This semester as I am teaching a class on the Cold War, it seems as if the major comparison we are discussing is the war in Ukraine. I am grateful this war is still on students’ minds, as often with tragedies like Ukraine there is a great deal of emotion at first that wanes over … Continue reading New Cold War →

For a couple of years scientists were trying to convince FDR of the need to work on an atomic bomb. FDR and his scientists did not think it possible and so deemed it not necessary for funding. Finally in 1939 Albert Einstein sent a letter, hoping his name would lend some weight, which it did. … Continue reading Class Notes →

Twitter has been an ongoing story since the Trump presidency and ramped up even more when Twitter suspended Trump’s account after the events of Jan 6, 2021. Many felt Twitter was wrong in suspending Trump’s account, citing free speech. Of course, Twitter is not the only social media platform that has come under attack for … Continue reading First Amendment and Twitter →

For only the second time in 57 years, A Charlie Brown Christmas - the most beloved of all animated Christmas specials - will not air on network television. This groundbreaking special forever changed how networks treated all specials and introduced new and lasting songs, as well as Christmas icons. Historically speaking, however, this special was … Continue reading “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about” →

This is an article I was asked to write for the Southwest Ledger A history of Oklahoma taxation By Dr. James W. FinckUniversity of Science and Arts of Oklahoma There is nothing more American than taxes. They have been with us since our founding and are part of the reason for our separation from Great … Continue reading A history of Oklahoma taxation →

With all that is going on in our nation, it is understandable if you have not been paying attention to what is going on in Iran. However, it is something worth our attention. Suffice to say that back in September, a 22-year-old women named Mahsa Amini died in custody of the morality police for improperly … Continue reading An Example of an Egyptian Feminist for Iran Today →

This article does not fit in with my traditional column, yet it does  have a historical component and my editor felt that my Historically Speaking readers might enjoy it. With the traveling Broadway production "Hadestown" currently crossing the nation, I thought I would make a few comments about the show. Most of all, I loved … Continue reading Hadestown →

An article came out this week from conservative writer George Will in the Washington Post that called for President Joe Biden and V.P. Kamala Harris not to run in the next presidential election. Will, who has opposed Trump from the beginning, basically said that the Republicans might make the mistake of running a man who … Continue reading Political Trends →

With the midterms approaching, it is finally time for the American people to voice their opinion of the Biden presidency, or so we are being told.  This is a common story. Every four years with mid-term elections we are bombarded with how this one election is the touchstone of America’s approval of the president.  I … Continue reading 2022 Midterm Elections →

As I said in my last article, few decisions have been as controversial as the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade. As such I could not cover everything in one article. Last time I discussed the courts and politicians, but the new ruling has also set off the Internet warriors who have spewed their hatred … Continue reading The Abortion Decision II →