Category Archives: Scratch Pad

Lopez Community Land Trust

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Allen Mesch

During our recent Road Scholar trip, Best of the Pacific Northwest – Exploring Three of Washington’s San Juan Islands, my wife and I had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty, history, and ideas of San Juan Island, Orcas Island, and … Continue reading →

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Best Movies About the Civil War

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Allen Mesch

Mr. Thomas West of Yardbarker has picked his “20 Best Movies of the Civil War.” Here’s his list: Here’s mine

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“Get to Work America” – Dallas Morning News editorial

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Allen Mesch

Dallas Cothrum’s editorial in the April 14, 2024, Dallas Morning News begins by stating: There is a crisis in our country that threatens our place as the shining beacon on a hill. America is losing its work ethic and probably … Continue reading →

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Colorful Texas Sayings

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Allen Mesch

Recently, Anne Dingus collected a list of “colorful Texas sayings than you can shake a stick at” that was published by Texas Monthly. Here are my top ten favorites from the roll: Acceptable: “You can’t beat that with a stick.” … Continue reading →

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New Commentary and New Book

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Allen Mesch

New Commentary I just added a lengthy commentary entitled “Univeral Liberty and Universal Suffrage, Secured by Universal Education.” It is about the 1875 Ohio election where Rutherford B. Hayes won a third term as governor. The piece, from William D. … Continue reading →

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It’s Time to Stop Asking the Question

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Allen Mesch

You know the question I am referring to. It’s the same one we ask afterevery shooting, drug overdose, drunken driver manslaughter, beaten or murderedspouse, child poisoning, and immigrant death. Here and now stop asking the asking the questions and take … Continue reading →

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Light the Path to a New Year

Posted on December 31, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Be a Lighthouse Life is like a lighthouse. It guides the lost and warms the found. Shine like a lighthouse, ignoring the storm. Be a lighthouse: Stand tall, stay strong, and guide others towards safety. Be the lighthouse; they’ll remember … Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Magazine

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Time to celebrate our love for family and friends. I have compiled several illustrations from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper for your holiday enjoyment. Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2024! Allen

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Why Hasn’t the United Nations Intervened?

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Recently, I watched the movie Shake Hands with the Devil. Shake Hands with the Devil is a 2007 Canadian war drama film starring Roy Dupuis as Roméo Dallaire, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in August 2007. Based on Dallaire’s autobiographical book Shake Hands with the Devil: … Continue reading →

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Abraham Lincoln and Thanksgiving

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Statue of President Abraham Lincoln and Little Known Author (Author’s Photograph) On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the following Thanksgiving Proclamation: The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields … Continue reading →

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