Category: pragmatic historian

history law pragmatic historian

Revisiting a Foundational Document: The Magna Carta

By Mary | by Mary

The rule of law is undergoing serious strain in the United States for [waves hands all around] … reasons. In a democracy, laws are complex because we’re trying to fairly balance the rights and freedoms of all citizens in their wonderful diversity, along with those of businesses and nonprofit organizations. The government (federal, state, local), through its structures and laws, is meant to uphold the rights and freedoms of all, not tilt the scales of…

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action history ideas pragmatic historian

Defenders of Democracy

By Mary | by Mary

Do not capitulate to the authoritarian in advance. I have heard this advice from pro-democracy experts numerous times over the past few months. It’s critical advice when faced with an incoming President who promises to be a vindictive dictator from Day One. In the United States, all of us hold the freedom of speech dear, especially the freedom to criticize our government officials, and this is one area, among many, where we should not capitulate.…

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family history museums pragmatic historian preservation

Tomte: the Gnome, the Myth, the Legend

By Mary | by Mary

Erik and I went to an exhibit at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis last weekend. It’s called “Tomte: the Gnome, the Myth, the Legend.” And, it is delightful! A tomte, short for gårdstomte, is a spirit that watches over farmsteads in Sweden. They are often depicted as tiny old men with long beards and tall, pointy, red hats, though there have been some variations on their headwear. The tomte exhibit is spread throughout the…

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