Confessions of a Conservative Atheist
Living proof marijuana doesn't kill brain cells…
New York City had a drinking problem in 1895, or rather a legal problem concerning drinking because the sale of alcohol was prohibited on Sunday throughout the state. As President of the Police Board of Commissioners, Teddy Roosevelt chose to take on machine politics and the entire city by rigidly enforcing the prohibition as a… Continue reading Teddy Roosevelt, beer, and equality under the law
In an era of unbridled optimism and outright racism, Americanism was the idea that the principles of democracy, the rights and responsibilities enjoyed by a free people, driven by free enterprise and the free exchange of ideas, and governed by the equal application of the law were destined to transform the world, ushering in prosperity… Continue reading Teddy Roosevelt and the pressing need for a new Americanism
There is no doubt that the size and scope of government has changed since the Founding, but a more expansive government requires even more transparency, oversight, and accountability in order to function properly. A return to regular order is just the beginning of reforms to ensure the elusive good governance. Last week, much ink was… Continue reading Defining good governance in the modern era beyond spending money
How two future Presidents from different parties came together in the late 1800’s to reform politics in New York, agreeing and disagreeing in turn based on their political goals and temperament, and the lessons that still ring true today in an era of out of control government. In 1883, Albany was home to two future… Continue reading Teddy Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, and the nature of political courage
Some segments of the mainstream media end 2022 by discovering physical fitness and the desire to be fit and healthy is rooted in white supremacy. Of course, this couldn’t be further from the truth, but why worry about the dangers of encouraging people to live unhealthy lives and die young when there’s a political point… Continue reading In the New Year, the desire to be a fitter, healthier you doesn’t make one a white supremacist
As a special task force in California develops proposals to provide slavery reparations to residents, it’s worth considering the only similar program in United States history, Civil War Pensions. Then, as now, there proved to be no means to accurately assess claims, resulting in monstrous costs and an overall program that lumbered on for over… Continue reading Slavery Reparations and Civil War Pensions
President Grover Cleveland is one of three Presidents to run in three consecutive races, alongside Andrew Jackson and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He is the only one to serve two, non-consecutive terms. Known for his immovable principles, he rose to power by bucking his party and fell from grace for the same. Today, he has been… Continue reading Grover Cleveland: Three lessons from a forgotten President accused of raping a woman as recently as 2011
The President has chosen to mount a self-interested defense of democracy as his closing message for the midterm elections rather than defend his own record. It’s one of the most cynical strategies in modern memory for furthering dividing Americans in the obvious pursuit of power. It’s also dumb and hopeless because voters know the deal.… Continue reading Biden: Cynical, dumb, hopeless, or all three at the same time?
Confessions of a Conservative Atheist 