Crime and Policing Patterns

One key job of historians is to find patterns. Most things in history are circular and come and go throughout time. The majority of what I do with this column is to try to show that current events have happened before and that nothing is new. Knowing this can help us make better decisions in … Continue reading Crime and Policing Patterns →

Class Notes

After seeing today’s vote to remove Liz Cheney from the House leadership after she stood up against the Republican majority reminded me once again of the quotes from Edmund Burke, the great 18th Century British legislator. He understood the role of a representative in a Republic much better than any of our political leaders do … Continue reading Class Notes →

Court Packing

Court Packing In the pantheon of great American presidents, a few are always at the top. Lincoln usually comes to mind, then Washington, and Jefferson. In the 20th century, the president who makes every list is Franklin Roosevelt. What makes FDR interesting is that, unlike Lincoln, FDR was beloved in his own time. Because of … Continue reading Court Packing →