History Repeating

US: 250 Years Later – Part 41: Drugs (Illicit)

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In 1776, the idea of “illegal drugs” would have sounded strange to most Americans. Mood-altering substances existed everywhere, woven into medicine, labor, trade, and ordinary life. Two hundred and fifty years later, substances have become entangled with public health, criminal justice, addiction, policy, and profound social questions. This letter follows America’s changing relationship with illicit drugs and asks whether societies are truly battling chemicals… or the pain that drives people toward them.

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US: 250 Years Later – Part 22: Civil Rights

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In 1776, America proclaimed liberty while limiting who could fully participate in it. Rights and equality existed, but often behind barriers of race, gender, class, and status. Two hundred and fifty years later, the struggle for civil rights continues across courts, communities, movements, and even algorithms. This letter follows America’s long effort to expand the promise of equality and asks who gets counted within the nation’s unfinished story.

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US: 250 Years Later – Part 21: Church and State/Religious Freedom

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In 1776, church and state were deeply intertwined across much of America. Religion shaped laws, taxes, politics, and public identity, while dissent often carried real consequences. Two hundred and fifty years later, America remains engaged in one of its longest arguments: how to protect both freedom of religion and freedom from coercion. This letter follows the evolution of religious liberty and asks what true pluralism actually requires.

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US: 250 Years Later – Part 20: Church

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In 1776, church was not merely a place people attended. It was atmosphere itself, shaping time, politics, morality, and community even among people who never formally joined congregations. Two hundred and fifty years later, church exists in sanctuaries, livestreams, podcasts, storefronts, and digital spaces, still asking ancient questions about meaning, belonging, and hope in an increasingly fragmented world.

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“In Memoriam: A Memorial Day Advent Series” – Part Twenty-Two: Calling the Operator for Information

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Before algorithms, there was a voice – a human connection ready to guide you, answer your questions, and make the world feel a little smaller.

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“In Memoriam: A Memorial Day Advent Series” – Part Twenty-One: Typewriters

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Before the cursor, there was rhythm – before the backspace, there was the art of deliberate thought.

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“In Memoriam: A Memorial Day Advent Series” – Part Twenty: Phone Books

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Before the search bar, there were pages. And before the algorithm, there was the magic of discovery – one flip at a time.

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“In Memoriam: A Memorial Day Advent Series” – Part Nineteen: O.G. Film Cameras & Developing Photos

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Before everything was instant, there was a moment – of waiting, of uncertainty, of anticipation – that made the reward so much sweeter.

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“In Memoriam: A Memorial Day Advent Series” – Part Eighteen: Blockbuster

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A maze of shelves, a surprise behind every corner – before algorithms, there were aisles full of mystery, and every trip was an adventure in discovery.

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“In Memoriam: A Memorial Day Advent Series” – Part Seventeen: Public Library Card Catalogs

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Before the “next” button, there were drawers – and each one held a world waiting to be found.

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