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President Trump last night threw an 80th birthday party for himself to “kick off” our country’s 250th birthday. After enduring a bloody fight on the south lawn and nearly naked men “stretching out” inside the historic residence…one needs to look back 50 years to how the United States Bicentennial was observed.
America’s 200th birthday was one of the largest national celebrations in U. S. history and involved years of preparation. Excitement was generated in communities across the country where parades, festivals, concerts and fireworks displays were big attractions.
Nations from around the world participated with over 200 ships gathered in New York harbor which brought together millions of spectators who watched the tall ships sail past the Statue of Liberty. A train known as “The American Freedom Train” toured from 1975-1976 to all 48 contiguous states. The train carried historic treasures such as important documents, artifacts and works of art so Americans across the country could see them.
The celebration came shortly after the end of the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal. There are some similarities between 1976 & 2026 such as economic concerns, international tensions, political controversy and questions about national identity. The biggest difference is that today’s partisan divide is deeper than it was in 1976.
Red, white and blue decorations throughout the country helped create a patriotic environment. President Gerald Ford played a quiet role leading many official ceremonies.
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Pivoting to 2016
After the historic West Virginia election as well as a smashing Republican victory across the nation political junkies and policy wonks like me are pivoting to 2016. In my case it is the intrigue of the presidential contest and the adjustment both parties will need...
Realistic View
(Editor’s Note: The commentary below came as an email from Bob Harris. I thought it was powerful and should be shared. Mr. Harris grew up in Charleston where his father was editor of The Charleston Gazette and later Chief of Staff to Senator Jennings Randolph. Bob...
Final Look
The 2014 election cycle is the first in which I have not been actively involved at some level in years. What a mess it has been to observe and I am certain readers have seen the same. There has been so much money with some of it questionable, too many untruthful ads...
Daisy
(Editor’s Note: With campaign ads beginning to flow there is none more famous than “Daisy.” Mr. Babb’s piece is offered for those new to campaigns and political advertising. For those inclined to watch a link is provided below.) By Drew Babb Drew Babb teaches...
Political Tidbits…9.01.14
It’s Labor Day…traditionally the start of the 2014 campaign season… but it started 11.07.12…not to be outdone the 2016 is already underway…at least for the presidency…and Senator Manchin being a placeholder for WV Governor. State GOP Chair Lucas and his 2014 team have...
Running
(Full disclosure: I am a member of the WV Racing Commission. The views expressed here are strictly my personal ones). There is nothing as exciting as horse racing. Saturday will be the 45th running of the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack &...
Manchin For President?
POLITICO’s Huddle reports this morning that U. S. Senator Joe Manchin has not ruled out running for President. The story by Scott Wong is below. By Scott Wong ([email protected] or @scottwongDC) IF HILLARY PASSES, MANCHIN FOR PRESIDENT? - Sen. Joe Manchin says a...
Lottery Revenue vs. More Taxes
A new opportunity for the Lottery industry and horse racing became public last week. EquiLottery a Kentucky based company has developed an innovative horse racing and lottery game. Just last month I wrote with Lottery revenue continuing to decline I would assume the...
Have We Learned?
An earthquake hit the Republican Party last night. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s (R-Va.) was defeated by a Tea Party challenger. This will fuel Tea Party types with the real impact hitting in 2015 and 2016 as battle for the Republican nomination moves into...
Why Not?
Revenue in our State is needed as badly as pothole filling. The legislature faced with trying to find funds to restore “people” services in its recent special session had to move money from one account to another. No one can argue about funding badly needed social...
Political Tidbits…5.27.14
Political Tidbits…5.27.14 2014 primary election is over…summer is almost here…and the traditional start of political campaigns is long over…campaigns now are continual…likewise it appears negative campaigns are edging into mean ones…expect to see mean and costly races...
Where’s the money?
“Where’s the money” is the question facing legislators as they enter the final stages of the 2014 legislative session. It appears the only ideas for getting more money to balance the state budget is a tax on cigarettes or tapping into the rainy day fund. Here some...
BILLBOARD Archives
Who Will Control WV Legislature?
Who Will Control WV Legislature? Candidates begin to file for West Virginia offices tomorrow. The 2014 election will not be like any we have seen when it comes to the WV Legislature. A national movement has been underway which has helped both Republicans and...
Ready Set Go?
January first two thousand fourteen is the beginning of the 2014 election season - but not for WV Republicans. They have used every day and opportunity during the last year. On the other side appearances would say Democrats are on idle. For GOP stalwarts the late...
Must Read
Most of my readers are either political junkies or people interested in politics, government, public policy or commentary. So here are “must reads.” Political polling always seems a mystery to those not engaged in the practice of campaigns. There is an excellent...
Extremism
There is a cancer growing on the Republican Party. Extremism. Extremism does not win national elections. Senator Barry Goldwater only won 6 states and 52 electoral votes in the 1964 presidential election. Winning the nomination was one serious fight in the GOP. ...
BREAKING – US Supreme Court to Look At EPA
The court will review six petitions that will look at reversing EPA’s power over carbon dioxide emissions. Click here for a USA Today report for details.
Political Observations
Over the last four years various readers say they like the pieces I post from elsewhere. Today all the newspapers are full of commentary. Jim Lees long involved in reform efforts and WV Democratic politics writes about an "election of ideas" saying the 2014 U. S....
Many Mansions & Tidbits
The story goes…when A. James Manchin [Joe’s Uncle Jimmy] was once running for the House of Delegates he often told audiences “…in my house are many mansion were it not so I would have told you”…well there is Gayle, Mark, Brooke, Tim, Joe IV, Heather and many more I...
Politics & Horses
If you follow me on Twitter @TygartValleyWV you know I am an avid horse racing fan. This is a big weekend when politics and horses will merge. Horses and jockeys known across the country are already shipping into Mountaineer Racetrack for the WV Derby. They will...
Democrats Dilemma
Democrats current dilemma in West Virginia is not unlike that confronted by Republicans over the last fifty years. During those years Republicans seemed only to win elections with candidates named Moore or Underwood. The Party was never strong, organized, well...
Gool Ole Days
Anyone who follows the happenings in Washington sees a place where it seems no one can get along, find solutions or enjoy themselves after hours. That was not always the case when Ronald Reagan was President, Tip O’Neill served as House Speaker and Howard Baker lead...
College YR’s Offer Repairs
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus has taken issue with former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole who last week said the GOP should put a sign on the door “closed for repairs”. Chairman Priebus said on Fox News Sunday “we are open for repairs.” ...
Political Tidbits…5.30.13
Is Conrad Lucas State Republican Chair preparing for a run for Congress in the Third Congressional District…in a rare news conference yesterday he called out Congressman Nick Joe Rahall for his vote on jobs & energy…two key issues in any congressional...