Free Republic

WASHINGTON — Representative John D. Dingell Jr., Democrat of Michigan, the longest serving member of Congress in history, on Monday was expected to announce that he will not seek re-election in 2014, and will leave Congress in 2015. Mr. Dingell, 87, has served in the House for more than 58 years, under 11 presidents.

Before sending Lewis and Clark west, Thomas Jefferson dispatched Meriwether Lewis to Philadelphia to see Benjamin Rush. The eminent doctor prepared a series of scientific questions for the expedition to answer. Among them, writes Stephen Ambrose: “What Affinity between their [the Indians’] religious Ceremonies & those of the Jews?” Jefferson and Lewis, like many of their day and ours, were fascinated by the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and thought they might be out there on the Great Plains. They weren’t. They aren’t anywhere. Their disappearance into the mists of history since their exile from Israel in 722 B.C. is...

Last Thursday, Israel celebrated 60 years as a modern nation. At 60, Israel has much to look back and be proud of. From its very first breath, Israel has had to fight for its life. The fact that this tiny oasis of freedom in the totalitarian Middle East is even around today to celebrate its 60th birthday is a testament unto itself. Depending on how you count, Israel has been involved in at least four wars against enemies who so vehemently and earnestly sought her destruction. Each time, Israel rose to the challenge, rallied its citizens and saved itself without...

LONDON (Reuters) - Penguins and stooges, tunnelers and forgers -- they were all there in London this week to remember Tom, Dick and Harry. These were the men who broke out of Nazi Germany's supposedly escape-proof camp Stalag Luft III on a moonless night in March 1944, creating one of World War II's most enduring legends and inspiring a classic war film. The Great Escape itself was 60 years ago but Squadron Leader Jimmy James, one of the 76 who escaped through the tunnel code-named Harry, clearly remembers the moments as he waited underground to scramble to freedom. "I felt...