Lawrence Lease
Bio
Alaska born and bred, Washington DC is my home. I'm also a freelance writer. Love politics and history.
Achievements (1)
Stories (304)
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Forged in Fire: The Untold Story Behind China’s Most Powerful Leader
If you want to understand the world we’re stepping into, you have to understand Xi Jinping. That realization hit me years ago—quietly at first, and then with the force of a geopolitical earthquake. Every headline, every trade dispute, every military exercise in the Taiwan Strait, every shift in global alliances… somehow, it all traced back to a single man who, for most of his life, existed in the shadows.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in BookClub
How Gen Z Killed Chipotle: The Rise, Glory, and Slow Fade of America’s Fast-Casual King
For a long stretch of the late 1990s and early 2000s, Chipotle wasn’t just popular. It dominated. The chain that once redefined fast food with massive burritos, customizable bowls, and an aura of coolness practically owned the lunch crowd. College students swore by it. Young professionals stood in lines that wrapped out the door. Even people who normally couldn’t care less about fast food had an opinion on what protein belonged in a proper burrito bowl.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in FYI
The Cracks in the Coalition: Inside the Unraveling of Trump’s Once-Unstoppable Alliance
When Donald Trump descended that now-legendary golden escalator inside Trump Tower on June 16th, 2015, he launched what most pundits assumed would be a doomed vanity campaign. What followed, of course, was anything but. Trump assembled one of the most unusual political coalitions in modern American history: Rust Belt factory workers and Wall Street donors, rural evangelicals and suburban business owners, border hawks and free-market Republicans. Groups that historically regarded each other with suspicion—or outright hostility—somehow found themselves voting in the same direction.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in The Swamp
“Kill Everybody”: The Double-Tap Scandal Rocking Washington—and Why the World Is Paying Attention
For a story involving two words, the political fallout has been seismic. According to a bombshell Washington Post investigation, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly issued a verbal command on September 2nd that may go down as the most consequential utterance of his career—and perhaps the most dangerous for America’s global standing.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in The Swamp
7 Infamous Military Blunders that Should Not be Forgotten
Pancho Villa Expedition Before World War I, America was fighting in Mexico, after Mexican general Pancho Villa attacked mining executives in 1913. General John J. Pershing brought 10,000 troops into Mexico. Pershing managed to achieve some victories against Villa, but was never able to capture the general himself. The American military attempted to spin the expedition as a learning experience, while Pershing said their return was "sneaking home under cover."
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in FYI
The Case That Crumbled: Why Bryan Kohberger’s Guilty Plea Feels Like Justice Denied
Three years ago, Bryan Kohberger left the Poconos to study at Washington State University. He's wasn't your average graduate student, he had been accepted into their prestigious PhD program in criminal justice. On paper, it was the perfect start to a future career in law enforcement. Instead, it was the start of a freefall into darkness.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in Criminal
Debunking Four Myths About Israel and the Palestinian Conflict
For the past several months we have been flooded with disturbing images and reports from Gaza. These images depict atrocities that have sparked outrage and sympathy across the globe. However, it's important to address the misinformation and myths that surround the rather complex history of Israel and the Palestinians. These myths can lead to misunderstandings and cloud productive discussions about the conflict.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in FYI
The House of Saddam: A Look into the Reign of Iraq's Notorious Dictator
Saddam Hussein was a name that for decades invoked fear, intrigue, and complexity and served as the President of Iraq from 1979 to 2003. His reign was characterized by brutal suppression of opposition, a plethora of regional and international conflicts, and a cult of personality that attempted to position him alongside history's great conquerors like Saladin and Nebuchadnezzar. The "House of Saddam" is not just a metaphor for his rule but a reference to his family, who were key players in the political saga of Iraq and the wider Middle East. This article delves into the life of Saddam Hussein, his rise to power, his family's involvement in the governance and downfall of Iraq, and the legacy he left behind.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in History
Breaking Down the 'Two-State Solution'
In the annals of Middle Eastern diplomacy, very few events hold the significance of the 1993 summit in Oslo, Norway. Here a historic occasion unfolded as Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization Negotiator Mahmoud Abbas signed their names onto the Oslo Accords. This historical agreement supported the two-state solution, the goal of a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in History
The Best Places to Go for Christmas
Christmas is only 22 days away. Whether you are alone for the holidays or a family celebrating the holiday season, consider taking your celebration outside wherever you call home. Christmas destinations located across the country, means you're only a road trip away from a memorable holiday. From sunny shores to winterscapes there are several places that could be considered the best places to go for Christmas.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in Beat
The Art of Playing Poker: Strategies, Tips, and Etiquette
Poker is an ancient card game that stood the test of time and seen as a blend of skill, strategy, and luck. The game evolved from smoky back room to mainstream culture, televised tournaments, and online platforms. It remains a favorite for both casual players and professionals alike. For those looking to enter into this fascinating game, understanding its core concepts, strategies and etiquettes is crucial.
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in Gamers
Five Things That Leave Us Asking Questions About The JonBenet Ramsey Case
On the morning of December 26, 1996, at around 5:30 a.m., Patsy Ramsey, a devoted wife and mother living in Boulder, Colorado, started her day like any other. She got out of bed and made her way downstairs in her family’s sprawling mansion to brew some coffee. But what she found on the staircase was far from ordinary—it was shocking. Sitting there was a ransom note addressed to her husband, John Ramsey. The note began:
By Lawrence Lease3 months ago in Criminal
