Commentaries by Michael Blissenbach

On January 5, 1968, a US grand jury indicted child psychologist Dr. Benjamin Spock and several others for conspiring to aid draft dodgers. Spock was tried and convicted, but his conviction was later overturned. Read United States v. Spock by the US First Circuit Court of Appeals.

On January 5, 1909, Colombia recognized Panama as an independent nation. With support from the US, Panama had achieved de facto independence from Colombia in 1903. Panama had twice declared independence from Colombia before in 1830 and 1840 but was defeated each time and re-occupied by Colombian forces. Finally, pro-independence forces declared separation from Colombia in 1903, while the Colombian military was kept at bay by the US Navy. Learn more about the history of Panama and its modern independence.