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Trump and the siege of Washington

If you’re reading this 100 years from now and you want to know whether the Siege of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was as bad as the history books say, you should know this: it was.Five people died – one was shot to death, a police officer was fatally injured, and three others succumbed to ...

The roots of our election madness

Millions of Americans – intelligent, hardworking, and otherwise eminently pragmatic – believe the unbelievable: that Donald Trump won the 2020 election for president and that Joe Biden lost.They also believe, at least by deduction, that a vast conspiracy was put in place to accomplish this ...

The country could use a good laugh

Early in his term, Donald Trump was asked how he became so wealthy. “It was entirely involuntary,” he answered. “My father was wealthy.”On another occasion he made light of his upbringing. “I had it tough as a kid. My family had two limos. Every day one of the limos had to stay in the ...

Happy hoofing: history as exercise

Because of the coronavirus and its restrictions, spending time outdoors has taken on new importance. In this spirit, here are some suggestions for history-minded walkers. Spending an hour (or so) rummaging through the past this way can be both edifying and relaxing. (Note: not a ...

The Republican war on democracy

For a generation or more, elected Republicans have been in the habit of waving the flag and proclaiming their love of country above all others. It turns out, however, that they don’t love their country. WhatĢƵ more, they neither understand nor appreciate the country they claim to hold so ...

In honor of tomorrow, Dec. 7

Leonard Funk was a soldier in the war. Barely over 5 feet tall, Funk was as fierce a fighter as the U.S. Army produced during World War II.I mention Funk, a Western Pennsylvanian and a winner of the Medal of Honor, because I interviewed him in the long ago. HeĢƵ dead now. And because tomorrow ...