How should historians comment upon present-day events?

We will consider some posts written by Heather Cox Richardson -- a historian and professor at Boston College who provides commentary about present-day events.

#1.  Read her post reflecting on how she got started and one of her more popular posts: (and now reaches 1.2 million readers per day!)

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/march-14-2023?utm_source=publication-search

#2: Read a second post -- your choice.  You may choose from one of these topics, or you may search her website yourself.  Or you can just read the most recent post. She usually focuses on present-day political events, but I've tried to find a few topics here that are not directly related to politics in the present.

Her homepage: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/

World War II and Japanese-American internment camps: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/february-19-2024?utm_source=publication-search

July 4th: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-3-2023?utm_source=publication-search

Gun control: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-14-2022?utm_source=publication-search

Putin and Orban (European authoritarians) https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/november-21-2021?utm_source=publication-search

Historical significance of Thanksgiving: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/november-27-2024

JFK Assassination: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/november-22-2024

#3.  Write a response paper that is at least 2 double-spaced pages.  At the top of your paper, tell me the dates of the two posts you have chosen. Using one page per post, you should summarize the main points she makes in the post, and then consider some of the questions listed below. You do not need to answer all of the questions!  Just choose the ones you'd like to write about.  However, make sure you conclude by answering the questions in the "Your Personal Reflection" section below.  You will be asked to read or summarize that section of your paper in class.

CITATIONS: At the end of each paragraph you write, tell me which paragraph(s) you referred to when writing your answers.

Questions to discuss in your paper:

• Heather Cox Richardson often draws comparisons between historical events and current political situations. How does she use history to explain modern-day issues? Can you identify any examples where she draws a direct parallel between past and present? How effective do you think this historical lens is in understanding current politics?

• Richardson’s letters are often viewed as insightful but sometimes controversial. How does she balance objectivity and advocacy in her writing? Do you think her approach is fair and balanced, or do you detect a bias? How does this affect your trust in her analysis?

• Richardson frequently discusses the fragility of democracy, especially in relation to the rise of authoritarian tendencies. What does she identify as the threats to American democracy? Do you agree with her analysis? What steps, in your opinion, should be taken to safeguard democratic values?
  
• Throughout her letters, Richardson discusses the actions of political leaders and their responsibility to the public. What is her critique of political leaders in contemporary America, and how does she suggest they should act in the best interest of the country? Do you think politicians today live up to this standard?

Your Personal Reflection

• After reading Richardson’s letters, how has your understanding of American history and politics changed? Do you find yourself agreeing with her conclusions, or do you have a different perspective? How can her analysis inform your own views about the future of American democracy?