Morris “Mo” Udall (June 15, 1922 – December 12, 1998) served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1961 to 1991. He sought the Democratic nomination for President in 1976. Although he […]
Mo Udall’s Political Wit
Reagan’s Distinction Between Government and Drunken Sailors
Ronald Reagan was an outspoken critic of excessive taxation. He once summed up his concern about the practice by saying, “The difference in spending habits between government and a drunken sailor is, […]
Edison’s Lesson of the Unwanted Invention
For any inventor, receiving his or her first patent is a momentous occasion. It is proof from the highest levels of government that someone recognizes the value of the distinct innovation born […]
Melting and Circulating the Saints
One of the challenges faced by Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) during his tenure as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland was a severe shortage of silver. Without the precious metal, the nation […]
Supreme Court Justice Job Opening: Law Degree Optional
If you have ever wanted a top-level job in the federal government but feel that you don’t have the necessary education or experience, look no further than a spot on the Supreme […]
The Coolidge Principle of Family Privilege
President Calvin Coolidge was known for his strong work ethic and his disdain of expectations of privilege. His son, Calvin, Jr., clearly understood his father’s philosophy. On the morning after his father […]
Nuclear Semiotics: How to Warn the People of 10,000 Years in the Future
While nuclear energy has unquestioned benefits, there are some trade-offs. Among the downsides to nuclear energy is the problem of nuclear waste. Nuclear waste can be hazardous to all life for at […]
Nixon and the Desired Kennedy Speech
Despite a hard-fought campaign and a narrow loss to John F. Kennedy in the 1960 Presidential election, Richard Nixon was able to maintain some sense of good humor. In congratulating the newly-inaugurated […]
Reagan On Irresponsible Government
President Ronald Reagan spent his entire political life warning against the dangers of ever-growing federal government. He once summed up his philosophy about government, saying, “Government is like a baby. An alimentary […]
Reading, Writing, and Accordions: Education in North Korea
Due to its portability and ability to be carried during a march to a construction site or a “voluntary” day of hard labor in the fields, the accordion has been a favorite […]
The Prickly Reason Behind Scotland’s National Flower
When it comes time to look for a flower to represent an entire nation, few would consider choosing a weed. Scotland’s choice of the thistle as its national emblem is due to […]
When Landing an Aircraft at the U.S. Capitol Gets You Charged with Impersonating a Postal Vehicle.
Doug Hughes was upset about a lack of progress in campaign finance reform. He wrote letters to members of Congress, urging them to take immediate action. Apparently believing too much time had […]
Lincoln’s Funeral Procession and the Boys Who Saw It
The journey of Abraham Lincoln‘s body from Washington, DC to Springfield, Illinois took 13 days and was witnessed by hundreds of thousands of mourners. Solemn observers lined the tracks as the funeral […]
Does Finland Really Exist?
You’ve heard the conspiracy theories about Area 51, that Paul McCartney died in 1967, and that “conspiracy theories” are just a big conspiracy. Did you know that every time you looked at […]
Seeing Both Sides of Paraguay’s Flag
Paraguay’s flag is different from the flags of other nations in a very special way: its two sides are different from each other. The flag design dates back to 1842. The red, […]
