Cuckoo’s Nest . . .

The current state of the Republican Party brings to mind the 1975 movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, based on the novel by Ken Kesey, about a petty criminal, Randall McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), who pleads insanity to avoid a prison sentence, and is sent to a mental institution for evaluation, where he rallies the […]

Every Man A King . . .

I heard an old Randy Newman song the other day, very familiar to my generation. I did not know it had actually been written, and was often sung, by Huey Long, former U.S. Senator and Governor of Louisiana, the man Franklin Roosevelt called “the most dangerous man in America”. “Every Man A King“ Why weep […]

Them’s The Rules . . .

U.S. Senate rules are established for each session in an Organizing Resolution. A 50/50 division of seats between Republicans and Democrats, with the Vice-President casting tie-breaking votes, requires negotiation of the rules between the Majority and Minority leaders. The last time the Senate had a 50/50 division was in 2001 under the newly elected Bush […]

The Lawyers Revolt . . .

This just hit the news late last night – breathtaking. It reinforces how close we came to a real coup de etat these past few weeks, if not for the integrity of a handful of career attorneys at DOJ and election officials in Georgia. U.S. Senate Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, forced the country to […]

The Republic, Resurrected . . .

Difficult to express my thoughts today. I became intrigued by the biography of Caesar and spent December writing the ten-episode “Alas, The Republic” mini-series. While the series is about the history of the Roman Republic; it was intended as historical allegory for America’s development. I had intended to make the point that our political system […]

In Honor of MLK . . .

I cannot say that I remember Martin Luther King; my knowledge of him is from history books and old film footage. But I can say that I understand the power of this man, his impact on our country, its morals, its conscience; his influence with three Presidents; and his impact on our efforts to right […]

10. The Republic’s Demise . . .

Caesar retuned to Rome in 46 BC, having won military campaigns on three continents, including the long, spectacular campaign in Gaul. Having surpassed the achievements of Pompey, he was now indisputably the greatest general in Roman history. He was honored with extraordinary celebrations, extending for weeks – festivals, parades, gladiator events, athletic competitions, beast fights, […]

9. Caesar and Pompey . . .

In 56 BC, at Lucca in Transalpine Gaul, Caesar, Pompey and Crassus formed an informal pact, the “First Triumvirate”. Pompey and Crassus would stand for election as co-Consuls, their second co-Consulship; and each of the three members’ provincial commands would be extended an additional five years – Caesar in Gaul; Pompey in Spain; and Crassus […]

8. Caesar in Gaul . . .

Upon completion of his term as Consul in 58 BC, Caesar was appointed governor of Transalpine and Cisalpine Gaul, modern Italy north of the Po River, for five years. His experiences over the next decade would be recorded in detail in his “Commentaries”, including seven books detailing the Gallic wars. Caesar brought loyalists with him […]

7. Caesar’s Rise . . .

Caesar was born in 100 BC to a minor but well respected aristocratic family of moderate wealth, one with a long and venerable history dating to the founding of Rome. Caesar was well educated, and well trained in athletic and equestrian arts. He was determined, confident, and ambitious; trained to established aristocratic leadership traits of […]