U.S. History

The US Constitution doesn't mention immigration regulation as a federal power. So some have tried to redefine immigration as "invasion." It's an unconvincing claim.

Chris Calton details the buildup to the Battle of Shiloh.

No economy is made better off by destroying existing resources. But that's what "cash for clunkers" tried to do, while only driving up the price of transportation for middle and lower-middle class families.

Wealthy Hollywood types, being relentless and cynical social climbers, figured out years ago that college is mostly about social status and certification.

Chris Calton outlines the fighting at Elkhorn Tavern during the Battle of Pea Ridge, and how the grim conflict ended.

Reparations to heirs of slaves make sense so long as the actually guilty parties are the ones paying. Short of that, the policy being discussed has nothing to do with reparations. It's just a wealth redistribution scheme. 

For decades, federal housing policy explicitly favored whites over blacks, likely worsening many of today's enduring wealth disparities.

Chris Calton recounts how the Confederate forces were defeated at Leetown—despite greatly outnumbering their Union opponents. 

After Grant pushes the Confederates back to Fort Donelson, the southern leaders must decide whether to attempt escape or surrender.

When I look back on my experience at the 32nd Precinct I see real “peace officers” at work. No SWAT raids, no armored vehicles. Just cops getting by with their wits, guts, and courage.