On this day in 1788, a long essay is published. That essay would eventually be broken down into Federalist Papers No. 32 and 33. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. Essay 31 was published yesterday, and I warned you then that Alexander Hamilton (aka “Publius”) was going to harp on a subject that most o

At about this time in 1944, an American B-24 Liberator lands in England, having completed a top-secret overnight mission. The plane had been painted black, making it hard to spot against the nighttime sky. The B-24’s ball-turret had also been removed, replaced with a cargo hatch. The objective of the secret flight was simple: Resupply underground resistance forces in Nazi-held territory. The flight was the first of many in an effort that would span months. Taken together, the

On this day in 1788, Federalist Paper No. 31 is published. The Federalist Papers are a collection of essays that were published in New York newspapers in late 1787 and early 1788. They argued FOR the new Constitution, then being considered for ratification by the states. I’ll warn you that this is another paper that is difficult to read in light of recent events. Alexander Hamilton (a.k.a. “Publius”) is defending the unlimited right of the national government to tax us. Again

On this day in 1795, George Washington issues a proclamation, calling for a day of public Thanksgiving and prayer. He was relieved and grateful that the so-called Whiskey Rebellion had finally come to an end.   That rebellion had “wantonly threatened” America, Washington knew.   The American government was then still very young, of course, and it had been looking for ways to raise revenue. One of the methods settled upon was an excise tax on whiskey. This tax was imposed in 1