News – Politics – Opinion – Podcasts
Jeb Smith 
A law currently passing through Parliament in England will, from 1st January, 2027, outlaw the purchase of cigarettes and tobacco by anyone then under 18, ever again, at any time during their lives. It will not be illegal for them to possess or smoke tobacco, only to buy it, meaning that they will always have … Read more
Some readers have encouraged me to identify as a historian, despite my not having a degree in history. For a long time, I have been reluctant to do so, thinking it would be both presumptuous and misleading, but I have recently changed my mind. Here is why. I think the very first seed was planted … Read more
Should America, or the United States government, pay reparations to African Americans for slavery? I answer emphatically NO! First off, it is illegal; where in the Constitution did we delegate authority to the federal government to make amends for past transactions against specific groups? And where does it have the ability to punish the children … Read more
I think materialism negatively affects society 364 days of the year, and many Vermont Christians who otherwise seem okay with materialism despise it on the one day I think it has positives: Christmas! As a child, Christmas was always my favorite day of the year. It was a time when we received beautifully wrapped presents, … Read more
I recently completed Larry Allen McCluney, Jr.’s book, The Paradox of Freedom: A History of Black Slaveholders in America. This rarely discussed subject deserves more attention, and I am glad McCluney is giving it the attention it needs. An Instructor of American History at Mississippi Delta Community College and an American Civil War Living Historian … Read more
Do you despise Trump? Do you hate the policies he enacts? Do you despise unconstitutional and illegal actions? Then you would much rather he were King than President. Americans are often misinformed about historical issues, and one issue that stands out above others is our misconceptions and confusion surrounding dictators, monarchs, and kings, as well … Read more
I have been a big advocate for decentralized power, which would allow diversity of opinion, practices, and so on, providing greater freedom as people could live with diverse policies. However, after the Civil War, America’s “one nation” ruins such choice, and replaces freedom with force, obligating everyone to follow the dictates of the center, controlled … Read more
Recently, I drove through my hometown of Wallingford. At our one and only stoplight, a group had gathered at the four corners in protest of Trump. I assume anyone willing to give up a Saturday to hold up a sign in protest of something feels strongly about what they are protesting. I was in a … Read more
Perhaps certain words stick out to me more, but once again, while driving through my hometown, I observed dozens of peaceful protesters gathered in opposition to the democratically elected president, Donald Trump. As I have seen elsewhere, a couple of signs protesters were holding read “Save Democracy.” Others warned that our American democracy is under … Read more