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By the power vested in us

The White Russians worked magic. Virginia is Joanne’s sister. Bruce and Joanne had been friends for years. They had invited me to their house the evening before I left for my second and disastrous foray into Germany. I’d received a note a few weeks before from the winery where I’d…

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New goals, new directions

I’ve sort of half taken a break from writing essays for this Website. Some of you have missed me. I’m sorry but will try to get back on track in the coming days. You see, my days are filled. Class—my job—takes time and energy. I usually spend two or three…

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Letter to a prison inmate

Oct. 8, 2017 Dear Pete, It’s been many years and I’m sorry that it’s only now that I get around to writing to you. I hope you are well and staying out of trouble, though I understand that can be difficult, particularly for a man with such a vibrant personality.…

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Address to the Thorpe Menn Literary Excellence Award Luncheon, Oct. 7, 2017

As a teacher, I usually find out what I’m talking about as I open my mouth and the words fall out. But this is a special occasion and I wanted to address some specific things in my talk. I am a writer and so I’ve written a speech. You’ll forgive…

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What my students must do

Think about these questions a minute. They all have to do with American History. What most Americans know about history is built on myth, rumor, and hearsay. Most Americans don’t know much about their history. This is not just a failure of American education but also of national will. Granted,…

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