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Persevering to Mars

by Stephen J. Pyne

In two prior ages of exploration, the work has been inseparable from contact between peoples leading to colonization. Last month's successful landing on Mars may herald an age where technology encourages all people to imagine themselves as equal participants.

Rally 'Round the Rune: Fascist Echoes of the CPAC Stage

by Mark Auslander and Jay Ball

The incorporation of a Norse rune associated with the SS into the stage of the recent CPAC conference probably isn't an accident; the choice reflects the cultural cachet of Norse myth on the far right, the conservative movement's desire to maintain deniability about its ties to the far right, and the recognition that the design would be crystal clear to viewers of internet memes. 

Americans Can Vote at 18 Because of Congressional Action 50 Years Ago

by Jennifer Frost

The 26th Amendment resulted from Congress's determination to act swiftly in response to a Supreme Court decision that made it impracticable to grant 18 year olds the right to vote by simple legislation. Youth vote activists, Congress, and democracy advocates should demand similar focus on protecting voting access this year. 

The San Francisco School Board vs. Abraham Lincoln (High School)

by Sheldon M. Stern

One might, not unreasonably, expect the school board of a major city like San Francisco to be somewhat more historically literate.

Biden Supports Amazon Workers' Right to Form a Union. Is this a Turn Back to Pro-Worker Policy?

by Martin Halpern

The union election of Amazon workers in Alabama is a signal of momentum for renewing the power of workers, but grassroots energy needs support from the Biden White House (and probably the end of the Senate filibuster) to secure a more equitable society. 

Attacking Critical Race Theory: A Modern Campaign of Conversion?

by Guy Lancaster

There is a recurrent idea among political elites that particular ideas are the wellspring of social discord and strife, and that ridding society of the idea will usher in unity. The Talmud and the 1619 Project have been similarly villainized in different eras.

Recommitting America to Historical Principles of Obligation to Veterans

by T. Nelson Collier

Policy that frames benefits to veterans as gratuities ignores a historical tradition of social responsibility for veteran care as an integral aspect of the common defense.

Black Votes Have Always Mattered

by Van Gosse

While today's attacks on the Voting Rights Act harken back to the overthrow of Reconstruction and imposition of Jim Crow, the history of Black voting in America stretches back to the colonial era, as do arguments about the connection of race and citizenship. 

Does Ridiculing Q Followers Fuel the Fire? Historical Lessons in Applied Social Science

by Jayson Dibble

The January 6 Capitol riot brought the QAnon conspiracy into public view, including the toll on families when a member adopts the worldview. Looking historically at social science research on cults suggests that while aggressive ridicule might be tempting, it's counterproductive. 

George Shultz: The Last Progressive

by Ron Schatz

"A steadfast Republican committed to union-management cooperation, peace through treaties, competitive capitalism, and empowerment of African-Americans, George Shultz was the last old-fashioned Progressive."

The Politicization of the American Judiciary

by James D. Zirin

Judicial elections are the latest target of GOP gerrymandering, spurred by the rejection of Team Trump's election lawsuits. 

Racist Zoombombings the Latest Application of Technology by White Supremacists

by Roy E. Finkenbine

White supremacist keyboard warriors appear to have declared a cyber war against Black History Month.

Is Virginia's Move to Abolish the Beginning of the End of the Death Penalty in America?

by Rick Halperin

Virginia's move to abolish capital punishment is long overdue, and other states and the federal government should follow suit to restore American legitimacy on global human rights. 

The "War on Cancer" at 50: The Most Fruitful Failure in Human History

by Judith L. Pearson

Announced by Richard Nixon in 1971, the "War on Cancer" has not yielded a cure. But it has driven research that has deepened understanding of cancers and developed life-saving treatments, while erasing ignorance and stigma. It has been one of humanity's most successful failures. 

Must the Capitol Riots be Included in the Legacy of American Dissent?

by Ralph Young

Teachers of history might feel a disconnect between praising American traditions of dissent and condemning the Capitol riots. They shouldn't. Historical evaluation of the grievances of dissenters, whatever their methods, finds real grievances, not lies, at the root of dissent.

Don't Defend Democracy With Half-Truths About the Past

by Brook Thomas

Although the Capitol riots raised deep concern about the rule of law, there is a deeper challenge ahead of the nation: to understand and change the undemocratic aspects of our foundational law and refuse half-measures in the name of unity.

January 6, 2021: A Day of Populist Transgression

by Robert A. Schneider

The Capitol riot included a small core of actors bent on destruction, with many more along for the ride reveling in a moment of transgression. In this way, it was a microcosm of the Trumpian movement that, now unleashed, will be difficult to contain.

Trump Was Almost Re-Elected. What Does That Say About Us?

by Walter G. Moss and Rick Shenkman

Joe Biden's popular vote and electoral margins were large, but only a small number of votes proved decisive. Moving ahead, it is necessary to understand what Trump's ongoing popularity says about America.

Cynicism and Political Blunder: A Postscript to “The January 6th Assault on Congress and the Fate of the GOP’s Faustian Bargain"

by Jeffrey Herf

Mitch McConnell's decision to condemn Trump after voting for his acquittal wasn't just an act of cowardice. The acts taken together constitute a major tactical blunder in the emerging battle for control of the Republican Party. 

Lincoln and the Lesson of Leading From Behind

by Michael J. Gerhardt

Joe Biden's inaugural address signals his willingness to follow Abraham Lincoln in "leading from behind" by listening and lifting the voices of others.