In an unfortunate coincidence, given the beating NY took from Hurricane Sandy and the need for federal disaster assistance, today is the anniversary (October 30, 1975) of the infamous NY Daily News headline, FORD TO CITY: Drop Dead. It appeared when New York (and several other major metropolises) … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2012
Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion – And The Election That Got Away
In late October 1884 Republican candidate James G. Blaine seemed all but certain to win the presidency. With the election only one week away, he was campaigning in New York City, wooing the vital Irish Catholic vote to secure New York State and its many electoral votes. Everything was going his … [Read more...]
The Erie Canal — The Original Economic Stimulous Plan
InThePastLane Edward T. O'Donnell Given the raging debate in contemporary American politics over what role if any the government should play in the economy, it’s always instructive to look to history for some insight. One of the … [Read more...]
How Mosquitoes Helped Win the Battle of Yorktown
Every summer Americans spend millions of dollars to destroy, or at least repel, the pesky mosquito. As a people, we hate mosquitoes. But we might be a little less hostile toward these creatures if we realized the role mosquitoes played in winning the American Revolution. Certainly the … [Read more...]
Iconic Images – Olympics, Mexico City, October 17, 1968
InThePastLane.com by Edward T. O'Donnell Today in History - October 17, 1968 - African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raise their hands to make the Black Power salute during the medal awards ceremonies … [Read more...]