The Folly and the Glory by Tim Weiner documents the political warfare between the U.S. and Russia from the start of the Cold War to today. This book documents how the U.S. failed to take Russia's electronic warfare tactics seriously and has put American democracy at risk. Highly Recommended.
history
Review: On the Judgment of History
Since 2016’s election, the number of times I’ve heard the phrase “history will not judge _______ well” (or some variation) has skyrocketed. It seems to come up once a week while scrolling through social media. The idea that history will provide comeuppance for crimes committed now is one that many people, including myself, cling to … Continue reading Review: On the Judgment of History
Review: How to Argue with a Racist
How to Argue with a Racist by Adam Rutherford debunks common errors associated with genetics and race. This book is a welcome addition to my own anti-racism toolbox. Highly Recommended.
Review: The People, No
Thomas Frank's The People, No should be required reading for VP Joe Biden's campaign and anyone wanting to know how the Democratic party abdicated the working class. Highly recommended!
Anti-Racism Reading List
The killing of George Floyd has started many necessary conversations. To supplement those conversations, let me offer some reading suggestions. Here is my personal anti-racism reading list. How to Be Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi “Antiracism is a transformative concept that reorients and reenergizes the conversation about racism—and, even more fundamentally, points us toward … Continue reading Anti-Racism Reading List
Review: The Human Factor
I'm not a subscriber to the Great Man Theory of history. It's entirely too simple a look at the complexities of life. Force of personality doesn't alter history alone. Circumstances - economic, political, physical - set the stage on which leaders shine or falter. Studying these leaders, though, helps understand the circumstances better. Studying relationships … Continue reading Review: The Human Factor
Review: John Adams Under Fire
National myths set a foundation for a country's character. One of my favorites is how John Adams defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. His actions show that everyone, even people that we despise. In the United States, the law is the supreme arbiter, and we all are equal under the law. But myths also … Continue reading Review: John Adams Under Fire
Review: Unmaking the Presidency
Already much more fraught than anyone expected, 2020 is here. Potential war on the horizon, impeachment battles, and a fall election loom over the United States. The third year of the Trump presidency is coming to a close, and the fourth - hopefully, final - year of this administration promises to be as controversial and … Continue reading Review: Unmaking the Presidency
Review: Retreat from Moscow
Once, I watched a friend build frames for a renovation on his house. He built a solid frame that would hold up under building codes, but he didn't know why those codes existed. How did the code relate to the actual loading and structural requirements? What was really happening with the loads in the frames? … Continue reading Review: Retreat from Moscow
Review: Checkpoint Charlie
In Iain MacGregor’s Checkpoint Charlie the history of this contentious crossing comes alive. MacGregor explores the conflict through the people that inhabited the city, that crossed the border, that lived on the front line of the Cold War.