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Jase shares how a backyard celebration turned into a revival, with over 50 people baptized and many more surrendering to Christ. Miss Kay makes a rare public appearance and lights up the event with hugs, laughter, and heartfelt conversations. The guys debate when civil disobedience becomes necessary, what makes a martyr, and how worship itself can become warfare in a world that resists truth. Exploring arguments made by America's Founding Fathers when crafting the Declaration of Independence, they're reminded that real freedom begins at the foot of the cross. In this episode: Joshua 5; Revelation 12, verse 11; Romans 13; Acts 2; Genesis 1, verses 26–27; John 8, verse 36; 2 Corinthians 10, verses 3–5; John 10; Acts 4; Psalm 82 “Unashamed” Episode 1124 is sponsored by: https://cozyearth.com/unashamed — Get 45% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more when you use our link or code UNASHAMED at checkout! https://ruffgreens.com — Get a FREE Jumpstart Trial Bag for your dog today when you use promo code Unashamed! https://onekingdom.org — Donate to One Kingdom today to help share the gospel! Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John Adams is arguably America’s most underrated Founding Father. He has no currency that bears his image. No national holidays celebrate his birth. He’s nearly never named as anyone’s favorite president. And he has no dedicated memorial in Washington, D.C. Despite this, he was perhaps the most influential early American, rivaling Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin. Adams was a key advocate for American independence, nominating Washington as commander of the Continental Army and helping draft the Declaration of Independence. As president, he averted war with France through the Convention of 1800, prioritizing peace despite political backlash. He also defended British soldiers in the Boston Massacre trial, showcasing his commitment to justice, and laid the foundation for the U.S. Navy by establishing the Department of the Navy in 1798. How can this be remedied? Today’s guest, Jackie Cushman, is the Chair of the Adams Memorial Commission, created by Congress to establish a Washington, DC memorial to John Adams and his family. She seeks to commemorate the lives of him and his descendants, as the original philosopher-statesmen of America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of America's Founding Series on The P.A.S. Report Podcast, Professor Nick Giordano brings to life the powerful story of Benjamin Rush, a brilliant and provocative Founding Father who helped shape the moral and medical foundation of the United States. As a signer of the Declaration of Independence, an early abolitionist, and the father of American psychiatry, Rush fought for liberty not only with his pen, but through revolutionary ideas on public health, mental illness, and education. From challenging slavery to reconciling Adams and Jefferson, this episode explores how Rush's fearless voice helped heal a new nation and why his legacy still matters today. Episode Highlights: How Benjamin Rush fused Enlightenment ideals with revolutionary action to become one of the most influential and outspoken Founding Fathers Rush was one of the earliest abolitionists and mentored Black leaders like Richard Allen The dramatic reconciliation of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson—engineered by Rush behind the scenes
Jonah Goldberg and Remnant guest emeritus Chris Stirewalt are coming to you live from a necrophiliac brothel in Rangoon (more commonly referred to as the American Enterprise Institute) to school the children, pontificate on the problem with third parties and why America owes Al Gore an apology, and take a walk down Declaration of Independence lane. Show Notes:—Vintage Jonah for National Review: “Is Gore An Alien?”—Jonah's installment in The Dispatch's The Next 250 series—Chris Stirewalt on Calvin Coolidge—Calvin Coolidge, “Address at the Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Declaration” The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including Jonah's G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join us as we talk about the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the BBB. 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
Rich in What Matters to God: A Reflection on Independence and Humility The Homily reflects on the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, . . . . . . acknowledging the progress the U.S. has made since 1776, while emphasizing that the nation is still a work in progress. The original declaration stated that “all men are created equal,” but in practice, equality was historically denied to many groups . . . Catholics, non-whites, African Americans, and women. Over time, the concept of equality has expanded, but the work continues. The Declaration and the Teachings of Jesus The Homily draws parallels between the ideals of the Declaration and the teachings of Jesus, particularly the gospel parable of the rich man who stores up wealth for himself but is spiritually empty. The Homily warns against placing faith in materialism or self-sufficiency, especially in a culture where young people often feel they don't need God. True richness, they argue, is found in justice, humility, truth, and care for others . . . values that align with God's vision. The homily ends by referencing a post-WWII statement from Bing Crosby, suggesting that even in moments of national victory, we should feel humbled rather than proud, recognizing the sacrifices made and the opportunity to serve as instruments of peace and justice. Listen more to this Meditation Media. Listen to Rich in What Matters to God: A Reflection on Independence and Humility -------------------------------------------------------------- Quote From The Homily That's true for each person, each country, our country to be rich in what matters to God. And that's what's so important, and to be rich in what matters to God is to be rich in justice, in truth, in humility, in caring for the needy. That's what matters to God. That's what God preached throughout the whole Old Testament and what Jesus lived and died for. -------------------------------------------------------------- Declaration of Independence: American Artist: John Trumbull, 1817 He has been called “The Painter of the Revolution”. -------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 9-13 First Reading: Genesis 23: 1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67
What happens when a nation forgets its Christian foundations? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the spiritual crisis facing America and how returning to biblical principles offers the only viable solution for our troubled republic.The collapse of marriage isn't a mystery - it's directly tied to our abandonment of God's design. When men and women refuse to embrace their distinct, complementary roles as outlined in Scripture, they make the institution itself unappealing. This pattern extends beyond our homes into every aspect of society. As John Quincy Adams observed, America's greatness stemmed from combining "in one indissoluble bond Christianity and civil politics."We examine what Scripture teaches about confronting sin, particularly through the lens of 1 Corinthians 5. While we aren't called to judge those outside the church, we must lovingly hold fellow believers accountable. This isn't about condemnation but about restoration - "deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."The Declaration of Independence reminds us that our republic was founded on theological truths - that our rights come from our Creator, not from government. This foundation was essential to American liberty. Without it, we're left with competing human opinions about rights, a contest inevitably won by those with the most power.Looking ahead, Christians must prepare themselves and their communities. This means training our youth both spiritually and practically, supporting businesses aligned with godly values, and strengthening local institutions. Through daily Bible reading, prayer, and submitting to God's design, we can begin the essential work of renewal - not just for ourselves, but for our nation.Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most iconic documents in United States history. But what do we really know about how it came to be? In our most recent episode, historian Emily Sneff helped us explore the Declaration through your questions–questions that revealed just how complex, living, and contested this document still is. So in today's Revisited episode, we take a listen to the podcast that Emily helped to produce back in 2017: Episode 141: A Declaration in Draft. Originally part of the Omohundro Institute's Doing History: To the Revolution! Series, this episode features three distinguished scholars: Danielle Allen, Patrick Spero, and Peter Onuf, Together, these scholars reveal that many hands and minds shaped the Declaration of Independence. They also help us dive into some of the document's contradictions around slavery and equality. Emily's Website Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/415 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES
Do you have easy access to a printed copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? Tune in to The Public Square® today to hear more. Topic: Rediscovering American History The Public Square® with hosts Dave Zanotti and Wayne Shepherd thepublicsquare.com Air Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Have we forgotten what the Declaration of Independence really means, here is what I believe was the actual intent of the document and what ideals the Founding Fathers we looking to achieve
Dr. Larry P. Arnn joins Hugh Hewitt for a special replay of a Fourth of July program in which they discuss Professor Harry V. Jaffa's classic interview with Hugh Hewitt on the Declaration of Independence. Release date: 04 July 2016See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For all the festivities around July 4, the nation's founding document, the Declaration of Independence, actually depicts a wounded, fearful society, teetering on the brink of disaster. Sound familiar? Along with the ideals it expresses, the Declaration of Independence mourns for something people lost in 1776 − and now, too. Texas flood disaster...FEMA, only for red states? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Dr. Larry P. Arnn joins Hugh Hewitt for a special replay of a Fourth of July program in which they discuss Professor Harry V. Jaffa's classic interview with Hugh Hewitt on the Declaration of Independence. Release date: 04 July 2016
Dr. Larry P. Arnn joins Hugh Hewitt for a special replay of a Fourth of July program in which they discuss Professor Harry V. Jaffa's classic interview with Hugh Hewitt on the Declaration of Independence. Release date: 04 July 2016See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 2016, Congress established the America250 Commission to plan events to celebrate the semiquincetennial. America250 Commission Chair Rosie Rios joins us to talk about several of these events which will occur over the next year, including the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade that took place on June 14, 2025, and other initiatives that the public can participate in leading up to the anniversary. She also talks about serving as the 43rd Treasurer of the United States (2009-2016). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the heels of Independence Day, I want to say to the millions of Americans that we fought and at least temporarily have won the greatest revolution to date in this country. A war no Founding Father could have predicted, given the technologies of today.But their forethought allowed us to see the big picture, and we won in 2016, and perhaps dealt a death blow to Leftism in 2024.Understand that the Declaration of Independence didn't give us our independence but confirmed that we already had it…I saw a meme on July 4: The Earth is 4.5B years old and you get to be alive during the Trump presidency!We are getting our country back.But that won't stop the naysayers. No matter how great the news. You would think that if we get legitimate good news, we should all celebrate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 2016, Congress established the America250 Commission to plan events to celebrate the semiquincetennial. America250 Commission Chair Rosie Rios joins us to talk about several of these events which will occur over the next year, including the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade that took place on June 14, 2025, and other initiatives that the public can participate in leading up to the anniversary. She also talks about serving as the 43rd Treasurer of the United States (2009-2016). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pastor Ken Olson shared with us a message on “Finding Your Voice in Prayer.” Noting that our nation's Declaration of Independence declares that we, as citizens, have the right to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He further added, “There's nothing more empowering, more enabling to pursue life, liberty, and happiness and so many other things that God has planned for our lives than a pursuit of a lifelong relationship through prayer with our Heavenly Father.” Heaven isn't just a place. Heaven is a divine flow!Our Links–• Join The Prayer Movement!: https://theprayermovement.com• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwordmn• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingwordmn• Stay up to date with all things LWCC at https://www.LWCC.org• Join our Online Church community here: https://www.lwcc.org/onlinechurch• Give online: https://www.lwcc.org/give/• If you recently committed your life to God, we'd like to give you a free eBook to help you in your spiritual journey. Click here to download: https://www.lwcc.org/nextsteps/#LivingWord #ChurchSermon #Worship
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.What a great way to address the King of England, who obviously disagreed. Unfortunately, this strong assertion of a natural right left out two things. First, all men and all women are created equal. Secondly, the Founding Fathers, brilliant as they were, conveniently seemed to forget the fact that slavery, the enslavement of Black men and women, existed in the colonies, and those men and women were surely not equal. But the target, the enemy was the King, and these men, 56 of them from 13 different colonies, were determined to live free and sever all ties with Great Britain.At the beginning of the Declaration of Independence, a masterful political document constructed by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 56 Founding Fathers made this statement:WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT, THAT ALL MEN ARECREATED EQUAL, THAT THEY ARE ENDOWED BY THEIR CREATOR WITH CERTAIN INALIENABLE RIGHTS, THAT AMONG THESE ARE LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.These 56 men were determined to confront the King of England with the fact that there were UNALIENABLE RIGHTS for all mankind, ignored by Great Britain, but those rights were the natural rights which were given by God, the Founders called Him the Creator, and those unalienable rights could not be changed, reduced, or eliminated in any way. Those rights were part of the birthing process of all men and all women. They are not derived from or given from government, but, one could say, they were part of the DNA of every human being. They were determined, these 56 men, that the 13 colonies and all who came thereafter would enjoy those rights and privileges including, and among others, Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.ALL should be able to live life as they choose, accumulate their fortunes, and enjoy the fruits of their labors and earnings, without oppressive taxation or forfeiture of property or monies. ALL should be entitled to everything which LIBERTY entails, including all the rights and freedoms which were later (1787) embodied in the Constitution of the United States, that great document of 1789. ALL are entitled to the Pursuit of Happiness, however that individual defines happiness, and all such rights and privileges are unconditional with one exception. That is, that those rights can not turn from freedoms to mere licenses with respect to behavior and can not diminish or conflict the rights of others. No one has rights superior to those of anyone else.Without the freedoms of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, there can be no freedom of religion (The First Amendment). Those freedoms are essential to the expression, practice, and belief of true religion. And, of course, they are essential, foundational, to the great First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of petition, and freedom of assembly, more basic rights, birthing rights and never conveyed or instituted by government itself.11 years later, in 1787, these 56 Founders and their successors, the authors of the Declaration of Independence, met once again in Philadelphia, and in 1787 began the drafting of the Constitution of the United States which was issued as a formal document in 1789. The broad and incredible language of the Constitution is illuminated by the principles set forth in the Declaration. The seminal passage in the Declaration is so very important:WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT.The Declaration of these truths and these rights came from the long tradition of natural law, which holds that there is a “higher law” of right and wrong from which human law should be derived. Therefore, government, any government, would be instituted with a primary purpose to SECURE THOSE RIGHTS, those natural rights, those unalienable rights, those self-evident rights, chief of which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.How unfortunate today that so many of those rights, privileges, and truths, are taken for granted, assumed, unappreciated. Perhaps they never will be fully understood or appreciated until such time as they are taken away. Those 56 men, those authors of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, told the 13 colonies and the world at large at the end of the document this very sacred oath:AND FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS DECLARATION, WITH A FIRM RELIANCE ONTHE PROTECTION OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE, WE MUTUALY PLEDGE TO EACH OTHER OUR LIVES, OUR FORTUNES, AND OUR SACRED HONOR.These 56 men were so determined to effectuate the freedom of the colonies, the freedoms in which they believed for them and all mankind, the freedom from Great Britain and the freedom among many others to freely pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They pledged their lives for that purpose. They were willing to die, if necessary, to achieve these goals. They were willing to give up everything, their fortunes, their property, anything and everything if necessary. And most importantly, perhaps, as a moment of honor, they would never deviate in any way from this FREEDOM MISSION. That was real patriotism. How wonderful it would be if that were, once again, to be the pledge, the oath, the statement of the sacred honor of close to 400 million Americans, the privileged people who live in and enjoy the fruits and blessings of this great country. The day may come, the day may be near, when we who love freedom will need indeed to give our lives, our fortunes, and all we have for the freedoms we so richly enjoy.Thank you, America, and God Bless America!
What did the Founding Fathers really believe about God, the Bible, and the future of America?In this special episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged, we're joined by Tim Barton of WallBuilders as he delivers a captivating and eye-opening talk from the 2024 Christians Engaged Conference.Tim walks through powerful stories from American history—letters from John Adams, forgotten sermons that shaped the Declaration of Independence, and the two-hour prayer meeting that opened the first Continental Congress. You'll hear how deeply faith and the Bible influenced the birth of our nation and how early leaders like George Washington, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin recognized God's hand in America's founding.Tim also breaks down recent Supreme Court victories that are turning the tide for religious freedom in our nation—including the overturning of the Lemon Test—and why now is the time for Christians to go on offense in the cultural and legal arenas.➡️ Don't miss these bold, truth-filled insights from one of America's leading Christian historians—watch now and be encouraged to pray, vote, and engage with boldness.
How did we just kick off our year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence? Tune in to The Public Square® today to hear more. Topic: Rediscovering American History The Public Square® with hosts Dave Zanotti and Wayne Shepherd thepublicsquare.com Air Date: Monday, July 7, 2025
The leader of the George Ellis Orchestra of Sydney, Australia, is featured again in Part 2 of his 2-part series. He speaks with keen insights into topics like changes in the world and hopes he has for improvement, as well as we see the Lightning Round to help us really get to know his interests. Enjoy!The Historical marker of the week includes Vasco de Gama, The Declaration of Independence and Spice Girls. The prophet Nehemiah chapter 9 is our text of the day.Support the showThanks for listening. Please share the pod with your mates, and feel free to comment right here! Write to Bob on his email -- bobmendo@AOL.comLink to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078996765315 on Facebook. Bobs Your Uncle features the opinions of Bob Mendelsohn and any of his guests.To financially support the podcast, go to the Patreon site and choose Gold, Silver or Bronze levels. Thanks for that! https://www.patreon.com/BobsYourUncle To read Bob's 1999 autobiography, click this link https://bit.ly/StoryBob To see photos of any of Bob's guests, they are all on an album on his Flickr site click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobmendo/albums/72177720296857670
Welcome back to Dark Histories and Yesterday Today, where this week we're going all the way back to 1776 to have a quick look at the declaration of independence, before zipping ahead to 1947 and the weird reprts coming from Roswell of Flying Saucers! ------ For almost anything, head over to the podcasts hub at darkhistories.com Support the show by using our link when you sign up to Audible: http://audibletrial.com/darkhistories or visit our Patreon for bonus episodes and Early Access: https://www.patreon.com/darkhistories The Dark Histories books are available to buy here: http://author.to/darkhistories Dark Histories merch is available here: https://bit.ly/3GChjk9 Connect with us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/darkhistoriespodcast Or find us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/darkhistories & Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dark_histories/ Or you can contact us directly via email at contact@darkhistories.com or join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/cmGcBFf The Dark Histories Butterfly was drawn by Courtney, who you can find on Instagram @bewildereye Music was recorded by me © Ben Cutmore 2017 Other Outro music was Paul Whiteman & his orchestra with Mildred Bailey - All of me (1931). It's out of copyright now, but if you're interested, that was that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This past Friday, the United States celebrated the Fourth of July, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. America's history is marked by periods of both hardship and prosperity, which have profoundly influenced our legislation, culture, and perspectives in numerous ways. Presidential historian and author Craig Shirley takes a deep dive into how America has evolved over the years, from the ebb and flow of patriotism and polarization in Congress to patterns in presidential elections and the legislation that follows. Later, executive editor and anchor of 'The Story With Martha MacCallum,' Martha MacCallum breaks down a recent FOX News poll that reveals 58% of Americans take pride in their country, representing an increase of nearly 13 points compared to the same time last year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – This Independence Day weekend, I reflect on God's gift of liberty and the founding principles that shape our nation. The Declaration of Independence reminds us that our rights come from God, and we're called not just to seek happiness, but to pursue virtue and wisdom. Let's give thanks for freedom and the opportunity to live it out...
Thomas Jefferson was America's golden boy. Author of the Declaration of Independence, secretary of state under George Washington, vice president to John Adams, and 3rd president of the United States, he penned famous words like "all men are created equal," and "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." For this, he's often remembered as a moral champion who fought for equality and liberty for all. But there was another side to Thomas Jefferson, a darker side, one he kept well hidden. Despite his passionate prose, Jefferson enslaved some 600 people in his lifetime. Despite calling slavery "moral depravity" and a "hideous blot," he himself knowingly traded in human lives, authorized the beatings of children, intentionally sold them away from their families, all while benefiting immensely financially. So who was Thomas Jefferson really? America's golden boy or... something else? Tune in to find out! Support the show! Join the Patreon (patreon.com/historyfixpodcast)Buy some merchBuy Me a CoffeeVenmo @Shea-LaFountaineSources: The White House Historical Association "Thomas Jefferson"The White House Historical Association "The Enslaved Household of President Thomas Jefferson"Smithsonian Magazine "The Dark Side of Thomas Jefferson"Encyclopedia Britannica "Thomas Jefferson"Monticello.org "Monticello Affirms Thomas Jefferson Fathered Children with Sally Hemings"Slate Magazine "Thomas Jefferson Was Not a Monster"Shoot me a message!
On this episode of Think Theory Radio we discuss the history of American conspiracies! How do modern political conspiracy theories mirror ones from the days of the founding fathers? What are some of the craziest ones from the early days of the United States? Was the Declaration of Independence a manifesto of misinformation? These questions and much more!!!
There are many thoughts and opinions about America's founding fathers, but one thing is incontrovertible: they willingly signed their death warrants when they signed their names to the Declaration of Independence. This week, we consider their level of commitment and examine our own for what we believe.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Pastor Larry reminds us of the profound spiritual roots that shaped our nation. The phrase 'all men are created equal' isn't just a political statement—it's a deeply biblical concept. This idea, rooted in Genesis 1:27 where both man and woman are created in God's image, reminds us of our inherent worth and equality before our Creator. It challenges us to see every person, regardless of race, gender, or social status, as equally valuable in God's eyes. As we reflect on this, how might it change the way we treat others in our daily lives? Are we truly living out this biblical principle of equality in our communities and churches? Let's consider how we can better embody this foundational truth in our interactions with others, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect that reflects God's love for all humanity.The Gathering Church is located in Midland, Texas.You can watch our live worship experience online at mygathering.liveVisit our website at https://www.mygathering.churchConnect with us on Social Mediahttps://facebook.com/mgatheringhttps://Instagram.com/mygatheringhttps://Twitter.com/mygatheringGOD | COMMUNITY | PURPOSE
This past Friday, the United States celebrated the Fourth of July, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. America's history is marked by periods of both hardship and prosperity, which have profoundly influenced our legislation, culture, and perspectives in numerous ways. Presidential historian and author Craig Shirley takes a deep dive into how America has evolved over the years, from the ebb and flow of patriotism and polarization in Congress to patterns in presidential elections and the legislation that follows. Later, executive editor and anchor of 'The Story With Martha MacCallum,' Martha MacCallum breaks down a recent FOX News poll that reveals 58% of Americans take pride in their country, representing an increase of nearly 13 points compared to the same time last year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this Fourth of July Week, Will You "Stand in the Gap" for Our County to Participate in and Lead a Great Awakening and Spiritual Renewal in America? MESSAGE SUMMARY: On July 4, 1776, the signers of the Declaration of Independence began a revolution which started the United States of America. The Revolution was rooted in the belief that all people, even the King and governmental leaders, are subject to the rule of God and not above the law and; and everyone is endowed by God, our Creator, with certain inalienable rights. Many people have tried to deny that America's founders created a country which wove together the idea of self-governance with Christian principles. Now, it appears, the focus is to get rid of things relating America to Christianity, the Bible, or anything that smacks of God – and, pretty much these efforts to remove God's influence from the public square, appear to be succeeding. We need to hear, in Today's sermon, what our founders said regarding America's Christian base. However, not long after the enactment of the Constitution in the late 1700s, morality and church attendance declined drastically into a Spiritual Depression. The answer became the nationwide implementation of "Concerts of Prayer", across all Christian denominations, that led to an American Spiritual Awakening. Today, through our actions, laws, and cultural revisions of our founding Christian principles, we have told God that we don't want Him around. Therefore, God has obliged us; and He has done what He said He would do -- God is withdrawing His presence and His protection and holding back His divine wisdom, which has guided us for so many years. God is leaving us to reap the consequences of our focus away from Him and without Him. The Lord Said through Ezekiel: "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.". We must have a Spiritual Awakening, in our country, beginning today! Will You "Stand in the Gap"? TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, Sabbath rest is truly an unbelievable gift! Thank you that there is nothing I can do to earn your love; it comes without any strings attached. As I close my eyes for these few minutes before you, all I can say is, thank you! In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 133). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Ezekiel 22:30; Daniel 4:28-32; Matthew 22:19-21; Isaiah 29:8-21; (Click the Bible References, in blue, below to read the full Bible text for these Scripture References.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Is Your Faith Yours, or Is Your Faith a Faith Derivative of the Faith of Others?”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
In this special Independence Day episode of American Potential, guest David Gowdy—founder of the Virginia Institute for American History—joins host David From to explore the creation of America's most iconic document: the Declaration of Independence. Gowdy shares how Thomas Jefferson, just 33 years old, drew from classical thinkers and the Virginia Declaration of Rights to pen the revolutionary words “all men are created equal.” The conversation dives into the meaning of this phrase, the influence of Jefferson's ideas on Abraham Lincoln's fight against slavery, and the contradiction of Jefferson's personal slave ownership despite his public opposition to the institution. Gowdy also explains why understanding Jefferson's view of rights as granted by the Creator—not the government—is crucial to preserving freedom today. Listen in for a thought-provoking discussion on the timeless principles that sparked a revolution, inspired generations, and continue to challenge Americans to live up to their founding ideals.
The Roads to the Declaration of Independence....
Let's talk about Trump vs the Declaration of Independence....
As the U.S. celebrates 249 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, CBS Evening News co-anchor John Dickerson spoke with documentarian Ken Burns about his new film on the American Revolution and the importance of telling the story of American History. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Join Richard Harris and historian David Barton on the Truth & Liberty show as they celebrate America's founding and uncover the biblical principles behind our nation's birth. From the Declaration of Independence to today's cultural battles, this episode challenges believers to remember our God-given rights, reclaim our Christian heritage, and stand boldly for truth and liberty. Charlie Kirk is coming to the T&L Annual Conference, which is scheduled for Sept 11-13. Register Now! Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.truthandliberty.net/subscribe Get "Faith for America" here: https://store.awmi.net/purchase/tal102 Donate here: https://www.truthandliberty.net/donate Original Air Date 07-04-25
The story of July 4, 1776, is both fact and myth. It is the day Americans celebrate the Declaration of Independence despite the fact that not every signature was obtained that day. Many forget about the significance of April 19, 1775, or the start of the Revolution, which until that point had been about resolving issues of rights and liberties within the British Empire. The idea behind the Revolution itself is oversimplified, and had a lot more to do with guns and money than taxes and tea. These stories are a mixture of truth and myth, and they are necessary to found civilization. As Joseph Campbell wrote: “Whenever men have looked for something solid on which to found their lives, they have chosen not the facts in which the world abounds, but the myths of an immemorial imagination.” The myths of the United States' founding are so monumental, including mysterious figures who supposedly designed the Great Seal and flag, visions by George Brinton McClellan and George Washington, and even a mystery person who swayed the signers of the Declaration of Independence, that they made it across the ocean to the far east. One Japanese book depicts the likes of George Washington fighting alongside the American goddess in one image and punching a tiger in another, while John Adams summons a giant eagle and kills an enormous snake. These depictions remind us of Apollo killing the python, archangel Michael stabbing the serpent satan, Siegfried killing a dragon, or the Japanese Susanoo killing Yamata no Orochi. The power of myth sometimes shapes historical events as great cataclysms, while other times the latter shape great events. Kingdoms rise and fall in relation to the stars, a comet, an astrological alignment, etc., while omens about natural disasters are explainable by science but confined to the realm of myth, which as Campbell notes, is the “substance of dreams.” Some things, however, are not myths, including how James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams all died on the Fourth of July. And the odd synchronicities between Abraham Lincoln and John Kennedy. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.-FREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVEX / TWITTER FACEBOOKWEBSITECashApp: $rdgable EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / TSTRadio@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
#622: #622: The headlines said America added 147,000 jobs in June. The reality? Private companies actually cut 33,000 positions. Grad students just lost access to unlimited borrowing. Parent PLUS loans now cap at $65,000. And tariffs are about to jump as high as 70 percent. Everything is changing at once — taxes, tariffs, student loans, and immigration policy. And data from the University of Michigan says that consumers feel more pessimistic than they did six months ago. Welcome to the 4th of July First Friday episode. On America's 249th birthday, we unpack these economic stories. Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (0:00) Introduction (1:19) Historical trivia about the Declaration of Independence (2:28) Three presidents died on July 4th — statistical improbability explained (4:24) Trump signs domestic policy bill extending 2017 tax cuts (6:13) Student loan changes — borrowing caps and repayment plan eliminations (8:53) Tariff pause expires July 9th, new rates announced (12:00) Original tariff rates and Lesotho example breakdown (16:26) June jobs report headlines versus private sector reality (22:54) ADP reports private job losses while government hiring grows (26:46) Consumer confidence drops 18 percent since December (30:59) Inflation expectations versus actual 2.4 percent rate (34:19) Fed takes wait-and-see approach amid policy uncertainty (36:58) Labor market stagnation mirrors Federal Reserve strategy For more information, visit the show notes at https://affordanything.com/episode622 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Parental rights score wins at the Supreme Court. We look at the importance of the Declaration of Independence on this July 4th and discuss the legacy of Jimmy Swaggart. Recommendations Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West by Andrew Wilson Liberty's Kids : American Revolution Segment 1 - Supreme Court Decisions and the Death of Jimmy Swaggart MAHMOUD ET AL. v. TAYLOR ET AL. First Things: SCOTUS Takes on Big Porn Segment 2 - Independence Day Breakpoint: Is It Really ‘Self-Evident' That We Are Equal? Segment 3 - America's Gambling Addiction What Would You Say?: Is sports gambling okay? Breakpoint: Betting on the Final Four: The Scourge of Sports Gambling Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life by David Bahnsen Submit a question to Breakpoint here! __________ Register for the Colson Fellows Program with your spouse and save 25% at colsonfellows.org. Register for the upcoming webinar Truth, Love, and Humor: Faith Without Fear at greatlakessymposium.org.
Greg Jenner is joined in the eighteenth century by Professor Frank Cogliano and comedian and actor Patton Oswalt for a special Fourth of July episode all about the American War of Independence. Also known as the American Revolutionary War, 2025 marks 250 years since the start of the conflict in 1775, when the first battles between the British army and the colonial resistance were fought at Lexington and Concord. But what caused Britain's North American colonies to rebel against the king and government in London? At what point did they start to see themselves as American and not British? And how did a colonial militia take on an imperial superpower? This episode charts the growing rift between Britain and its American colonists, taking in famous events like the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party and the calling of the first Continental Congress, all the way through to the Declaration of Independence and the course of the revolutionary war itself. We learn how America fought to free itself from the shackles of British rule, and meet some well-known names from history, including Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and George Washington. And we also ask whose freedom was being fought for, and who – such as Black and Indigenous Americans – got left behind. If you're a fan of fearless freedom fighters, political wrangling and stunning military victories, you'll love our episode on the American War of Independence.If you want more American political history, listen to our episode on Becoming America, or episodes on abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth. And for more independence movements, check out our episode on Simón Bolívar.You're Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past.Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Charlotte Emily Edgeshaw Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars
What's really in a hot dog? Why does the letter “s” look like “f” in the Declaration of Independence? Are bald eagles actually bald? On this unique Fourth of July edition of Catholic Answers Live, we dive into five fun mysteries of Independence Day. Plus, callers ask deep theological questions: Did Christ always have a human nature? Can Genesis reflect ancient myths while remaining divinely inspired? Did the apostles expect the Second Coming in their lifetimes? Is it possible that angels are saints from a previous universe? And what happens to grace when a baptized person commits mortal sin? Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:30 – Top 5 Mysteries of the 4th of July 14:25 – Why do some oppose the Traditional Latin Mass? 15:43 – Did Christ always possess a human nature, or did God gain a human nature at the moment of the Incarnation? What is the best language to describe this mystery? 18:28 – Could Genesis incorporate contemporary myths like the Mesopotamian flood stories to explain God’s actions, such as the Flood, using familiar cultural narratives? 31:47 – Why did the Church transition from severe fasting to weekly abstinence and now allows other penances in the US? Is this spiritual progression good or bad? 42:08 – Did the apostles believe the Parousia (Second Coming) was imminent during their lifetimes? 48:32 – Is it conceivable that angels are saints from a previous iteration of the universe? 52:22 – Does a baptized person who commits a mortal sin lose all grace until Confession, despite the indelible mark of baptism?
Dr. Mark Kalthoff of hillsdale College The post The Declaration of Independence – Dr. Mark Kalthoff, 7/4/25 (1852, Encore) first appeared on Issues, Etc..
Happy Independence Day!
Join Jim and Greg as they honor America on its 249th birthday by reflecting on what they love about the United States. Originally aired in 2021, they each extol three things they deeply appreciate about our nation.First, Jim focuses on the incredible variety of places to live in the U.S. Whether you like big cities, rural areas, or somewhere in between, you can find your sweet spot somewhere in this country. Greg heaps praise upon the founders and specifically the Declaration of Independence, which radically and boldly proclaimed our rights come from God and our government gets its power from the people.Next, Jim reflects on his time living in Turkey and how being in that country or any other country helps you appreciate what we have in America even more. Greg is grateful for the example America set that attracted our ancestors and so many others to leave everything and come - legally - to the U.S. Finally, Jim applauds the great people you meet in every corner of the U.S. Yes, there's even some nice ones in and around Washington. Greg points to the incredible physical beauty of our land from coast to coast.Please visit our great sponsors:No missed calls, no missed customers with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://Openphone.com/3mlIt's free, online, and easy to start with no strings attached. Enroll in the American Foreign Policy course FREE with Hillsdale College. Visit https://Hillsdale.edu/Martini
Guests: Matthew Spalding & Robert R. Riley We revisit two previously aired interviews for this special Independence Day episode. Host Scot Bertram talks with Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale in D.C., about Thomas Jefferson's influence on the Declaration of Independence. And […]
Are "the Don" & Bibi being less than forth-coming concerning "Debacle in the Desert Part VII"? As most of us now realize, war is the biggest racket of all! The primary purpose of the Banking Cartels is to fund all sides of every war right up until the grand finale, which the predator class is doing their darndest to bring about. Here's some food for thought that the legacy and controlled op networks may have missed. Is there a connection between Iran and ancient Atlantis? What was Persia's influence on early America, and did Zoroaster's Gathas serve as the basis for the Declaration of Independence? Does this current regime aim to swap Iran's true birthright of an enlightened libertarianism for an elitist controlled technocracy? Moshe Daniel Block returns for a part 2 discussion that we had with him on a prior and immensely popular Alfacast. Dr. Moshe, ND, VDP, HMC, VNMI, is a naturopathic doctor, author, and innovator in mind-body medicine who graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2000. He created and teaches the Vis Dialogue, a transformative mind-body healing technique that has helped thousands achieve life-changing results, and offers a full certification program in Holistic Counseling (holistic-counseling.ca). Having overcome myasthenia gravis with the medicine he practices, Dr. Moshe also provides personal healing programs for chronic illness and emotional suffering (dr-moshe.com). While this episode may lean in a bit more on geopolitics, we'll conduct our analysis in typical Alfacast fashion through an Alchemical lens. For those new to our channel, "Alchemy" is the authentic Science-based method of inquiry grounded in pragmatic application. Fundamental to this occulted methodology is the principle of transmutation, and why Man was given the responsibility to wield this natural mechanism toward the third and final Golden Age. Rudolph Steiner's "The War of All Against All" and Ahriman's involvement will receive additional attention to lend extra depth to these current events rooted in bygone civilizations and the forces now bringing world chaos to its ultimate crescendo. Show links: https://dr-moshe.com/ Get tickets to the Homesteaders Jamboree in Concord, NC! Use code Winner50 to get $50 off your ticket. https://homesteadersunited.com/ Learn The True Nature Of Dis-Ease & How Our Bodies Actually Work: https://alfavedic.com/themyth/ Join Our Private Community And Join In The Discussion: https://alfavedic.com/join-us/ Follow our new YT channel: / @offgridelegance Start healing yourself and loved ones with ozone! https://alfavedic.com/ozone Get our favorite blue blocker glasses! https://alfavedic.com/raoptics Learn how to express your law and uphold your rights as one of mankind. https://alfavedic.com/lawformankind Alfa Vedic is an off-grid agriculture & health co-op focused on developing products, media & educational platforms for the betterment of our world. By using advanced scientific methods, cutting-edge technologies and tools derived from the knowledge of the world's greatest minds, the AV community aims to be a model for the future we all want to see. Our comprehensive line of health products and nutrition is available on our website. Most products are hand mixed and formulated right on our off grid farm including our Immortality Teas which we grow on site. Find them all at https://alfavedic.com Follow Alfa Vedic: https://linktr.ee/alfavedic Follow Mike Winner: https://linktr.ee/djmikewinner
It's Friday, July 4th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Muslim mob disrupts Christian retreat in Indonesia On June 27, a mob of 200 Muslims stormed a Christian youth retreat at a home in Indonesia, driving out participants and damaging property, as police and soldiers looked on reports Morning Star News. Ironically, after praying at the mosque that Friday, they carried banners and shouted, “Destroy that house, destroy that house.” – referring to the home in Cidahu District in the West Java Province. They damaged windows, toilets, a gazebo, and garden. Claiming that a house should not be used as a place of worship, the Muslim mob also threw a motorbike into a nearby river and damaged the main gate. Videos circulating online show a man climbing a wall and removing a wooden cross attached to it, which he then uses to break a window. House sends Big Beautiful Bill to Trump's desk On July 3, the House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill to implement President Donald Trump's agenda, sending it to the president's desk, reports The Epoch Times. The bill cleared the House in a 218–214 vote, following an all-night session as Republicans scrambled to win over holdouts who had derailed an earlier attempt to advance the 940-page measure. House Speaker Mike Johnson was exuberant. JOHNSON: “This is the vote tally card. We're gonna frame this one. Okay? 218-214.” The vote also came after Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries held the floor — for what C-SPAN confirmed was a new length record — to lambast the bill for more than eight hours. The only two Republicans who voted against it were Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, alongside the entire House Democratic Caucus. House Speaker Johnson said the Republicans knew they had to get Trump's bill passed in light of the gift of unified government. JOHNSON: “We believed in the election cycle last fall that we were going to be given this great blessing of unified government, that we would have the White House and the Senate and the House aligned -- unified government. “We had a tough four years before this last election cycle. America was in, we were in deep trouble. We knew that if we won, and we believed we would, we knew that if we got unified government, we'd have to quite literally fix every area of public policy. Everything was an absolute disaster under the Biden-Harris radical, woke, progressive Democrat regime.” The legislation enacts many of Trump's domestic policy initiatives, including tax cuts as well as boosting spending for the border and defense. The passage marks a major victory for Republican leadership and Trump, who had to contend with a diverse group of holdouts who objected to the Senate's version of the bill for various reasons, including its effect on the deficit and deeper cuts to Medicaid. House Speaker Johnson, an Evangelical Christian, expressed his gratitude to God. JOHNSON: “We took the best effort that we could, in One Big, Beautiful Bill, to fix as much of it as we could. And I am so grateful to God that we got that done as we did. “I do believe in God. I believe in that motto that is what has made our nation the greatest in the history of the world. And some people shake their heads and they think that's old fashioned or something. That is a fact. “When the framers put this together. They stepped out in faith. They did something that no nation had ever done before. The great statesman, philosopher G.K. Chesterton of Great Britain, said, ‘America is the only nation in the world that was founded upon a creed. And he said it's listed with almost theological lucidity [or clarity] in the nation's birth certificate: the Declaration of Independence.' “We hold these truths to be self-evident. We recognize, we boldly proclaim the self-evident truth that her rights do not come from the government. They come from God Himself.” Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds.” The bill will head to Trump's desk ahead of a self-imposed July 4 deadline. He is expected to sign it at 5 p.m. ET today. 4 killed and 14 wounded in Chicago drive-by at rapper party On Wednesday night, four people died from gunshot wounds and 14 others were hospitalized following a drive-by shooting in Chicago, reports The Associated Press. At least three were in critical condition. Three shooters fired out of the SUV before they drove away. No suspect is in custody. Pastor Donovan Price talked to Channel 8 News. PRICE: “An SUV pulls up and just opens fire on a crowd of people. It was absolute chaos, from people screaming to blood on the streets to people laying on the streets. Just a massive police presence. Horrific. More than I've ever seen.” The shooting took place in Chicago's River North neighborhood, a popular nightlife destination with many restaurants and bars. It was outside a restaurant and lounge that hosted an album release party for a profane rapper named Mello Buckzz, whose actual name is Melanie Doyle. Hip hop lyrics are filled with calls to violence. Ironically, her boyfriend was one of those shot. Thirteen women and five men, ranging in age from 21 to 32, were shot. The dead included two men and two women. On his X account, Pastor Price wrote, “Just sitting in my car crying for some of the people I held tonight.” Psalm 11:5 says, “The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, He hates with a passion.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said that the violence “has left our city in a state of grief.” RFK Jr. cites link between Hepatitis vaccine and autism Appearing on Tucker Carlson's podcast, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. talked about the link between the Hepatitis vaccine for babies and autism, reports LifeSiteNews.com. He referenced a Centers for Disease Control study that was buried. KENNEDY: “They looked at children who had received the hepatitis vaccine within their first 30 days of life, and compared those children to a children who had received the vaccine later or not at all, and they found a 1,135% elevated risk of autism among the vaccinated children. It shocked them. They kept the study secret, and they manipulated it through five different iterations to try to bury the link.” Secretary Kennedy also referenced 100 other studies and the new studies at the Health and Human Services Department which will be completed by September. KENNEDY: “The external literature is showing over 100 studies that indicate that there is a link. “But we're going to do real science. The way that we're going to do that is we're going to make the databases public for the first time. We have already put out grant requests. Any scientists with credentials can apply for a grant and tell us how they want to go about studying these. We're going to get real studies done for the first time.” (You can watch the entire 90-minute interview on a variety of topics here) Worldview listeners in Nicaragua and Mexico speak up And finally, Bob Kelly wrote me at Adam@TheWorldview.com. He said, “Hello from rural Nicaragua [in Central America,] the 30th most difficult country worldwide to be a Christian, [according to Open Doors.] We like your emphasis on our brothers and sisters who are suffering for Christ.” And Hannah Van Kirk in Mexico said, “My three kids -- Tessa, Reese, and Lincoln -- and I have been listening to The Worldview for a year. We include it as part of our homeschool day. We enjoy the update and prayer reports about the persecuted Christians. And we appreciate that you occasionally suggest that we send get well cards to Christian leaders who are sick or cards of encouragement to others who are standing up against the world. We also enjoy the uplifting stories.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, July 4th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
In this Independence Day special, Lisa is joined by historian Dr. Brion McClanahan for a deep dive into the founding of America. Together, they explore the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence, the principles that fueled the Revolution, and the bold resistance to British tyranny. They also set the record straight on common myths about America's founding and discuss why preserving the ideals of liberty and self-governance is more urgent than ever today. The Truth with Lisa Boothe is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Tuesday & Thursday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Get the facts, without the spin. UNBIASED offers a clear, impartial recap of US news, including politics, elections, legal news, and more. Hosted by lawyer Jordan Berman, each episode provides a recap of current political events plus breakdowns of complex concepts—like constitutional rights, recent Supreme Court rulings, and new legislation—in an easy-to-understand way. No personal opinions, just the facts you need to stay informed on the daily news that matters. If you miss how journalism used to be, you're in the right place. In today's episode, you'll learn everything there is to know about Independence Day in the United States. The Lead Up and Adoption of the Declaration of Independence (0:00) What the Declaration of Independence Says (9:33) Fourth of July Celebrations (13:17) Fun Facts (15:15) SUBSCRIBE TO JORDAN'S FREE NEWSLETTER. Watch this episode on YouTube. Follow Jordan on Instagram and TikTok. All sources for this episode can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
America is turning 250. And we're throwing a yearlong celebration of the greatest country on Earth. The greatest? Yes. The greatest. We realize that's not a popular thing to say these days. Americans have a way of taking this country for granted: a Gallup poll released earlier this week shows that American pride has reached a new low. And the world at large, which is wealthier and freer than it has ever been in history thanks to American power and largesse, often resents us. We get it. As journalists, we spend most of our time finding problems and exposing them. It's what the job calls for. But if you only focus on the negatives, you get a distorted view of reality. As America hits this milestone birthday, it's worthwhile to take a moment to step back and look closely at where we actually are—and the reality of life in America today compared to other times and places. That reality is pretty spectacular. Could Thomas Jefferson and the men gathered in Philadelphia who wrote down the words that made our world—“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”—ever have imagined what their Declaration of Independence would bring? The Constitution. The end of slavery—and the defeat of Hitler. Astonishing wealth and medical breakthroughs. Silicon Valley. The most powerful military in the world. The moon landing. Hollywood. The Hoover Dam. The Statue of Liberty (a gift from France). Actual liberation (a thing we gave France). Humphrey Bogart and Tom Hanks. Josephine Baker and Beyoncé. Hot dogs. Corn dogs. American Chinese food. American Italian food. The Roosevelts and the Kennedys. The Barrymores and the Fondas. Winston Churchill (his mom was from Brooklyn). The Marshall Plan and Thurgood Marshall. Star Wars. Missile-defense shields. Baseball. Football. The military-industrial complex. Freedom of religion. UFO cults. Television. The internet. The Pill. The Pope. The automobile, the airplane, and AI. Jazz and the blues. The polio vaccine and GLP-1s, the UFC and Dolly Parton. The list goes on because it's really, truly endless. Ours is a country where you can hear 800 languages spoken in Queens, drive two hours and end up among the Amish in Pennsylvania. We are 330 million people, from California to New York Island, gathered together as one. Each of those 330 million will tell you that ours is not a perfect country. But we suspect most of them would agree that their lives would not be possible without it. So for the next 12 months, we're going to toast to our freedoms on the page, on this podcast and in real life. And we're doing it the Free Press way: by delving into all of it—the bad and the good and the great, the strange and the wonderful and the wild. And today—on America's 249th birthday—we're kicking off this yearlong event with none other than Akhil Reed Amar. Akhil has a unique understanding of this country—and our Constitution. Akhil is a Democrat who testified on behalf of Brett Kavanaugh, is a member of The Federalist Society, who is pro-choice but also anti-Roe—and these seeming contradictions make him perfectly suited to answer questions about the political and legal polarization we find ourselves in today. Akhil is a constitutional law professor at Yale and the author of the brilliant book The Words That Made Us: America's Constitutional Conversation, 1760–1840. He also hosts the podcast Amarica's Constitution, and you might recognize his name from his work in The Atlantic. I ask him about the unique history that created our founding document, the state of the country, our political polarization, the American legal system, and what this country means to him. The Free Press earns a commission from any purchases made through all book links in this article. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices