History of the Presidential Cabinet
Part of the executive branch, the cabinet is made up of the president’s most private, trusted advisers. All members are chosen by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Their role is to advise the president on any national or international issues. In fact, the cabinet is so crucial to the functioning of our government […]
U.S. Elections and the Peaceful Transition of Power
This week, over on the Election Central Web site we take a look at the role of last-minute breaking news in presidential campaigns. The third and final presidential debate took place on October 19 in Las Vegas, Nevada, between Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Towards the end of the debate, moderator Chris […]
You Decide! Will Trump Refuse to Concede?
During the third and final presidential debates on October 19, Republican candidate Donald Trump suggested that he would not necessarily accept the results of the upcoming November 8 election. Since then, Republicans and Democrats alike have spoken out against Mr. Trump for expressing doubt in the validity of the U.S. election process, which many see as […]
Examining the “October Surprise”
This week, over on the Election Central Web site we take a look at the role of last-minute breaking news in presidential campaigns. With Election Day traditionally held during the first few days of November, October becomes a crucial campaigning month in the United States. The term “October Surprise” refers to new events or scandals that […]
Stuff YOU Should Know
Hurricane Matthew Slams U.S. Coast Hurricane Matthew made landfall in the U.S. late last week. It lingered along the coast for four days, bringing heavy rain and wind before finally heading back out to sea on Sunday, when it was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone. Residents in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas all suffered […]
UPDATED! National Museum of African-American History and Culture
UPDATE! Watch this video showing President Obama’s speech at the opening of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. *** Original post *** This coming September 24, a new portion of the Smithsonian Institution will open on the National Mall. Named the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, this new wing of the Smithsonian […]
YOU DECIDE: Georgetown University’s Slavery Past
Georgetown University is a prestigious institution located in Washington, D.C. Many prominent politicians and lawmakers (including former President Bill Clinton) are graduates. Founded in 1789, Georgetown once relied heavily on the trade of enslaved workers to finance its operations. Heavily in debt by 1838, the university arranged the sale of 272 slaves to plantations in Louisiana, […]
Read My Lips* – Talking Taxes
It’s that time of year again, when people scramble to get receipts and tax returns to accountants (or the numerically-savvy), and numbers and letter combinations like “W2” and “1040” enter casual conversations. In recognition of Tax Season, btw takes a look back at some history of taxes in the United States. New Nation, Old System […]
Is the Republican Party Headed for a Split?
Political frustration is hardly new. Continually governing an “of the people, by the people, for the people” global superpower based on open-ended principles laid out more than 200 years ago is no easy feat. Still, this election season has the Republican Party fractured in a way it hasn’t been for many years. Prominent members of […]
Black History is American History
For the first time in history, more than half of children born in America (according to the 2012 US Census Bureau) are minorities. As the “collective minority” becomes the majority, we will surely see a shift in how we view our history. The History of “Black History” Carter Woodson was a black historian who earned […]