I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my Country can inspire: since there is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity: Since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.
- George Washington, First Inaugural Address, 1789

1. The Life and Death of a Make-Believe White Man
   by Timothy G. Anderson
   The ways in which native Americans interacted with white people are explored uisng Joseph La Flesche as an example.  Joseph became the Omaha chief after the death of Big Elk. He advocated a fusion of the white and Omaha worlds.  He and his brothers and sisters all retired to the reservation, reinforcing traditional ties to the Omaha.  A pdf file for this article is available here.
   
2. The Perils of Political Logi9c and Rhetoric for American Democracy
   by Roland F. Moy
   The past ten years have exhibited patterns of political tactics and opposition that may logically imply a downward spiral of practice that will undercut the unwritten norms that historically have confined American democratic competition within manageable limits.  As the same time, we have seen the standards for rhetorical output stretch to new extremes, in a manner that does not bode well for constitutional stability.  The implications of these political trends are discussed.  A pdf file of this article is available here.
   
3. Charles Darwin: The Beagle Years (1831-36)
   by Harry Wistrand
   This article describes not only Darwin's growing scientific fame from sailing around the world on the Beagle, but also his personal life aboard the ship.  He was a gentle fellow who fit in well with all those on board.  A pdf file of of this article is available here.
   
4. The Rescue of the Bulgarian Jews
   by Patrick Kofalt
   The authorities in Bulgaria resisted Hitler's final solution with much more success than is generally thought.  How this happened is discussed.  Hitler was aware of those who defied his orders, but chose to ignore the issue.  A pdf file of this article is available here.
   
5. Telescopng Telomeres
   by Mary Ann F. Kirkpatrick
   
   The telomeres are tiny protective caps at the end of our 46 chromosomes.  During cell division they ensure the genetic information parent cells is accurately pased on and that chromosomes do not fuse with each other to form mutations.  The effect of telomeres on aging and cancer are explored.  A pdf file of this article is available here.
   
6. Are We There Yet?
   by Martha Gadberry
   
   The founding fathers of the American nation explored many issues of social policy.  To give one example, Madison wrote:  During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution. Enquire of the Teachers of Christianity for the ages in which it appeared in its greatest lustre; those of every sect, point to the ages prior to its incorporation with Civil policy. Issues like the quote from Madison are explored in depth in this article.  A pdf file of this article is available here.
   
7. Minstrel, Oh Minstrel, Sing Me a Cause
   by Seymour Raiz 
   
   The interesting history of singer Pete Seeger is discussed in detail, including his political troubles with the House Un-American Activities Committee and his conviction of contempt of Congress.  Though it all, Seeger continued on.  He toured over 30 countries and finally joined the civil rights struggle.  Note: this article is a reprint from 1993, a new feature of The Torch Magazine to bring to current readers important articles from the past.  A pdf file of this article is available here.