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
In 1960 Richard Nixon (yes, Nixon) put country ahead of victory
On Wednesday afternoon, November 9, 1960, Nixon officially conceded the election to Kennedy. He told his friend, journalist Earl Mazo, that “our country cannot afford the agony of a constitutional crisis.”
Playing the Religious Card: A Long American History
Clay Jenkinson The closest analogy to the Trump declaration that his opponent would “hurt God” came in the infamous election of 1800, when Thomas Jefferson challenged his old friend John Adams for the presidency. Jefferson kept his religious views mostly to himself,...
Today’s Judicial Authority Results from an Attempted Early Power Grab
The recent passing of Justice Ginsburg and the ghoulish dancing on her grave by GOP “leaders” presents us with another episode where where we might learn from our own history. The United States two party political system is an outgrowth of an intense conflict during...
Today in History June 6
“When there is no vision the people perish.” The President rallies the nation.
President Hoover, Mr. Chief Justice, my friends: This is a day of national consecration. And I am certain that on this day my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency, I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation...
Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death" Speech To...
The Declaration of Independence
From the HBO mini-series John Adams, the final act of declaring independence from Britain. Think about the courage inherent in pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to go up against the world’s superpower. Then imagine how craven we would have to be to not...
Guardian: “Thou Shalt Not Be Indifferent”
'Thou shalt not be indifferent': from Auschwitz's gate of hell, a last, desperate warning They came to bear witness one last time. Exactly 75 years after the Red Army's liberation of Auschwitz, those who had seen humanity's descent into hell returned to speak of it...
CNN: Schiff Closing Argument in Trump Impeachment Trial
Adam Schiff (D-CA) warns that the President must be removed. 1/24/2020 Transcript (starting at 39:45) Now, soon members of the body will face the most momentous of decisions. Not, as I said at the outset, between guilt or innocence, but a far more foundational issue:...
Devotion Above and Beyond
This Day in History
- Environmental Protection Agency opens
- The Temptations earn their final #1 hit with “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”
- Napoleon crowned emperor
- Abolitionist John Brown is hanged
- Monroe Doctrine declared
- Joseph McCarthy condemned by Senate
- Enron files for bankruptcy
- Physicist Enrico Fermi produces the first nuclear chain reaction
- “Good Will Hunting” premieres in theaters
- William Kennedy Smith’s rape trial begins
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