Topic: Thomas Jefferson

Notable architects of US foreign policy

From 'Seward's folly' to the marshall plan, a snapshot of American diplomacy of the past.

Opinion: Amid mosque dispute, Muslims can look to Irish-Catholics for hope

The planned Park51 Islamic center near ground zero is stirring up anger at Muslims. But reason and decency will prevail, and Muslims – like Irish-Catholics before – will overcome bigotry and be accepted into the American family.

The Muslim myth about Obama: He's in good company

The bigoted and ignorant allegations that President Obama is a Muslim call to mind slurs against past US presidents. Critics called Lincoln a Catholic and labeled Jefferson an atheist.

Is Ground Zero mosque part of culture war or symbol of tolerance?

The debate over the so-called Ground Zero mosque planned for lower Manhattan is bringing to the fore a debate over the meaning of America's growing Muslim population.

Architects of Power

How Roosevelt and Eisenhower transformed the United States into a global superpower.

Opinion: McChrystal: What would Eisenhower have done?

Before President Obama ousted General McChrystal, he should have considered how Ike dealt with an incident involving legendary General George Patton during World War II.

Thomas Jefferson made monarchist slip-up in Declaration of Independence draft

Thomas Jefferson, described Americans as 'subjects' in an early draft of the Declaration of Independence. While the ink was still wet, he erased that word and replaced it with 'citizens.'

Opinion: On July 4, the Founders didn't create America; America created the Founders

The principles of the Declaration of Independence were already fiercely held in the hearts and minds of everyday Americans before July 4, 1776.

'Tea party' favorite Sharron Angle takes aim at Harry Reid

'Tea party' favorite Sharron Angle's challenge of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid includes controversial positions, statements, and affiliations that GOP leaders are having to scrub, explain, or make excuses for.

Gulf oil spill plumes: what is known so far

Scientists have found evidence of at least two undersea plumes from the Gulf oil spill. The plumes appear to be diluted, but still a threat to the foundations of the Gulf food chain.

Lyndon B. Johnson

This biography of LBJ is the latest in the well-received American Presidents Series.

BP oil spill spreads toward Pensacola, as wildlife toll rises

The BP oil spill is moving eastward, threatening beaches like Pensacola, Fla., as oil balls wash ashore and Gulf animals die at unusually high rates.

Rand Paul and the limits of the 'tea party' revolution

Rand Paul, Republican candidate for US Senate from Kentucky, is perhaps the closest thing there is to a 'tea party' candidate. In that light, his recent controversial comments are telling.

Texas textbook war: 'Slavery' or 'Atlantic triangular trade'?

Changes to social studies textbooks in Texas proposed by conservatives have resulted in a partisan uproar and generated interest far beyond the Lone Star State.

The Monitor's View: The weak spot in the financial reform bill

Bank size doesn't matter much in the financial reform bill. But it should. The Senate needs a debate, with Republican support, on whether to trust regulators to decide the size of the biggest banks.

Opinion: ObamaCare and the Constitution: What would Jefferson and Madison think?

A careful reading of the US Constitution shows no authority for the new health-care law's mandate to buy private insurance.

Grove Park Inn: Where the Obamas are heading on a weekend getaway?

The Obamas headed out for a short weekend break from Washington. Word has it they'll be staying at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. Maybe a little golf?

Opinion: Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck are not guilty of sedition -- but over-the-top 'tea-party' rhetoric doesn’t help

Overheated rhetoric from Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, and other 'tea party' activists may create barriers to serious conversation, but it's not seditious. When it comes to weighing free speech versus sedition, we should err on the side of freedom.

Our Founding Fathers' thoughts on the Supreme Court

Twitter hits Library of Congress: Would Founding Fathers tweet?

The Library of Congress plan to archive all communication on Twitter has us wondering how history would sound if Twitter had been around in 1776.

Citizens of London

The Americans who made it to London post-World War II found a vibrant city fueled by courage and resolve.

Hans Christian Andersen: 'Thumbelina' fairy tale enchants the Google homepage

Scenes from the Hans Christian Andersen story 'Thumbelina' replace the search engine's logo in this latest Google doodle.

Fed in hot water over secret bailouts

The Fed bailed out Bear Stearns without authorization from Congress or informing the public.