Editor’s note: This article first appeared at The American Spectator. I was saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Tony Dolan, who passed away at age 76. Tony was the chief speechwriter to President Ronald Reagan in a “speechwriting … Continue reading
American History & Presidents
Hollywoke: The Motion Picture Academy of Bigotry
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at The American Spectator. Our 2024 Reagan film received widespread acclaim from moviegoers (albeit not from ideologically motivated critics) for the roles rendered by several key actors. They included Dennis Quaid as Reagan, David Henrie as young Reagan, Penelope Ann Miller as … Continue reading
A Postscript to “Reagan,” the Movie
As the end of the year approaches, professional movie reviewers are publishing their lists of the year’s best movies. I am at a stage of life where I don’t go to the movies often enough to presume to name my … Continue reading
Jimmy Carter: A Man of Faith
As Americans mourn the death of the nation’s oldest ex-president and celebrate his life, they will disagree about the effectiveness of his presidency and the impact of many of his policies. One fact, however, is undisputable: Jimmy Carter’s robust Christian … Continue reading
Lee Edwards, Dean of Conservatism, RIP
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at The American Spectator. The conservative movement this week lost an elder statesman, its dean. He was Lee Edwards, 92 years old. Edwards was so very important and dear to both the conservative movement … Continue reading
No, America Did Not Just Vote for Authoritarianism: A Defense of the American Voter
“Today we must reckon with the harsh reality that authoritarianism has arrived in America, that it’s broadly popular and that millions of our fellow citizens have given it their votes.” LA Times “This was a conquering of the nation not … Continue reading
‘We Win, They Lose’: Remembering Richard V. Allen
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at The American Spectator. We win, they lose.” That Reagan statement was a declaration for the ages, a denouement to the 20th century, encapsulating what Ronald Reagan did to defeat the Soviet Union and win … Continue reading
The 17th Annual Ronald Reagan Lecture featuring Governor Scott Walker, President of Young America’s Foundation
“Ronald Reagan: The Man, the Movie, and the Movement” featuring Governor Scott Walker, President of Young America’s Foundation held on October 29, 2024 @ 7 p.m. | Grove City College Read more: bedebola
Jimmy Carter Turns 100
On October 1, Jimmy Carter will celebrate his 100th birthday, becoming the first former president to reach this milestone. This occasion provides a fitting time to consider Carter’s life and legacy. He is one of the nation’s most outspoken Christian … Continue reading
A Moment of Unity: Reagan United the Country Like No Other
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at The American Spectator. One of the cool things about being a biographer with special expertise on a specific subject — in my case, Ronald Reagan — is that readers come to you with … Continue reading
The American Righteous Cause—Then and Now
Reply
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at The American Spectator. The Declaration of Independence was, of course, just that. It was an official declaration of independence by the “United Colonies” (upper case), as they were thus described by Thomas Jefferson, … Continue reading
D-Day and the Faith of Dwight Eisenhower
On July 9, 1943, Dwight David Eisenhower knelt in prayer on a mountaintop overlooking the island of Malta to ask for God’s help as the Allies began their all-out assault on Sicily. As the weather rapidly worsened, the American general … Continue reading
Pearl Harbor and the Vanishing WWII Vet
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. I think often of my late good friend Charles Wiley. I was introduced to Charlie by my Grove City College colleague David Ayers. Dave knew Charlie way back, and the … Continue reading
The Faith of the RFKs
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Crisis Magazine. On April 25, EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo did an exclusive, hour-long interview with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Kudos to both Arroyo and Kennedy for sitting down to dialogue in a civil, thoughtful manner that’s … Continue reading
The Tumultuous Life and Conversion of Eldridge Cleaver
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at The American Spectator. One figure that liberals didn’t commemorate this Black History Month is Eldridge Cleaver, the Black Panther Party ringleader of the 1960s. The reason is no great mystery: Had Cleaver remained … Continue reading
The MLK They Ignore
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared at The American Spectator. The date was September 1, 2015, a Tuesday. It was an unusual day at the Rowan County courthouse in Kentucky. County Clerk Kim Davis arrived shortly before 7:00 a.m. … Continue reading
What Did Cause the Civil War?
Nikki Haley recently provoked a firestorm of controversy for failing to name slavery when asked by journalists what caused the Civil War. A chorus of critics, including President Joe Biden, censured her response. Biden declared, “Let me be clear for … Continue reading
Remembering the Boston Tea Party
In recent years, Americans have protested racism, police brutality, environmental devastation, gun control laws, abortion, and many other issues. Millions have fought to expand the rights of women, LGBTQIA individuals, blacks, and other minorities. Today many are remonstrating against antisemitism … Continue reading
The Puzzling Jurisprudence of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at The American Spectator. Retired Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Sandra Day O’Connor died Dec. 1 in her home state of Arizona, at the age of 93. Justice O’Connor was the first … Continue reading
Sandra Day O’Connor: The Story Behind Her Appointment and Decisive Abortion Vote
Editor’s note: This article first appeared at National Catholic Register. Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, died Dec. 1 at age 93. For pro-life Catholics, her appointment by President Ronald Reagan was a grave … Continue reading