How Did The Redskins Play Today?

3:56 pm EST November 30th, 2008 | Sports | 5 Comments

This would have been more pleasing:

Topic: NFL, Redskins

From George Washington To Barack Obama

8:08 am EST November 30th, 2008 | News | 4 Comments

Woot.

(via)

Topic: History, President Obama

Wingers In My History (Mount Vernon Edition)

10:59 pm EST November 29th, 2008 | News | 6 Comments

As I noted earlier, I went to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate. It was quite fun and I’ve got some pictures here. What was kind of interesting for me was the conservative influence on the place. It’s not overt by any stretch and doesn’t take away in any respect from the historical import and effect of the estate. But the caretakers of the estate, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, are not as restrained by the sort of even-handedness you tend to get at Smithsonian exhibits in D.C. The intro movie you see is written by Lionel Chetwynd, writer of the pro-Bush DC 9/11 and the anti-Michael Moore Celsius 41.11. It’s called “We Fight to Be Free” and like the other little bits at the estate it’s designed to make Washington into a God-like figure.

But its not necessary to puff-up Washington! He clearly is a Colussus of history. His leadership on the battlefield and as president set the standard very high for our new country. His farewell address is masterful. America is America in large part due to George Washington.

But he had flaws. He was a wealthy landowner who owned slaves. The guides and literature at the park don’t shy away from this and make great pains to point out his move to free his slaves. But he did wait until he died to make that happen. And yet that doesn’t disqualify the great he did. Conservatives in America have this romantic notion of Washington and by trying to compensate they over do it, and again while it doesn’t detract at all from Mount Vernon – and you should all go if you get a chance – they need to just chill a little bit on it.

The man is on our money for good reason. He’s got statues, schools, towns, states and more named after him and it is all what he is due. But to honor his memory, let’s tell people the full story without bias.

Topic: History

Finally, A Reason To Cross Party Lines

7:00 pm EST November 29th, 2008 | Politics | 16 Comments

If, God forbid, Chris Matthews runs for senate and wins the Dem primary, I think I’ll support and donate to Arlen Specter. We have more than enough idiots in congress as is.

@ Mount Vernon

1:37 pm EST November 29th, 2008 | News | 19 Comments

I’m visiting Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon in VA today, and I’m always stunned by people in line talking history when they have no clue. I heard one lady asking her friend if Washington died in office.

Really. Would it kill America not to sleep through history class?

Topic: History

Happy Thanksgiving

9:13 am EST November 27th, 2008 | News | 7 Comments

I’m thankful my country elected a good man to set right what has gone wrong.

Topic: President Obama

Oh No, Teachers Are Talking About Non-White Males In History Class!

12:08 am EST November 27th, 2008 | News | 49 Comments

The right’s desire to have us all in blinders strikes again.

Topic: History

The Obama BOOM

3:33 pm EST November 26th, 2008 | News | 4 Comments

Conservatives in print, broadcast, and online have tried to make hay about the market going down in the last few weeks – trying lamely to tie it to Obama’s election despite the evidence to the contrary that the market downturn for the past year to year and a half is a clear outgrowth of Republican neglect of government watchdogging – so according to their silly standard Obama is making the market boom. Since his pick of Treasury secretary last Friday the Dow is up about 600 points.

Topic: Economy, President Obama

Britney Spears In Rolling Stone

10:13 am EST November 26th, 2008 | Uncategorized | 15 Comments

Britney Spears In Rolling Stone

Look, I don’t know who the PR wizard is behind the rollout of Britney Spears‘ new album is but he or she is doing a masterful job. It’s like pre-meltdown Britney is back. But with the added benefit of knowing that any second she could pull out an Uzi and take out the entire crowd at the American Music Awards. Score!

Topic: Celebrities