Podcast appearances and mentions of Benjamin Rush

Eating crickets and meat grown in a lab with cancer-like cells - WHO APPROVED THAT?! Scott Tips, president of the National Health Federation (NHF) and internationally recognized health freedom attorney, joins host, Jamie Belz, to help us understand the deeper mechanisms of Codex Alimentarius, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the global regulatory web that threatens access to nutrient-dense food, natural health remedies, and therapeutic supplements.   As the only health-freedom organization with official INGO (International Non-Governmental Organization) status at Codex, NHF is uniquely positioned to stand up for the public's right to safe, informed, and autonomous healthcare choices on the global stage.   Over the last 70 years, NHF has defended medical choice and challenged the federal government's overreach into nutrition, supplementation, and holistic healing.   Some quick topics/snippets from this episode: Codex creates international food law—affecting everything from vitamin dosage limits to whether or not your meat contains drug residues. Most people don't even know Codex exists. And yet, decisions made there determine what shows up in your grocery cart, your supplement bottle, and your child's plate. The U.S. can now force genetically modified foods into countries that don't want them — not through diplomacy, but through international tribunals using Codex standards as their weapon. Ractopamine is a drug with zero therapeutic value. It makes animals fatter, faster — but it's banned in the EU, China, and Russia. In the U.S., you're probably eating it. When you hear ‘scientific consensus,' be cautious. The phrase is used to bulldoze public concern. You can be banned for calling out corruption at Codex. At CODEX, NHF is the only one defending your right to natural health freedom. The EU, Russia, even Iran — they've stood up for consumer safety at Codex more than the U.S. delegates have. The scary thing isn't just what the FDA is doing. It's how many people still trust them, blindly — even when their actions have harmed more people than every U.S. war combined. We need advocacy from the ground up. Most parents feeding their kids toxic food don't even know it — because the truth has been buried. “Frankenmeat”, insect protein, and natural flavoring cover-ups, all of which bypass transparent labeling laws while being quietly introduced into the food supply. They're trying to outlaw homeopathy—while promoting lab-grown meat and insect protein as sustainable alternatives. We don't want to be right. We want to get it right.   “Unless we put medical freedom into the Constitution, the time will come when medicine will organize into an undercover dictatorship… To restrict the art of healing to one class of men and deny equal privileges to others will constitute the Bastille of medical science. All such laws are un-American and despotic.” - Dr. Benjamin Rush, Declaration of Independence signator and Surgeon General of the Continental Army   "If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls of those who live under tyranny.” - Thomas Jefferson   TAKE ACTION:  Join the National Health Federation for only $45/year to support international advocacy at Codex and receive the quarterly NHF magazine. This low-cost membership helps fund independent watchdog efforts that no other organization is legally authorized to perform at the global level. ⁠JOIN HERE⁠   Other mentions: ⁠⁠Ep 034: Fight For Your Right To Health Freedom⁠⁠ ⁠The HighWire report exposing Peter Marks and vaccine data suppression⁠    Health freedom is necessary. As government and corporate interests grow more entangled, grassroots advocacy is no longer optional. It's essential. Join the NHF and become part of the movement to reclaim sovereignty over what we eat, how we heal, and what we're allowed to know.    

On the fifty-ninth episode of the Constitutionalist, Ben and Matthew discuss Volume 1, Part 2, Chapter 7 of Alexis De Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" on the omnipotence of the majority. They discuss Tocqueville's warnings of the detrimental effects of democracy on the citizen. We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast co-hosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.

On the fifty-seventh episode of the Constitutionalist, Shane and Matthew discuss Volume 1, Chapter 2 of Alexis De Tocqueville's "Democracy in America." We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast co-hosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.

This week marks the 250th anniversary of the shot heard 'round the world at Lexington and Concord—where men of faith and freedom stood their ground. We dive into Easter reflections from Benjamin Rush, the historical courage of Rev. Jonas Clark, and the modern hypocrisy surrounding immigration and justice. Plus, a campus shooting at FSU reignites the debate around campus carry laws and the Second Amendment. Merch: https://fit-to-a-tee-promotions-inc.printavo.com/merch/american-crossfire YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@americancrossfire Twitter: American Crossfire (@AmericanCfire) / X Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AmericanCrossfire Health Y Sol Soap Affiliate: https://healthysolsoap.com?sca_ref=7272975.4Fusf3bLVy Join AmmoSquared and get $25 in ammo! https://ammo2.me/americancrossfire Buzzsprout Affiliate: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2316041 To stay up to date with the latest firearms news join the Pew Report @ pew.report

On the fifty-sixth episode of the Constitutionalist, Shane, Ben, and Matthew discuss Federalist 37, and Madison's teachings on political and epistemological limits. We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast co-hosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.

Dr. Larry R. Kaiser, MD, FACS, FCPP, President and CEO of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia discussed the organization, the oldest and most distinguished private medical society in America, and its public spaces, the Mutter Museum and Benjamin Rush Medicinal Garden. The College, founded in 1787 by 24 prominent Philadelphia physicians, including Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is an elected Fellowship organization of over 1,000 physicians, scientists, scholars, and community leaders committed to making meaningful contributions to patient care, public health, and advancing medical knowledge and education. Today its mission is to serve as a trusted educational resource and to further the understanding of health and disease for the betterment of society. The college is also a major resource center to scholarly research into medicine and its history, with the Historical Medical Library and its collection of rare books, medical journals and manuscripts. Dr. Kaiser discussed his biggest initiative, strengthening the Fellowship, building its membership and engagement, creating a Fellows Hub and increasing participation in the different ‘Sections’ devoted to special interests. He also spoke about the College’s outreach programming to local schools and educators, creating STEM and other curricula to encourage the next generation of physicians, scientists and researchers. We discussed the Mutter Museum, which shares stories of medicine and public health through incredible collections of rare books, archives, historical objects, and biological specimens. He discussed its current exhibit open to Museum visitors, Trusted Messengers: Community, Confidence, and COVID-19, which marks the five year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic and considers how to build trust in public health. Initially developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Museum in Atlanta, the Philadelphia version features materials used in the development of the COVID vaccine at Penn and spotlights local healthcare workers and organizations.Tickets may be purchased at www.muttermuseum.org. · Exhibition web link: http://muttermuseum.org/on-view/trusted-messengers We also discussed a special library exhibition on view now on weekends in the Norris Reading Room, Medicine and Mentorship: From the Archives. It highlights the many pathways physicians and other healers in the United States have followed to learn the art and science of medicine - as apprentices to other physicians, in private anatomy schools, and at home, using printed guides. The College also produces and hosts The History of Vaccines, an online resource to provide a living, changing chronicle of the compelling history of vaccination. The site aims to increase public knowledge and understanding of the ways in which vaccines, toxoids, and passive immunization work, how they have been developed, and the role they have played in the improvement of human health. The site also discusses some of the controversies about vaccination and some of the challenges, difficulties, and tragic events that have occurred in the use of vaccines.Finally, we talked about membership and the activities hosted by the College and Museum throughout the year. The annual Radiant Ball honors Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and one of the most important figures in the history of medicine, happening this year on April 25. There will be shimmering green lighting and Philly’s favorite hot jazz band, Drew Nugent & The Midnight Society, leading an evening of dancing with after-hours access to the museum, light bites, a silent auction, and access to rarely seen collection items related to Curie’s visit and work. Mütter's Day Brunch: On May 11th they will host a Members and Fellows Appreciation brunch event at the Museum. It will include food, refreshments, Museum admision, and a 20% discount in our Museum store. collegeofphysicians.orgmuttermuseum.org

This Day in Legal History: First American Anti-Slavery Society OrganizedOn April 14, 1775, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first American society dedicated to the abolition of slavery was organized. Known as the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, it marked a critical early step in the formal anti-slavery movement in the United States. Among its key founders were Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Benjamin Rush, both prominent figures of the American Enlightenment and signers of the Declaration of Independence. The society was composed primarily of Quakers, whose religious convictions aligned with the idea that slavery was morally wrong and incompatible with Christian values.While its initial activities were limited, the group laid the groundwork for more organized and effective abolitionist efforts in the decades to come. In 1787, after the American Revolution, the society was reconstituted as the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, with Franklin serving as its president. This reorganization gave the movement greater political clout and visibility. The society pushed for gradual emancipation, legal reforms, and the education and employment of freed Black individuals.Franklin's involvement lent substantial legitimacy to the cause, especially when he submitted a petition to the First Congress in 1790 calling for the federal government to take action against slavery. Although the petition was ultimately rejected, it sparked the first significant congressional debate over slavery in U.S. history. The 1775 founding of the original society represents a rare pre-Revolutionary acknowledgment of slavery's moral contradictions within the new American experiment. It also helped forge an early link between legal reform and moral advocacy, a tradition that would define much of the abolitionist movement in the 19th century.Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is set to face trial in Washington over allegations that it created an illegal monopoly by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) argues that these billion-dollar acquisitions were designed to eliminate emerging competition and solidify Facebook's dominance in the social media space. Filed in 2020, the case seeks to force Meta to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp, a move that would significantly impact the company's business, especially since Instagram alone is estimated to account for over half of its U.S. ad revenue.Meta's legal team has pushed back, calling the case weak and politically motivated. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify, facing scrutiny over past emails where he framed the Instagram acquisition as a defensive move against competition. Meta argues that the market has since changed, with strong competition from TikTok, YouTube, and Apple's messaging services.The FTC claims Meta still dominates platforms for sharing content among friends and family, while alternatives like Snapchat and MeWe lack sufficient market presence. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has allowed the case to proceed but acknowledged the FTC faces a tough road. The trial will run through July and, if the FTC prevails, a second trial will determine remedies like a forced breakup. The case is one of several targeting alleged monopolistic practices by major tech firms, including Google, Amazon, and Apple.Facebook owner Meta faces existential threat at trial over Instagram, WhatsApp | ReutersThe Trump administration has repeatedly accused immigrants of serious criminal ties—such as gang leadership or terrorism—without backing those claims with evidence in court. Presumably because they aren't interested in immediately perjuring themselves. One high-profile example involved the FBI's arrest of a Salvadoran man in Virginia, publicly labeled a top MS-13 leader and terrorist. Yet the Justice Department dropped the sole charge—illegal gun possession—and instead moved to deport him without pursuing gang-related allegations in court. A similar case involved Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported and later labeled a human trafficker, though no such charge appeared in legal filings. Officials also deported 238 Venezuelans alleged to be part of the Tren de Aragua gang, despite some having no criminal records. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended their imprisonment, citing national security, while declining to present supporting evidence. Legal experts caution that making unsupported public accusations risks undermining prosecutions and due process, as it can taint juries and violate Justice Department policy.Some judges have pushed back. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis emphasized that serious accusations should be vetted through the legal system, not just made in press conferences. Meanwhile, other alleged MS-13 members were charged through traditional indictments, showing the DOJ still uses evidence-backed prosecutions in some cases. Critics say the administration's approach mixes law enforcement with political messaging, leveraging public fear to justify aggressive immigration actions.Trump officials push immigrant gang message, but sometimes don't back it up in court | ReutersA group of Harvard University professors has filed a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from reviewing nearly $9 billion in federal grants and contracts awarded to the university. The lawsuit, brought by the Harvard chapter of the American Association of University Professors and its national organization, argues that the administration is unlawfully targeting the school to suppress free speech and academic freedom. The review was announced amid ongoing scrutiny of elite universities over pro-Palestinian protests, diversity programs, and transgender policies.Federal agencies including the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, along with the General Services Administration, began investigating $255.6 million in contracts and $8.7 billion in multi-year grants. They demanded Harvard meet conditions to continue receiving funds, such as banning protester mask-wearing, eliminating DEI programs, cooperating with law enforcement, and revising departments allegedly involved in antisemitic harassment.The administration has cited Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination at federally funded institutions, as its legal basis. However, the plaintiffs argue that the government has not followed the proper legal process and is instead using funding threats to impose political viewpoints. Harvard law professor Andrew Crespo said the government cannot silence speech it disagrees with through funding leverage.Harvard professors sue over Trump's review of $9 billion in funding | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Purchase Professor Rasmussen's book here.We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com  The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org.The Constitutionalist is a podcast cohosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.   

On the fifty-fourth episode of the Constitutionalist, Shane, Ben, and Matthew discuss the arguments of Martin Diamond and Herbert Storing in favor of preserving the Electoral College, presented to the Subcommittee on the Constitution of the Senate Judiciary Committee in July 1977. The readings may be accessed here: Martin Diamond: http://www.electoralcollegehistory.com/electoral/docs/diamond.pdf Herbert Storing (Chapter 21 in this volume): https://www.aei.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/-toward-a-more-perfect-union_154408483501.pdf?x85095 We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast co-hosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.

On the fifty-third episode of the Constitutionalist, Shane, Ben, and Matthew discuss Lincoln's famous "Temperance Address," delivered on Washington's birthday in 1842 to the Washington Society in Springfield, Illinois. We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast co-hosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.

What happens when two of the most influential organizations in natural health—the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) and the National Health Federation (NHF)—come together? In this powerful one-off episode, fresh off the NHF Conference, Jamie Belz and Mike Belz unpack the most eye-opening moments, shocking revelations, and inspiring calls to action from a weekend spent with an incredible organization passionately fighting for our health freedoms since 1955.   From Codex Alimentarius to FDA overreach, and the shocking story of NHF's founding to HEALTH FREEDOM quotes from Benjamin Rush and Thomas Jefferson, this conversation dives deep into the fight for medical sovereignty, transparency, and the right to choose your own path to wellness.   In this episode: The history and mission of the NHF How the FDA and other agencies are restricting natural health practices Why bio-individuality must be protected "If I find something that works well for me in my personal health journey - and I'm not harming anyone else - who should be allowed to tell me I cannot choose that methodology?" The sobering truth behind food regulation and supplement censorship Thomas Levy's quote, "We cannot approach science by committee and convenience." What you can do right now to make a difference   This episode is a megaphone for the movement—a rallying cry for anyone ready to stand up, speak out, and take their health into their own hands. We have worked so hard to get to where we are today - and the future looks bright - but WE need to back those leading the charge. The fight for health freedom is about the future of our children and the right to thrive, not just survive. The fight is NOW!   Links & Resources: Nutritional Therapy Association Website National Health Federation Website Foundations of Healing Course (NTA) Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) Program Contact: admissions@nutritionaltherapy.com Children's Health Defense (Sign up for their newsletters!) Green Med Info Global Wellness Forum   Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and help us keep the message strong. TOGETHER, WE ARE #ReversingTheTrend of preventable poor health!

WE ARE A CHRISTIAN PEOPLE, AND THE MORALITY OF THE COUNTRY IS DEEPLY ENGRAFTED UPON CHRISTIANITY. Those were the words of Chief Justice James Kent of the United States Supreme Court, written by him in his opinion for the 1811 Case: People v. Ruggles.There were 56 signers of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 29 of those original 56 signers ATTENDED SEMINARY! All 29 were Christian of various denominations and beliefs; but again, all were Christian. Most of them held orthodox Christian beliefs. Here the words of the very first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, John Jay, who said:“UNTO HIM WHO IS THE AUTHOR AND GIVER OF ALL GOOD, I RENDER SINCERE AND HUMBLE THANKS FOR HIS MANIFOLD AND UNMERITED BLESSINGS, AND ESPECIALLY FOR OUR REDEMPTION AND SALVATION BY HIS BELOVED SON.”Chief Justice Jay was a strong Christian. And so was the so-called FATHER OF THE REVOLUTION, Samuel Adams, who said of Jesus Christ:“I RECOMMEND MY SOULD TO THAT ALMIGHTY BEING WHO GAVE IT, AND MY BODY I COMMIT TO THE DUST, RELYING UPON THE MERITS OF JESUS CHRIST FOR A PARDON OF ALL MY SINS.”Sam Adams was a strong believer.And so was Benjamin Rush, who said of Jesus Christ:“NOTHING BUT HIS BLOOD WILL WASH AWAY MY SINS. I RELY EXCLUSIVELY UPON IT (HIM).”Another strong confession in faith by Founding Father Rush, who himself was a strong Christian. And so were other founding fathers including John Dickinson, Charles Carroll, and Roger Sherman. And even Benjamin Franklin, perhaps the least religious of the founding fathers, even said during the Constitutional Convention:“I HAVE LIVED, SIR, A LONG TIME AND THE LONGER I LIVE THE MORE CONVINCING PROOF I SEE OF THIS TRUTH, THAT GOD GOVERNS IN THE AFFAIRS OF MEN.”A strong religious statement, a strong belief in God even if not necessarily the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.It is apparent, based upon the historical record, that the majority of the founding fathers, those who were responsible for our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, and the moral foundation of our country, were in fact orthodox Christians.And, hear the words of John Adams who said:“OUR CONSTITUTION WAS MADE ONLY FOR A MORAL AND RELIGIOUS PEOPLE. IT IS WHOLLY INADEQUATE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF ANY OTHER.”To paraphrase those words, the further America moves away from its religious roots, and the morality contained therein, the more our very special Constitution looses value and authority, and it becomes, as John Adams well said, “inadequate to the government of any non-Christian or non-religious entity or nation.”But more importantly for the long term, Noah Webster, legislator, judge, educator, and soldier in the revolution, said:“THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION IS THE BASIS, OR RATHER THE SOURCE, OF ALL GENUINE FREEDOM IN GOVERNMENT. I AM PERSUADED (SAID WEBSTER) THAT NO CIVIL GOVERNMENT OF A REPUBLICAN FORM CAN EXIST AND BE DURABLE IN WHICH THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIANITY HAVE NOT A CONTROLLING INFLUENCE.”Not only were the doctrine and theology of Christianity important, but the principles, the moral precepts of Christianity were absolutely essential to any government and especially the founding of the government and the nation of the United States of America. The founding fathers identified Christianity as fundamental to the creation of our country and even more importantly, ESSENTIAL to the continuation of self-governance. The principles and concepts of the Ten Commandments, the wisdom of the prophets of old, and the moral teachings of Jesus Christ in the gospels, and the Pauline principles in the New Testament books thereafter, were indeed the spiritual, philosophic, and political basis upon which America was founded, established in time, and counted upon as absolutely ESSENTIAL for the continuation and survival of this great country.But, these same solidly Christian founding fathers made it very clear that no one would be compelled to adopt Christianity, believe in it, or practice the principles of Christian theology. Every other legitimate religion would be respected and fully allowed, embodied so clearly in the words of our First Amendment:“CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF.”America, then and now, would never permit under any circumstances one religion to be adopted by the country, like England of old, no religion established, forced, or required for any citizen in any way. In fact, just the opposite, it was the absolute right of every citizen of this great country that each would be permitted the very free exercise of any legitimate religion anywhere in this country.But understand my fellow Americans, that this First Amendment freedom and absolute right applied only to the Federal Government. That allowed the individual states, 13 at the time, to openly advocate for certain religious practices if the majority of the citizens of that state so decided. In actual historical fact, 8 of the 13 states had a state recognized or endorsed church or religion. 8 OUT OF 13! Some of the states even required public officials to be Christians as a precondition to holding office. Every one of the 13 states openly and publicly promoted Christianity through their educational systems requiring all children in the educational system to be instructed in the “truth of Christianity.”So then, the moral principles, the practices and beliefs which underly our Constitution and our Bill of Rights fully revealed in inspired scripture are indeed the foundation, the source, the basis of all of the freedoms and inalienable rights which we enjoy and so often, to our shame, take for granted. America and WE THE PEOPLE were at one time fully Christian, moral in our lifestyle and way of life, strong spiritual beliefs that themselves made us strong. How far this great country and We The People have moved from our very special spiritual beginnings and it is critical, crucial, absolutely essential that we return to these very same critical and essential principles, way of life, if this great country will continue and even survive. Our God is real, the very basic and most essential part of the founding of our country and without His blessing and without our moral change-back, America cannot survive. There is time and opportunity to do just that, and we cannot allow those forces which are essentially anti-American and as such, anti-Christian to prevail.NOW MORE THAN EVER, WE THE PEOPLE MUST FIGHT THE FIGHT OF FAITH!

On the fifty-second episode of the Constitutionalist, Shane, Ben, and Matthew are joined by Jordan Cash, Assistant Professor at the James Madison College at Michigan State University, to discuss Texas's declaration of independence from Mexico, and its annexation by the United States. We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast cohosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.

On the fifty-first episode of the Constitutionalist, Shane Leary and Matthew Reising discuss James Madison's Note on Property for the National Gazette, published March 27, 1792 We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast cohosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.

To commemorate the fiftieth episode of The Constitutionalist, Benjamin Kleinerman, Shane Leary, and Matthew Reising discuss the Constitution of 1787. We want to hear from you! Constitutionalistpod@gmail.com The Constitutionalist is proud to be sponsored by the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. For the last twenty years, JMC has been working to preserve and promote that tradition through a variety of programs at the college and K-12 levels. Through their American Political Tradition Project, JMC has partnered with more than 1,000 scholars at over 300 college campuses across the country, especially through their annual Summer Institutes for graduate students and recent PhDs. The Jack Miller Center is also working with thousands of K-12 educators across the country to help them better understand America's founding principles and history and teach them effectively, to better educate the next generation of citizens. JMC has provided thousands of hours of professional development for teachers all over the country, reaching millions of students with improved civic learning. If you care about American education and civic responsibility, you'll want to check out their work, which focuses on reorienting our institutions of learning around America's founding principles. To learn more or get involved, visit jackmillercenter.org. The Constitutionalist is a podcast cohosted by Professor Benjamin Kleinerman, the RW Morrison Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Founder and Editor of The Constitutionalist Blog, Shane Leary, a graduate student at Baylor University, and Dr. Matthew Reising, a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Princeton University. Each week, they discuss political news in light of its constitutional implications, and explore a unique constitutional topic, ranging from the thoughts and experiences of America's founders and statesmen, historical episodes, and the broader philosophic ideas that influence the American experiment in government.