history
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Bookstore Treasures
President Truman said, “There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not”. Walking into a used bookstore late this afternoon, James and I were greeted by an employee before we drifted down separate aisles, being called by the spines. There are many times on such a journey when I am seeking… Continue reading
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Nancy Kassebaum Not Forgotten By Politicos And Readers Of Newspapers
Nancy Kassebaum died last Friday, and unless you’re one of the dwindling Americans who still read newspapers, you might have missed it. Television news, with its breathless devotion to storms with rain or planes that blew a tire, largely shrugged. A former U.S. senator with an amazing history passed away, and the national broadcast networks… Continue reading
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Presidential Bully Pulpit Is Not A Public Barstool
Last week we witnessed two examples of tin-ear politics when Donald Trump commented on sailors aboard the U.S.S. Lincoln and the pain of higher gas prices in America. When he was asked about being concerned about the crew’s mental health after being at sea for over 260 days and whether it was too long for… Continue reading
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Remembering Elvis On August 16th
We pause on the anniversary of Elvis’ passing because his presence never really left us: the power of his music, the immensity of his stage command, and the quiet moral fiber that shaped him as a human being. All this still connects countless millions to the man. It is a comforting feeling, akin to anticipating… Continue reading
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A President’s Exit Should Never Leave the Press Behind; Trump Chose Wrong In Turkey
Donald Trump’s acknowledgment that he was secretly moved off Air Force One in a catering truck at a NATO summit in Turkey last month revealed far more about presidential responsibility than many at first blush might understand. There was a deeper problem that should trouble anyone who cares about journalism, presidential history, or the basic… Continue reading
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Francesca Hong Fails To Understand History Still Matters, And Some Lines Cannot Be Crossed
I am quite sure that Francesca Hong has cracked a history book. But I must wonder what parts of world history failed to resonate with her. I write that line as it is concerning to me that the leading candidate in the Marquette Law School poll for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination stands next to a… Continue reading
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Doty Land Podcast: Charles Dickens Book At The Bottom Of Ocean, Henry David Thoreau Sets A Forest Fire
Historical nuggets about two people you know from over the years come alive again with stories you will long remember. This comes from my studio in our home on a rainy night in Madison. Continue reading
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Dangerous Sleight Of Hand Behind Wisconsin’s Proposed “Anti‑Discrimination” Amendment
Wisconsin voters are being asked this November to consider a constitutional amendment that arrives dressed as a tribute to equality but carries consequences that would undermine it. The question on the ballot will read as follows. “Shall section 27 of article I of the constitution be created to prohibit governmental entities in the state from… Continue reading
Caffeinated Politics 