The Protestant Reformation began in 1517 and the religious wars it triggered in Europe concluded in 1648 with the Treaty of Westphalia. The first European attempt to colonize America came in 1584 at Roanoke, the …
Posts by Neal Rauhauser:
American exceptionalism
![American exceptionalism](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bodyarmor_crop.jpg)
Neal agrees with the right: America is exceptional. That’s where the agreement ends, however.
Debunking crackpot conservatism
![Debunking crackpot conservatism](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ayn_rand_stamp.jpg)
As the political landscape becomes less tethered to reality, Neal attempts to inject some context.
Debt limit realities
![Debt limit realities](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/debt.jpg)
The economy’s bad, but further cuts to the social safety net will only make things worse.
Jobs create wealth
![Jobs create wealth](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/great-depression-unemployment-line.jpg)
By scrapping New Deal legislation, the government has created problems that can only be fixed by either reform or revolution.
Mahomet-Seymour back to school today
![Mahomet-Seymour back to school today](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/strike_notice.jpg)
The strike ended on Friday, and Neal offers a look at where things stand now.
Illinois politics in the desert
![Illinois politics in the desert](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/NetrootsNation.gif)
At Netroots Nation in Nevada, Neal spent some time with some local activists and candidates.
Road kids and chalk outlines
![Road kids and chalk outlines](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/roadkids6.jpg)
Neal happened upon a group of young travelers downtown this weekend, and their stories were worth documenting.
The C-U Coffee Party is born
![The C-U Coffee Party is born](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/coffee_party_sm.jpg)
The founder of the local chapter shares its origin story.