American history

To the editor:

I appreciate the inclusion of the articles on American history in recent editions.

For the apparently declining numbers of us interested in history, I recommend to your readers the lecture series entitled “America at 250: A History.” It can be accessed at: https://president.yale.edu/committees-programs/devane-lectures/america-at-250-a-history.

The series has 26 classes taught by three brilliant history professors with interspersed podcasts where the three discuss the previous lectures.

The classes span our country’s history from the revolution to today. Listening while I walk, work out, or do household chores, I’m learning a bit more than was taught in Marion High School history classes in the mid-’60s. And I’m only on Class 10 (still in the mid-1800s).

The early lectures inspired me to again read the Declaration of Independence. I was reminded of some of the offenses of the King which led to the founding of this country:

“He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.”

“He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.”

“He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.”

“He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.”

“He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.”

“For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us.”

“For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States.”

“For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world.”

“For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences.”

“A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”

Hmm.

Norm Mueller
Denver, Colorado