2024
It’s easy to grow weary of politics, despite the fact that for 16 years as an elected member of the Virginia General Assembly I was clutched by its talons. It wasn’t as if I was unwilling prey. But it was a tight Read more…
A New Thermidorian Reaction
The French revolutionaries of the 18th century were so committed to overthrowing their monarchy that they went so far as to scrub from existence the very calendar of the year. Their goal was quite radical; revising the number and length of Read more…
Liberation and Lessons
Thirty-two years ago today, the US and its Gulf War coalition were enjoying our first day of ceasefire after vanquishing the Iraqi Army. It was a remarkable accomplishment that was the result of building the most capable military the world Read more…
The Lessons of War
On 23 February 1991, we were all very focused and ready to “get on with it.” For the previous 7 days we had conducted destructive artillery raids on the Iraqi 26th Infantry Division that sat in front of us blocking our Read more…
Swinging a Bat
It’s been thirty-two years since the first rounds went downrange in what would be eight days of artillery raids on Iraqi forces opposite the 1st Infantry Division. In that war, the First Gulf War, we sought to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Read more…
A State of the Union Address
Here is a State of the Union address we need to hear. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, and my fellow Americans, Article II: Section 3 of our Constitution states that the President should “from time to time give Read more…
Best Military Advice and Judgment
Recently a very thoughtful colleague in an online discussion group concerning national security challenged us to draft a paper on what politicians should know about employing the US military. Such would be a tutorial of sorts with historical vignettes, lessons learned, Read more…
Consistency
In recent years, our nation has been beset with many problems. I’ve written about a few. But I am struck by how consistent we have been, particularly in insisting on notions, ideas, and theories that are at best silly and at Read more…
A Rising Sun
Today is a typical wintery day in Virginia. It’s chilly, wet, and cloudy. There’s nothing romantic about that. Dismal weather wins out today. Such a day reflects how many in America see the state of our nation. There is so much to worry about Read more…
A Tale of Two Legislatures
Following New Year’s Day, two legislatures convened. On 11 January, the Virginia General Assembly went into session in Richmond, Virginia. Ninety miles north—following a rather raucous beginning in the House of Representatives—the US Congress convened in Washington, DC. There’s much to be Read more…