It is often said that words matter. Historically speaking, this is often seen by using a particular word to connect to the past. The Whig Party chose that name because in the 1830s everyone knew that the Whigs in England were the ones who had opposed the King. By calling themselves the Whigs, they were … Continue reading Historical Boycotts →

Now that the national conventions are over, it is time for the Republicans to comment on the number of Hollywood celebrities who spoke and performed at the Democratic Convention. Of course, this is not new. Hollywood has always supported the left much more than the right, and Democratic conventions and rallies can parade out an … Continue reading Political Celebrities →

One question I like to ask my students is who are the greatest American presidents?  After I gather the list of usual suspects, I then ask what makes these presidents great. What I tend to find is that the greatest usually get us through some sort of crisis.  My next question is are they really … Continue reading Historical Policing →

  Today I read a post about an article from Fortune magazine that lists 19 Black economists to know and celebrate. I think it is great that we celebrate the contributions of Black Americans, but when Walter Williams is left off of any list of important economists, especially Black economists, I have to question the … Continue reading Divergent Black Voices →

  I am fortunate to have guest writers every so often. George Burnett was Assistant Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma and is uniquely qualified to write on the recent Supreme Court decision of McGirt v. Oklahoma. Issue: Whether the State of Oklahoma had jurisdiction to prosecute Jimcy McGirt in state court or whether … Continue reading McGirt V. Oklahoma →

  I study history because I think we can benefit from learning from mistakes of those before us. Why make mistakes that others have already made? It may seem odd to look at the Middle East, a region that has struggled with freedom and peace. Yet, historically speaking, I believe there is something we can … Continue reading Historical Forgiveness →

  If you read this column, then you know my goal is not to persuade to a particular belief but to merely inform with historical knowledge.  Such is the case with many online comments I have read over the past few weeks.  With protest marches widespread, President Trump has threatened to use military action to … Continue reading Domestic Military Acation →

This week I do not have a clever opening. America is in pain and especially our black brothers and sisters. This is an understandable pain, especially when seen through the lens of American history. Their pain goes back over the past four centuries, but if we focus on just the last one, maybe we can … Continue reading Historical Protests →

Today, it seems that the worst possible label you can give a political leader is “fascist." Traditionally this is a term reserved for far right leaders and has been applied by many towards President Trump. Yet recently I have seen it used against liberal governors of states who are keeping quarantines in place. Calling a … Continue reading Marxists vs. Fascists →