Author: Alfredo Casuso

2027: Una verdadera causa de celebración
por David Eugene Perry

Me encanta la historia. De niño, en 1976, me sentaba frente al televisor con una grabadora de casetes para grabar los “Bicentennial Minutes” de Walter Cronkite. Había estado anticipando una celebración gozosa del semiquincentenario de nuestro país este año: había estado.

Como se vuelve vergonzosamente más claro con cada tuit, el presidente actual —legalmente elegido, en verdad— no está a la altura ni interesado en la unidad, la dignidad y la gravedad que este momento merece. Por lo tanto, he decidido centrarme en otro aniversario importante: no el inicio de nuestra lucha por la libertad, sino aquel aspiracional por la verdadera igualdad de justicia ante la ley.

En 2027, Estados Unidos alcanza un hito discreto pero profundo: 240 años desde la firma de la Constitución de los EE. UU., el documento que reformó el futuro de la nación y sentó las bases de la democracia estadounidense tal como la conocemos. Ese noble sueño puesto en pergamino ha tenido tiempos difíciles últimamente. Quizá sea hora de un pequeño repaso histórico.

La cronología constitucional:

La creación de la Constitución no fue un solo momento, sino un proceso deliberado que se desarrolló a lo largo de varios años críticos:

• Mayo–septiembre de 1787 – Los delegados se reúnen en la Convención Constitucional en Filadelfia, inicialmente encargados de revisar los Artículos de la Confederación.

• 17 de septiembre de 1787 – Se firma la Constitución de los Estados Unidos, estableciendo un nuevo marco para el gobierno federal basado en la separación de poderes, los controles y equilibrios, y la soberanía popular.

• 21 de junio de 1788 – Se logra la ratificación cuando New Hampshire se convierte en el noveno estado en aprobar la Constitución, alcanzando el umbral necesario para que entre en vigor.

• 4 de marzo de 1789 – La Constitución entra oficialmente en vigor, marcando el inicio del gobierno federal bajo su nueva estructura.

• 15 de diciembre de 1791 – Se ratifica la Carta de Derechos (las primeras diez enmiendas), salvaguardando libertades fundamentales como la libertad de expresión, la religión y el debido proceso.

El nacimiento de la presidencia estadounidense:

Junto con la Constitución surgió una institución completamente nueva: la presidencia.

• 30 de abril de 1789 — George Washington es investido como el primer Presidente de los Estados Unidos en la ciudad de Nueva York.

• 1789–1797 – Washington cumple dos mandatos, estableciendo precedentes duraderos: el Gabinete, el control civil de las fuerzas armadas, la independencia judicial y la transferencia pacífica del poder.

Por qué 2027 importa:

Mientras la nación conmemora con razón 2026 como el 250.º aniversario de la Declaración de Independencia, 2027 marca algo igualmente vital, si no más: 240 años desde que los estadounidenses se comprometieron a gobernarse bajo el imperio de la ley, y no bajo la tiranía de los individuos.

La perdurabilidad de la Constitución no es accidental. Sobrevive —si no prospera en este momento— porque equilibra estabilidad con adaptabilidad. Es un marco lo suficientemente fuerte como para habernos guiado durante 239 años y —si renovamos nuestro compromiso con él— capaz de sobrevivir al presidente actual y a su régimen conscientemente cruel.

Estados Unidos de América nació durante la Ilustración, aunque una “Ilustración” que confinó a millones de seres humanos a cadenas y servidumbre. No siempre “lo hicimos bien”. Pero, al acercarnos al aniversario de nuestros a menudo titubeantes intentos de una unión más perfecta, concentrémonos en cumplir —y ampliar— los derechos inalienables de Nuestra Constitución. Eso —especialmente si las elecciones de medio término de este año nos dan esperanza de tal cumplimiento— merecerá gallardetes y fuegos artificiales en abundancia.

David Eugene Perry es un autor galardonado y estratega de comunicación con una larga trayectoria. Originario de la Commonwealth de Virginia, aprecia el lema y la bandera de su estado: Sic Semper Tyrannis / Así siempre a los tiranos, con un déspota y su corona caída bajo los pies de la diosa romana de la Virtud.

2027: A Real Cause for Celebration 
by David Eugene Perry

I love history. As a boy in 1976, I sat in front of the TV with a cassette player recording Walter Cronkite’s “Bicentennial Minutes.” I had been anticipating a joyous celebration of our country’s Semiquincentennial this year: had been.

As is made more embarrassingly clear every tweet, the current president— legally elected in truth — is not up to nor interested in the unity, dignity and gravitas this moment deserves. Therefore, I have decided to focus on another important anniversary: not the start of our fight for freedom but rather its aspirational one for true equal justice under law.

In 2027, the United States reaches a quiet but profound milestone: 240 years since the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the document that reshaped the nation’s future and laid the foundation for American democracy as we know it. That noble dream put to parchment has been having a rough go lately. Perhaps it’s time for a little historical review.

The Constitutional Timeline:

The creation of the Constitution was not a single moment, but a deliberate process that unfolded over several critical years:

• May–September 1787 – Delegates convene at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, originally tasked with revising the Articles of Confederation.

• September 17, 1787 – The U.S. Constitution is signed, establishing a new framework for federal government based on separation of powers, checks and balances, and popular sovereignty.

• June 21, 1788 – Ratification achieved when New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to approve the Constitution, meeting the threshold required for it to take effect.

• March 4, 1789 – The Constitution officially goes into force, marking the beginning of the federal government under its new structure.

• December 15, 1791 – The Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments) is ratified, safeguarding fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process.

The Birth of the American Presidency:

Alongside the Constitution emerged a brand-new institution: the presidency.

• April 30, 1789 — George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States in New York City.

• 1789–1797 – Washington serves two terms, establishing enduring precedents: the Cabinet, civilian control of the military, judicial independence, and the peaceful transfer of power.

Why 2027 Matters:

While the nation rightly commemorates 2026 as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 2027 marks something equally vital, if not more so: 240 years since Americans committed to governing themselves under the rule of law rather than the tyranny of individuals.

The Constitution’s endurance is not accidental. It survives, if not at the moment thrives, because it balances stability with adaptability. It’s a framework strong enough to have guided us for 239 years — and if we recommit to it — able to outlast the current president and his consciously cruel regime. 

The United States of America was birthed during the Age of Enlightenment, albeit an “Enlightenment” that confined millions of humans to chains and servitude. We didn’t always “get it right.” But, as we approach the anniversary of our often stilted attempts at a more perfect union, let us concentrate on fulfilling — and expanding— the inalienable rights of the Our Constitution. That — especially if this year’s midterms give us hope for such a fulfillment — will be worth bunting and fireworks galore.

David Eugene Perry is an award winning author and longtime communications strategist. Originally from the Commonwealth of Virginia, he cherishes his state’s motto and flag: Sic Semper Tyrannis / This Always to Tyranny, with a despot and his fallen crown under the feet of the Roman Goddess of Virtue.

From Builders to Bon Vivants: A Union Square Hotel Steeped in San Francisco History

San Francisco is a city that reinvents itself—but its most compelling places never forget where they began.

At the corner of Powell and O’Farrell, just steps from Union Square, stands a hotel whose walls have quietly witnessed more than a century of the city’s evolution. Long before it became the beloved Villa Florence, and long before its current life as The Barnes, this building was known as The Manx—and its story begins in the aftermath of catastrophe.

Built for a Reborn City (1908–1909):

The building opened its doors in 1908, just two years after the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. In a city racing to rebuild itself, The Manx was originally designed to house bridge builders, engineers, and tradespeople—the men shaping the new San Francisco skyline.

By 1909, The Manx had transformed into a full-service hotel, quickly becoming a lively gathering place in the heart of Union Square. Its spacious lobby, modern comforts, and central location made it a favorite for travelers arriving by rail and streetcar, eager to experience a city very much alive again.

“Meet Me at the Manx”:

In the early 20th century, The Manx was more than a hotel—it was a landmark. Advertisements encouraged visitors to “Meet me at the Manx,” a phrase that captured its role as a social hub for locals and visitors alike.

During Prohibition, like many San Francisco institutions, the hotel gained a quieter, more clandestine reputation. Behind closed doors, a hidden speakeasy kept spirits—and spirits—high, offering refuge from the bustle of the streets outside.

War, Strategy, and Secrecy (1940s):

History took a dramatic turn during World War II, when The Manx served as the U.S. Navy’s West Coast headquarters. Decisions made within its rooms played a role in the Pacific theater, adding a layer of national significance to the building’s already rich story.

From roaring nightlife to wartime strategy, the hotel adapted—always remaining at the center of San Francisco’s unfolding narrative.

The Villa Florence Era (Late 1980s–2022):

In 1987, the hotel entered a new chapter when it became the Villa Florence Hotel, embracing an Italian-inspired elegance that would define it for more than three decades. With its European warmth, ornate interiors, and the beloved Kuleto’s Italian restaurant, Villa Florence became a favorite among visitors who wanted boutique charm with a deep sense of place.

For many San Franciscans and returning guests, Villa Florence wasn’t just a hotel—it was their hotel.

The Barnes: A New Chapter, Same Soul:

Today, the building lives on as The Barnes San Francisco, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. While the name has changed, the spirit remains unmistakably tied to its past.

From builders and bridge men to wartime strategists, from Prohibition-era revelers to generations of travelers, this corner of Union Square has always been a place where stories converge.

The Barnes doesn’t erase that history—it inherits it.

January 30, 1847: The Naming of San Francisco 

Today in history: On January 30, 1847, the town of Yerba Buena was officially renamed San Francisco. This change was implemented to establish a distinct identity for the growing settlement and to prevent confusion with another nearby town that was to be named “Francisca.” That town is now known as Benicia and was named in honor of Francisca Benicia Carillo de Vallejo, the wife of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. 

The renaming of Yerba Buena marked a significant moment in San Francisco’s history, setting the stage for its development during the California Gold Rush and its emergence as a major urban center. In 1847, San Francisco had about 600 residents, which boomed to 60,000 a decade later during the Gold Rush.