The events of Charlottesville have me thinking about my role as an historian and teacher. This was reinforced by these comments by James Alex Fields Jr.’s high school history teacher. I don’t think any one teacher can be responsible for the ideas of a single student. But perhaps if I teach more broadly I can… Continue Reading
An old division is rearing it’s head again in the Democratic Party. It’s gone public in the disruption of Bernie Sanders’s speeches by #blacklivesmatter protesters, first at Netroots Nation in July and then again in Seattle on Saturday (see here). For those who consider themselves left, liberal, or sympathetic to these movements in general, such disruptions can… Continue Reading
In honor the 4th of July weekend, I’m sharing this post I wrote last year at this time: I recently had the opportunity to sing “American the Beautiful.” The lines that most hit me are in the third verse: Oh, beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And… Continue Reading
The public move by the Obama administration, to try to internationalize the fight on terror, has been a great move that I fully support. While North Korea and Russia seem intent on making sure we don’t throw out all of our history of war books, the world of war has seen a fundamental shift. Wars… Continue Reading
If I voted my conscience on the campaign finance amendment – not always the best option for a U.S. Senator – I would have joined the Republicans in voting no. Here’s why: My position on campaign finance regulation has shifted significantly over the last few years. I used to be a classic supporter of contribution… Continue Reading
Recently, the Senate voted on a proposed constitutional amendment S.J.Res.19 that would have dealt with the controversial issue of campaign finance regulations and rules. Sen. Mark Udall (D) of New Mexico submitted the proposal on June 18th entitled “S.J. Res.19.” The proposal was an attempt to curtail the effects of both soft and hard money in… Continue Reading
I vote a solid no – A no to the surface level conversation, and a no to the implied acceptance of the system that is the true source of the problem. On the surface, the question is whether some kinds of speech, and some speakers, are more constitutionally protected than others. It would be wrong… Continue Reading
Our aim is to provide a variety of views on political topics without the rancor you find elsewhere. Each Tuesday our authors will bring you original posts on a shared topic, hoping to shed light on the complexities of politics by sharing their perspectives rather than tearing down their opponents. You can find more information on the… Continue Reading
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