patriotism - the “Spirit of 1776,” if you will. Recently, I’ve come to realize that either through my own naivety or a lack of understanding [...]
Imagine the following scene in a high school classroom near you. "Good morning class! My name is Mr. T and welcome to US History. I can see some of you looking around the room for your old teacher, Mr. O. He's been fired, and I'll be taking his place. Let me tell you, this class [...]
