What was, was, and what is, is - Deb Spera





I love history, especially American history.  The characters, trials, and tribulations of the past deserve remembering and when appropriate honored or scorned.  Many today speak of hardship – but the hardship of yesteryear was life-threatening in a variety of ways.  Life was short for most. And those Americans and immigrants that ventured into the unknown or stood for what they believed in were amazing. 

As an amateur, I spent much of my free time researching characters such as Butch Cassidy, Wyatt Earp, and George Custer. The Civil War, Indian Wars, Johnson County, and the Bozeman Trail have always intrigued me.   I have explored many notable western locations including the Hole-in-the-Wall, Browns Hole, and the Dull knife Battlefield.  Now, after 40 years, I have retired from teaching and can commit more time to my pleasures.



My opinion is just that, opinion!



My opinion is just that, opinion.  No doubt some is wrong.  Sometimes it is tough to draw conclusions because writing can be biased, reading biased, memories change, and too little true data remains.  I have little doubt that major errors in history today are heralded as fact.  That is why we continue to research the past.  Many friends and family have pushed me to write a book.  In my experience, writing a book makes you financially focused on defending your writing rather than defending its accuracy.  I research because I love to research as much as I love history.

Throughout my blog, I will focus on some of my research – mostly Butch Cassidy at the start.  Because I hate to stick entirely with a script, I will throw in some occasional off-topic research.  I will start with a key argument and defend it.  I truly appreciate your comments as to why you agree with my opinion.  But more so, I want you to tell me where I might be wrong.  Make me dig.  Challenge me!  Help me learn to get it right.

I have lots to share!

Tom Affholter (Tom-the-Teacher)

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