Here is my historical take away from last night’s Democratic Convention.  I am sorry Mrs. Clinton, but even though you did win the popular vote, the election was neither stolen or cheated from you.  The Constitution is clear on how the president is chosen and it is not something new made up to cheat you.  … Continue reading Class Notes →

I am seeing many people praising President Trump for his Executive Order yesterday to provide relief for Covid-19.  I applaud Trump for what he hopes to accomplish and it is a shame that Congress will refuse to work together on real relief efforts, however, I disagree with the way it was done. The Constitution clearly … Continue reading Class Notes →

“Not all who wonder are lost.” This quote from Tolkien perfectly describes my trip home. I loved taking a different route home and staying off the interstate as much as possible. I wanted to cross the Oklahoma pan handle. So much of Oklahoma’s history is tied up in the Dust Bowl and I wanted to … Continue reading →

I decided to take my family away for a few days and social distance in the mountains of Idaho near west Yellowstone.  It was a needed break and we had an amazing time.  Did not spend much time at historical sites, but we made up for it on our way home.  I am taking this … Continue reading Class Notes →

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. These words were accepted by our Continental Congress 244 days ago today and no words have ever been more important. … Continue reading 4th of July →

My summer semester has come to an end so for the time being this will be my last class note.  I may still post something from time to time, and will post my Historically Speaking column, but the daily postings will not start again until my semester starts in August.  This fall I am teaching … Continue reading Class Notes →

In 1969, Nixon announced the Nixon Doctrine, meaning that the US would no longer lead the defense of the rest of the world.  We would provide a nuclear umbrella, but allies would have to defend themselves.  This was the same time he was pulling troops out of Vietnam and telling the South Vietnamese they would … Continue reading Class Notes →

Before the release of Hamilton this week on Disney+ there are a few historical facts that should be known.  The real Alexander Hamilton is the most important Founding Father when it comes to the creation of the United States.  However, he was also was also an elitist who wanted a King and did not support … Continue reading Class Notes →

Music played a major part in the counterculture movement in the 1960s. One of the most successful American bands at the time was the Beach Boys, but they were not taken seriously as other artists. The Beach Boys mostly sang about surfing, cars, and girls. Brian Wilson, possibly the most brilliant American musician of all … Continue reading Class Notes →

In George W. Bush’s book Decision Points, he said his greatest regret was the mission accomplished banner on the USS Abraham Lincoln.  It was something that has haunted him ever since.  Bush’s mistake is reminiscent of President Johnson trying to calm America’s fears over the Vietnam War, telling them they were winning and the war … Continue reading Class Notes →