Podcasts about Declaration of independence

Richard Henry Lee is the Founding Father who made July 4th possible, yet most Americans barely know his name. Before the Declaration of Independence and Jefferson's immortal words, Lee forced the Second Continental Congress to choose independence. In this episode of America's Founding Series, part of The P.A.S. Report Podcast, Professor Nick Giordano marks the 250-year anniversary of the Lee Resolution, introduced on June 7, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House. Discover how Richard Henry Lee moved the colonies from resistance to separation, why Congress was deeply fractured, and how June 7th set the stage for the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, and the birth of the United States. What You'll Learn: Why Richard Henry Lee deserves recognition as one of America's most important Founding Fathers  How the Lee Resolution made July 4th and the Declaration of Independence possible  Why June 7, 1776, forced the Second Continental Congress to finally choose independence  How the fierce debate between radicals and moderates like John Dickinson shaped the vote  The difference between July 2nd, the vote for independence, and July 4th, the adoption of the Declaration  What Lee's courage teaches Americans today about liberty, self-government, and constitutional responsibility  Richard Henry Lee did not write the Declaration of Independence, but he forced Congress to make the decision that required one. This forgotten moment in American Revolution history reminds every generation that liberty demands more than slogans. It requires courage, responsibility, and a people willing to govern themselves.

On Monday's Mark Levin Show, on October 7, 2023, Palestinian terrorists from Gaza, backed by Qatar, Turkey, and Iran, attacked Israel, murdering 1,200 people through extreme brutality. If drug cartels had done the same on the Texas border the U.S. would not tolerate it or fight with the restraint Israel showed in Gaza, such as issuing warnings and leaflets. Israel, a small nation, has faced ongoing attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah yet is repeatedly told to back off just as it nears destroying these groups, allowing Hamas to rearm despite a supposed peace deal. The U.S. fought Iran alongside Israel, but now pressures Israel to stop while Hamas remains armed and Hezbollah continues threats. Why is Israel not permitted to fully defend itself? Afterward, the leak in Axios was a violation of federal law and provided support to the Iranian regime and its Hezbollah proxy. Whomever leaked that story to Barack Ravid did a grave disservice to our country, to our president, to Israel, and to Israel's prime minister. The Iranian regime will benefit from that leak, viewing us as weak and desperate for a deal -- even coming to Hezbollah's defense. Will there be an FBI investigation to determine who leaked? If not, why not? Also, we will soon celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Every delegate who signed the document had signed their own death warrant.   Let us remember this when we listen to the debates about whether or not we should defeat the Iranian regime.  All the arguments and even excuses against it -- despite 47-years of it killing and maiming thousands of our fellow countrymen, and a far more dangerous and diabolical ideological agenda than that of the British monarchy. Yet, George Washington and the brave founders of our country personally risked everything. Ultimately, the British forces surrendered.  The Iranian regime will never surrender.  And they will never abide by a deal, any more than they have abided by a ceasefire. Later, Bari Weiss is a genuine journalist who is challenging CBS's entrenched radical mindset by promoting more moderate, professional journalists, which has provoked attacks from figures like Scott Pelley. There are CBS personalities like Pelley who are whiny, narcissistic, privileged, entitled buffoons who are driving down ratings. Meanwhile, Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur are complaining that they were banned from Britain over their views on Israel and terrorism, while affirming First Amendment free speech. They hate America, trash its Judeo-Christian and Enlightenment values, and support regimes like communist China, Cuba, Islamist Iran, and Turkey where free speech is suppressed—yet demand sympathy when facing restrictions themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today On The Eric Metaxas Show, Eric celebrates the official launch of Revolution and talks with Rod Martin about why the American Revolution was the only true revolution in history, how the left rewrote the meaning of revolution, and why Americans must recover the story of liberty before it is lost. They discuss the Declaration of Independence, God given rights, the difference between the American and French Revolutions, the danger of socialism, the crisis of free speech in Britain, immigration, Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights, and why America's founding story must be told again. Subscribe for clips from The Eric Metaxas Show to hear politics and culture from a Christian perspective.⭐ PRE-ORDER TODAY:Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World

Let me tell you something that should concern every single American, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum.Artist were asked to celebrate America's 250th Birthday, NOT endorse a political platform, NOT cut a campaign ad, NOT swear an oath to a political party, NOT even show up to a rally. Just show up and play music for our Country's birthday. The Country that made them wealthy, famous, and free.SPONSOR: American FinancingHeading into summer, persistent inflation and rising daily costs are squeezing middle-class families, and many homeowners are reaching for credit cards instead of tapping the equity they already have. American Financing's salary-based mortgage consultants help wipe out high-interest debt using mortgage rates currently in the 5s, with customers saving an average of $800 a month. Starting today could also delay two mortgage payments, putting real money back in your pocket.NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-886-2026 for details about credit costs and terms. Average savings based on borrowers who save over $199.99.Call American Financing at 866-886-2026 or visit https://www.AmericanFinancing.net/MTA-----GET YOUR MERCH HERE: https://shop.nickjfreitas.com/BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IC: https://NickJFreitas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickjfreitas/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickFreitasVATwitter: https://twitter.com/NickJFreitasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickjfreitasTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickjfreitas3.000:01:13 – Exposing the cultural left's shameful founding narrative.00:01:29 – Celebrating 250 years of the Declaration of Independence.00:02:39 – Famous artists abandon Trump's Great American State Fair.00:05:40 – Judge blocks Trump name from Kennedy Center facade.00:06:27 – Why the radical left refuses to celebrate America.00:10:01 – Debunking claims that the White House is partisan.00:12:17 – When did patriotism become a right wing act?.00:14:02 – Freedom Williams defends performing for patriotic audiences.00:17:41 – Comparing the Bicentennial to our 250th anniversary struggle.00:20:54 – Defending Washington and Jefferson from critical theory attacks.00:23:41 – Frederick Douglass proves the Constitution protects our liberty.00:25:15 – Trump should showcase unashamed grassroots American talent.00:28:20 – Honoring the world's longest continuously active constitution.00:30:37 – Leadership lessons from the Ronald Reagan ranch legacy.00:32:00 – Dreaming of a bright future for our Republic

Larry Alex Taunton interviews Eric Metaxas about his new book, “Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World,” and why he argues the American Revolution was uniquely grounded in biblical ideas of self-government, tracing its precedent to the Sinai Covenant and its development through the Reformation and colonial covenant theology. Eric contrasts America's God-centered view of liberty with the French Revolution's secular attempt at self-rule, discusses the neglected role of sermons and the First Great Awakening in shaping revolutionary conviction, and cites founders' repeated references to providence, including Washington and Franklin. They explore the Declaration of Independence as a fundamentally biblical claim about equality, debate misconceptions about Enlightenment origins, highlight John Adams' influence, and connect revolutionary faith to present-day calls to rededicate the nation to God.

Every year on June 2, Italy pauses to celebrate one of the most important moments in its modern history. Across the country, Italian flags appear on balconies, official ceremonies take place in cities and towns large and small, and in Rome the skies are filled with the colors of the national flag as the Frecce Tricolori soar overhead. For many Italians, it is a welcome holiday that signals the arrival of summer, but Italian Republic Day is far more than a day off from work. It commemorates a decision that fundamentally changed the nation and shaped the Italy we know today. What makes Italian Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica) particularly fascinating is that it is not a celebration of the country's founding, nor does it commemorate a military victory or a declaration of independence. Instead, it marks the anniversary of a democratic choice made by ordinary citizens in the aftermath of World War II. On June 2 and 3, 1946, Italians went to the polls and voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic. In doing so, they helped define the future direction of their nation at a moment when the country was still struggling to recover from one of the most difficult periods in its history.

As Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, Todd examines what it will take to preserve conservative momentum and defend the principles that made America exceptional. From the controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to the growing influence of the radical left, Todd argues that winning elections requires more than simply voting—it requires courage, participation, and conviction. Drawing lessons from America's founding, the Declaration of Independence, and the responsibilities of citizenship, Todd challenges conservatives to move beyond observation and become active defenders of liberty, truth, and constitutional government.

Subscribe now for ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content! This is the fifth episode in an occasional series for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, America's semiquincentennial. Americans have always contested the meanings and purpose of the Revolution. During the 1850s, both unionists and secessionists, the anti-slavery movement and pro-slavery stalwarts, cited the Declaration of Independence to defend their positions. How could Americans who were on opposite sides of the all-important slavery conflict cite the same document invoking fundamental human equality? In this episode, historian James Oakes takes us into the mind of Abraham Lincoln, who reached back to 1776 to denounce the South's peculiar institution. Recommended reading: The Radical and the Republican: Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and the Triumph of Antislavery Politics by James Oakes Further listening (America250 series): Episode 1 w/ Lindsay Chervinsky Episode 2 w/ Kate Carté Episode 3 w/ Alan Taylor Episode 4 w/ Lindsay Chervinsky

As Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, Todd examines what it will take to preserve conservative momentum and defend the principles that made America exceptional. From the controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to the growing influence of the radical left, Todd argues that winning elections requires more than simply voting—it requires courage, participation, and conviction. Drawing lessons from America's founding, the Declaration of Independence, and the responsibilities of citizenship, Todd challenges conservatives to move beyond observation and become active defenders of liberty, truth, and constitutional government.

The Declaration of Independence is the founders' vision of America's values – equality, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. How that vision still lives on today. *** Thank you for listening. Help power On Point by making a donation here: wbur.org/giveonpoint

Clay and his frequent guest, the redoubtable Lindsay Chervinsky, discuss books written about Jefferson's declaration, arguably the most important document in the history of liberty. Among the titles discussed are Walter Isaacson's recent The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, which celebrates the preamble of the Declaration of Independence, to Garry Wills' award-winning 1978 Inventing America, which locates the inspiration in the Scottish Enlightenment, and Pauline Meier's 1997 American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence, which examines local and regional declarations that contributed to Jefferson's great national document. Could any of the other Founding Fathers have written so magnificent a declaration? What role did Jefferson's famous "felicity for expression" play in the historical fame of America's mission statement?

Brethren, this Short Talk Bulletin Podcast episode was written by RW Ill Bro Norris G. Abbot Jr., 33rd, PGH – RI, and is brought to us by MW Bro Russ Charvonia, PGM – CA. Bro Ellery was one of Rhode Island’s signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and a member of the Continental Congress that adopted them. In this year of America’s semi-quincentennial birthday celebration, let us pay homage to this brother who was instrumental to the success of the Revolution. Enjoy, and do share this and all of these Podcast episodes with your brothers and your Lodge.

From The New York Times–bestselling and Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Hemingses of Monticello, a groundbreaking collection of Thomas Jefferson's writings on race that every American should read Among America's Founding Fathers, none was more deeply, personally, or controversially entangled with race and slavery than Thomas Jefferson. The man whose Declaration of Independence proclaimed that “all men are created equal” enslaved more than 600 people of African descent even as he acknowledged the injustice of slavery, saw himself as its opponent, and condemned it in his writings. How is this possible? In Jefferson on Race: A Reader (Princeton University Press, 2026), Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed gathers Jefferson's most revealing writings about African Americans, slavery, and Native Americans, enabling readers as never before to directly explore his complex and contradictory thoughts, feelings, and decisions on these subjects—the most hotly debated aspect of his legacy. These selections come from Jefferson's public and private writings, letters, and plantation records, as well as accounts by contemporaries, including his son Madison Hemings and three other people formerly enslaved at Monticello. The book documents Jefferson's ideas about—and self-image in relation to—African Americans, slavery, and Native Americans, as well as his conduct, including interactions with individual Black and Native people. The writings show how Jefferson responded to living in a multiracial slave society while professing progressive ideals, and how his views on race and slavery were shaped by his experiences with enslaved Black people. Jefferson on Race is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand Jefferson's conflicted attitudes—and the impact of race and slavery on American history. Annette Gordon-Reed is a New York Times-bestselling historian and the Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard University. Her books include The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family, which won the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, Caleb Zakarin is CEO and Publisher of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

Special Episode! Look back at history and ahead to the future as Ophira Edut of The AstroTwins guides you through an 18.6-year repeating cycle in astrology, known as the McWhirter Cycle, that's accompanied our most famous booms and busts. Learn why we've named 2026, 2027 and 2028 "The Great Compression"How the Leo and Aquarius north node cycles could impact AI, Wall Street, crypto and moreLearn how 2026-28 echoes key moments in American history from Jamestown (1607) to the Declaration of Independence (1776) to the Great Depression, the Gold Standard, the Dotcom Boom, the Great Recession of 2008, to the rise of machine learning and the crypto bubble of 2017-18. Also: a special note about solar energy for the 2036-37 Leo north node cycle and what the means right now.Meet the (mostly women!) "profits of prophets" who influenced JP Morgan, Cornelius VanderbiltThe eerie parallel in timing between the astrological (lunar node) cycles and a cycle rhythm discovered by Herbert Hoover's Chief Economic Analyst after the Great DepressionPlus...Meet the (mostly women!) "profits of prophets" who influenced JP Morgan, Cornelius VanderbiltThe eerie parallel in timing between the astrological (lunar node) cycles and a cycle rhythm discovered by Herbert Hoover's Chief Economic Analyst after the Great Depression

A tentative agreement reached with Iran, treasury floats a new banknote, survey ranks the most affordable states in the union, and the number of traditional families falls to a new low. Plus, the Message of the Day, on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

his year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Specifically, it is when the Continental Congress, the provisional governing body of the 13 colonies, adopted the Declaration of Independence.   It goes without saying that much has changed since then. But what would our founding fathers think of our society today? How should history, both past events and current, be taught in classrooms? To answer these questions more we’re joined by two Oregon history teachers. Jacqueline Pope-Brothers teaches U.S. government, AP Government and constitutional law at Sprague High School in Salem. Maurice Cowley teaches English and AP African American Studies at McDaniel High School in Portland.  

Viewing the Declaration of Independence as the act that created one consolidated American nation is a common historical anachronism, which projects a later nationalist understanding backward onto the founding era.Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/creating-nation-declaration-independence-and-nation-anachronism

For some, the words on the Declaration of Independence can only be described as "radical." Rev. Byron Williams argues that the promise of a sovereign government is still reshaping global politics and moral imagination 250 years later. In this Outspoken conversation, we talked about why he believes the Declaration remains a revolutionary document, what it demands of us now, and why he calls himself a “prisoner of hope” about its future.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Bad ideas survive when people are too afraid to speak up." Shelly Norden, Ken Pope, and Leigh Vlasblom join hosts Chris and Joia for a special episode promoting the America at 250 initiative—including an event in June to reclaim the founding principles of free speech, civil discourse, and limited government as America approaches its 250th birthday. Ken notes a disturbing ripple effect in our current culture: bad education leads to bad ideas in media, law, and every other institution. "It all comes back to education," Shelly stresses, where instead kids should learn "how to debate openly, how to not take things personally.” Leigh adds a radical proposal: simply read the founding documents—they're free, yet schools claim they have "no money." Pennsylvania's school law even requires an hour of civics education taught every week, yet "we've abandoned the original sources" in favor of "big corporations writing new textbooks that have modified history." The solution is grassroots: support educators and school board members doing good work, encourage those who could do better, and protect those being personally attacked for offering opposing opinions. About the America at 250 Event: Happening June 12-13 in Arlington, VA, the America at 250 initiative brings together leaders, educators, school board members, parents, and concerned citizens to spark a grassroots movement reclaiming the founding principles that built this nation. The event features lectures, discussions, tours, and interactive experiences designed to equip community members with the knowledge and courage to defend American values and civil discourse in their local schools and communities. Shelly, Ken, and Leigh are leading this effort to ensure that as we enter our next 250 years, we're grounded in the original sources—the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Federalist Papers—and committed to teaching the next generation how to think critically, debate respectfully, and defend the freedoms we've inherited. Whether you're a parent concerned about what's happening in classrooms, an educator seeking to restore civics education, or simply someone who believes in the power of the founding documents, America at 250 offers a platform to connect, learn, and take action.Registration and more information available at leadershipinstitute.org/americaat250.

This is a rereleased episode from season 1 of Condemned to Repeat It. In this episode, we work through the grievances section of the Declaration of Independence, unpacking how Jefferson methodically built his case against King George III. Gerrit shows how each charge, dissolving colonial legislatures, making judges beholden to the Crown, quartering standing armies, employing Hessian mercenaries, cutting off colonial trade, and asserting the power "to legislate in all cases whatsoever" directly echoes earlier acts of Parliament and the king, with Jefferson cleverly turning the Crown's own language back against it.  The episode closes with a thoughtful reflection on the Declaration's enduring legacy: while Jefferson and many signers were themselves slaveholders, the document's assertion that all are created equal and endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights became the very foundation later generations would invoke to dismantle slavery, expand suffrage, and pursue civil rights, proof that, as Lincoln understood at Gettysburg, the arc of history bends slowly but inevitably toward the truths the founders dared to declare. If you would like to follow what Sweetwater Rescue is doing, specifically our most recent trip to Nairobi Kenya please follow us on Instagram or Facebook.    Sweetwater Rescue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwaterrescue?igsh=MTd6eHRteG9idzB6bA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   Sweetwater Rescue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18n8KBA9bz/?mibextid=wwXIfr Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

Dr. Matthew Spalding discusses the importance of the recent Rededicate 250 event, hosted by Freedom 250, and reflects on and explains what the separation of church and state actually means in the American founding tradition. Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with Hillsdale in D.C. professors, co-hosted with WMAL radio host Larry O’Connor. Discover the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, American culture, and more. New episodes every other week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hoover's History Lab and Center for Revitalizing American Institutions held National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, a special book launch with the author, Michael Auslin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. PT. The inspiring story of the Declaration of Independence —the first to take us from its drafting by Thomas Jefferson to today— charts the many lives of a document that captures the soul of America on the 250th anniversary of the country's founding. An award-winning historian, Michael Auslin takes us from the boarding house in Philadelphia where Jefferson put quill to paper to the Declaration's covert signing and its long, harrowing, and ultimately hallowed afterlife. We follow the parchment as it is hauled out of a soon-to-be-burning Washington in 1814 and see it hidden in a dank cellar, posted in classrooms, printed on handkerchiefs, and used to sell insurance and bundle coal. Through it all, Jefferson's words have inspired implausibly varied causes, from suffragists and civil rights leaders to groups waging war on the US government. As Jefferson had hoped, the principles enshrined in the Declaration became a beacon to the world. But what lessons should we take from it today? Can this statement of ideals in whose name the signers pledged their lives and sacred honor bring a disparate nation together? As we gather to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founders' bold experiment in democracy, Auslin reminds us that this enduring document was not just a call for freedom and equality but an eloquent statement of the principles that bind us together.

⭐ FREE SLAVES with CSI: https://csi-usa.org/metaxas/Today On The Eric Metaxas Show, Eric talks with Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry Arnn about the new documentary Revolutionary America, the fragile miracle of the American Revolution, and why Americans must recover the true story of the founding. They discuss Rededicate 250, the media's reaction to Eric's ballroom joke, the Declaration of Independence, Washington crossing the Delaware, Valley Forge, Lexington and Concord, John Dickinson, Thomas Jefferson, King George III, and why the Revolution was far more desperate and consequential than many Americans realize. Subscribe for clips from The Eric Metaxas Show to hear politics and culture from a Christian perspective.⭐ PRE-ORDER TODAY:Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World

Judge Michael Warren's book, the Declaration of Independence, is available on Amazon at:https://a.co/d/0iuhtrzx The Declaration of Independence forever transforms ourunderstanding of equality, liberty, and the proper role ofgovernment. Its revolutionary philosophical framework isthe bedrock foundation of the Constitution and our systemof self-government. Yet America's most importantdocument is largely forgotten, misunderstood, and evenattacked—fueling a crisis in the American spirit thatthreatens the nation's very survival.Marking its 250th anniversary, in The Revolutionary Wordsthat Forged America, Judge Michael Warren provides aline-by-line (often word-by-word) analysis of America'scharter—its drafting, historical circumstances, underlyingphilosophy, and legal force. He contrasts the Founders'beliefs and aspirations with their opposites throughoutworld history—including communism, fascism, royaldespotism, dictatorships, and caste societies.This book also provides a sorely needed review andthorough analysis of the Declaration's twenty-eightgrievances. Without the grievances, the rest of theDeclaration is just a beautiful, empty shell of wonderfulpoetry. Americans are rebelling against a bloody tyranny,and the grievances explain why. Many of the issues thatconfront the Founders in 1776 echo throughout the ages—including today.This deep and illuminating review paves the way forrestoring America's First Principles of the rule of law,unalienable rights, limited government, the SocialCompact, equality, and the right to alter or abolishoppressive government. The time has come to reclaim theDeclaration and save the very idea of America—and this isthe definitive guide.Endorsements“As Judge Warren notes in this excellent treatise on America's beginnings, the greatest threat to our country's future comes from within. Too many Americans have lost touch with the vision andprinciples our Founding Fathers laid out in the Declaration of Independence. After 250 years, it's more important than ever. This should be a must-read for every American.”––Ingrid Jacques, National Opinion Columnist, USA Today“By reacquainting Americans with the Declaration of Independence, Judge Warren explains the ‘foundation of our freedoms' and why America is truly the ‘last best hope on Earth.' Revolutionary Words is both magisterial and accessible; timelyand enduring; written for the scholar and for the citizen; and brings new life to the Declaration and new perspective to the Constitution. A remarkable revisitation of our nation's heritage.”––Stephen Markman, Retired Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court“Many authors have sought to interpret the Declaration of Independence. Most have attempted to do so by analyzing its themes and values. Only a few have addressed every word in text. None has done so with the clarity, vision, historical appreciation, and judicial perspective of Judge Michael Warren. True to the first principles of natural rights and limited government, Judge Warren has given us a standard against which other works will now be measured; and soon to be a regarded as a classic.”––Judge Andrew P. Napolitano, TV Commentator, and New YorkJudge Michael Warren's book, the Declaration of Independence, is available on Amazon at:https://a.co/d/0iuhtrzx

Historian Joseph Ellis has said that the Declaration of Independence contains the thirty-five “most potent and consequential words in American history.” True enough. Thomas Jefferson's self-evident truths – that all men are created equal and that they are right to expect an unfettered pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness – are aspirational if not timeless. […]

Historian Joseph Ellis has said that the Declaration of Independence contains the thirty-five “most potent and consequential words in American history.” True enough. Thomas Jefferson's self-evident truths – that all men are created equal and that they are right to expect an unfettered pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness – are aspirational if not timeless. […]

Historian Joseph Ellis has said that the Declaration of Independence contains the thirty-five “most potent and consequential words in American history.” True enough. Thomas Jefferson's self-evident truths – that all men are created equal and that they are right to expect an unfettered pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness – are aspirational if not timeless. […]

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW-5-25-2026.1789 NEW YORK.Guest Author Josh Ireland discusses his book The Death of Trotsky: The True Story of the Plot to Kill Stalin's Greatest Enemy. The Russian Revolution began with Bolshevik fanatics using violence to impose their will on the masses. Irelandexplains the emerging rivalry between Trotsky and Stalin amidst the brutal purge of original revolutionaries. (1/16)In The Death of Trotsky, Josh Ireland describes how the intellectual Trotsky and bureaucratic Stalin competed for power following Lenin's death. Stalin maneuvered patiently to isolate Trotsky, who missed Lenin's funeral while recovering from a mysterious and poorly timed illness. (2/16)Josh Ireland explains that Trotsky was expelled from the Politburo after labeling Stalin the "gravedigger of the revolution." He began a global exile, eventually finding sanctuary in Mexico at the invitation of muralist Diego Rivera. (3/16)Josh Ireland details how, in Mexico, Trotsky faced constant threats from Stalin's assassins. Despite the fortified walls of his compound, the NKVD relentlessly monitored his correspondence and successfully infiltrated his inner circle with undercover agents. (4/16)Josh Ireland recounts how the Mercader family, led by the radicalized Caridad, was recruited by the NKVD during the Spanish Civil War. Her son Ramon was trained as a ruthless agent capable of carrying out high-stakes assassinations. (5/16)Josh Ireland describes how Ramon Mercader seduced Sylvia Ageloff to penetrate Trotsky's inner circle under a false identity. Meanwhile, a chaotic machine-gun raid by Stalinist gunmen failed to kill Trotsky, leading to even tighter security measures. (6/16)Josh Ireland recounts how Ramon Mercader used a mountaineer's ice pick to fatally wound Trotsky inside his study. Captured by guards, Ramon maintained a web of lies to conceal his true role as a Soviet operative. (7/16)Josh Ireland explains that following Trotsky's death, Ramon served twenty years in a Mexican prison before returning to Moscow as a hero. Trotsky's wife, Natalia, lived a diminished final chapter after losing her entire family. (8/16)Guest Author Edward J. Larson discusses his book Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters. The unprovoked burning of Norfolk, Virginia, by the Royal Navy in January 1776 served as a catalyst for independence. This violence convinced many colonists that reconciliation with the British Crown was impossible. (9/16)In Declaring Independence, Edward J. Larson describes how Henry Knox executed a daring winter transport of heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. This logistical feat allowed Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacuate the city. (10/16)Edward J. Larson recounts how Washington attempted to defend New York against a massive British armada. The Howe brothers tried to negotiate a peace deal, but American commitment to independence remained firm despite the overwhelming force. (11/16)Edward J. Larson explains that George Mason drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights while Washington realized he must preserve his army through retreat. The revolution shifted toward establishing independent state governments based on popular sovereignty. (12/16)Edward J. Larson details how, during a grueling retreat through New Jersey, Thomas Paine's The American Crisisrevitalized colonial spirits. British and Hessian atrocities against civilians further alienated the population and strengthened the resolve for independence. (13/16)Edward J. Larson recounts how Abigail Adams urged her husband to "remember the ladies" during the debates over independence. Revolutionary ideals of equality began to raise significant questions regarding the status of women and enslaved people. (14/16)Edward J. Larson describes how Washington led a desperate Christmas crossing of the Delaware River to surprise the Hessians at Trenton. The subsequent victory at Princeton provided the moral triumph needed to sustain the struggling Continental Army. (15/16)Edward J. Larson explains that the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence marked a permanent break with monarchy. New state constitutions prioritized popular sovereignty, establishing the rule of law as the foundation of the Republic. (16/16)

Edward J. Larson explains that the formal signing of the Declaration of Independence marked a permanent break with monarchy. New state constitutions prioritized popular sovereignty, establishing the rule of law as the foundation of the Republic. (16/16)1789 TRENTON BRIDGE

As the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 on July 4th and Colorado prepares to celebrate 150 years of statehood on August 1st, today for our series Aging Matters, we feature “Portraits In Aging,” a series of conversations Chandra Thomas Whitfield had with a diverse mix of Coloradans who talk about what it's like growing older here. Aging, in their own words. And their perspectives are especially relevant and timely; those age 65 and older are the fastest growing population in our state, impacting everything here from housing to healthcare. 

Subscribe now for ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content! This is the fourth episode in an occasional series for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, America's semiquincentennial. What if we approached this coming Fourth of July not as a single day to celebrate a special national birthday, but as the start of a decade-long commitment to a "civic renaissance"? The story of the founding of the United States didn't end on July 4, 1776 — it remains a work in progress (with plenty of setbacks, too). Indeed, a question people pondered at the time remains important today: What does it mean to be a republican citizen? Historian Lindsay Chervinsky, the executive director of the George Washington Library at Mount Vernon, is our guest. Further reading: A Bold Civic Renaissance for America's 250th by Lindsay Chervinsky and Julie Silverbrook (National Constitution Center) Further listening: Episode 1 w/ Lindsay Chervinsky Episode 2 w/ Kate Carté Episode 3 w/ Alan Taylor

The United States is not a nation like other nations, and it never has been. In July  1776, thirteen separate states, home to three million people with no common  ancestry or identity, stretching along a narrow coastal strip between the Atlantic and the Appalachians, declared their independence as the United States. Could they form a common identity and survive? Today, with more than 350 million people drawn from all over the world, spanning the North American continent, we ask even more what holds us together? Gordon Wood, the premier historian of the American founding, author of The Creation of the American Republic, The Idea of America, Power and Liberty, Revolutionary Characters, and The Purpose of the Past, joins us to talk about this question, which he also addressed in his 2025 talk in accepting the Irving Kristol Award at the American Enterprise Insttitute. Gordon Wood was the guest on our first podcast in 2020; he came back for our 100 th episode in 2022; he returned in 2024 for our 200 th episode. Now he joins us on our 300 th episode, as we  prepare to mark the 250 th anniversary of American Independence, and to help us answer the eternal questions, What is an American? What holds us together?Tell us what you think! Send us a text message!

Send us Fan MailYou can find out more about Cross Word bookclues.com.The Forgotten World WarExploring the Secret History of the American Revolution, from Spain to India and Back Again by Derek Baxter  published by  Source Books Follow the American Revolution far beyond the 13 colonies and trace how diplomacy, logistics, and foreign interests shape independence. We talk with author Derek Baxter about the overlooked allies and global battlefields that turn a colonial revolt into a true world war.• Mercy Otis Warren as a trailblazing historian with a front-row view of the war • The Declaration of Independence as a strategic message to foreign powers • Gunpowder, artillery, and naval weakness as the Patriots' early crisis • The failed Canada campaign as a lesson in diplomacy and homework • Bernardo de Galvez and Spain's decisive Gulf Coast victories • Comte de Vergennes and Lafayette driving French support and public momentum • St Eustatius as a Dutch smuggling hub and the first foreign salute to the US flag • The Channel Islands and the failed France Spain invasion threat that pins Britain down • The Mysore Kingdom in India and the rocket technology tied to later British warfare • Why these stories fade from US memory and why the global view matters nowGo to bookclues.com and look at some of the great books that we have been discussing on this podcast. Buy the book. Go to Source Books to discoer more great books.If you could be so kind to like and subscribe to my podcast, it would really be appreciated. 

In Dissent traces the founding ideals of the Declaration of Independence from the revolutionary moment of their birth to the courtrooms where they've been tested, twisted, and sometimes abandoned. Each episode pairs vivid historical storytelling—a man riding through the night to break a deadlocked vote, a printer setting type for a document that could get […]

Our hosts are still off on their Route 66 adventure and they asked Jessica to play an episode from the archives - Episode 235. --Episode 235 Show Notes-- In today's episode, in recognition of Independence Day, our hosts Tracey and Scott share their recording of the Declaration of Independence performance of The Muppets Present... Great Moments in American History from their trip to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Then, they present their coverage of the latest Disney/Pixar theatrical release Cars 3. Did it race its way into their hearts or stall by the side of the road? You'll find out, along with production info and behind the scenes stories. After the movie talk, Tracey cruises into the Ink and Paint Club to meet with Adrian Ropp of Avalanche Software to talk about the company's latest project, Cars 3: Driven to Win. Our hosts then wrap up the show with a look at some upcoming Marvel events. Welcome to Disney, Indiana!

Episode Summary:  In the coming months, secularists and progressives will be seeking to undermine the celebration of America's spiritual and biblical roots. For us and our families to respond winsomely and persuasively, we must know the facts and not just react with Christian spin, that we are a Christian nation. This episode seeks to equip us to think truthfully, i.e. with historic accuracy and the perspective of God's Word as we examine the complex issue: Is America a Christian nation?  For Further Prayerful Thought. Why might a black Christian who loves America find it difficult to hear a brother in Christ argue that America was founded as a Christian nation?What did you find most helpful about the religious beliefs of the five men who wrote the Declaration of Independence?If America was not founded by Christians as a Christian nation, why does it matter that we are rooted in a belief in God, recognition that human rights derive from God, and dependence upon him?How would you respond to a progressive friend who says that Christians who want to stop abortion are guilty of violating the constitutional principle of “the separation of church and state.”For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left) 

Send us Fan MailGUEST: TODD FRIEL, Executive Director of Fortis InstituteThis Memorial Day Weekend, as we honor the sacrifice of so many members of the military over the generations who gave their lives in defense of our country and freedoms, we ought to thank God for His goodness, patience, and protection of our nation.This year we commemorate 250 years as an independent nation. The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and references God four times as the source of our rights, laws, guidance, and protection. Indeed, early Americans and our history were overtly Christian. But as rebellion against God lurks in the heart of man, we have strayed very far from that today.The Trump Administration, along with public and private organizations, are seeking to change that, to rededicate our nation to God. One week ago, a large event was held in Washington DC called Rededicate 250, promoted as “A National Jubilee Of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving. Freedom 250 Invites All Americans to Come Together in Prayer and Worship Ahead of the Nation's 250th Birthday.”Todd Friel, pastor of Alpharetta Bible Church (GA), host of Wretched TV and Radio, and executive director of the Fortis Institute, joins us to discuss several aspects of Rededicate 250 and whether it can lead to Christian revival in our nation. We will also discuss one of the reasons Americans have been persuaded away from God—the college campus.-------------------------PROGRAM NOTES:Fortis+ - Christian streaming and media platform connected to Fortis Institute and the ministry of Todd Friel.Wretched Radio Wretched TVAlpharetta Bible Church

One week before America celebrates its 250th birthday, Braver Angels will hold its annual convention in Philadelphia, the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.More than one thousand citizen delegates— Blues, Reds, and Independents— will be in the same place together over four days, June 25-28. They will honor the final words of the Declaration's authors: “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”In Philadelphia “we will figure out how to renew that pledge to strengthen our civic bonds together,” says podcast guest, Convention Director Mark Metzger. “The theme is 1776-2026, a pledge renewed. We're looking at what that pledge meant… at the start of the new nation, and what it means to us today.”America's 250th anniversary focuses national attention on who we are as a nation, and who we hope to become. The Braver Angels Convention will play an active and engaging role in this national endeavor. The Declaration was not only a statement of independence from Great Britain, it was also a declaration of dependence on one another. Debates will be held, speeches made, workshops organized, music played, and films shown at this convention. This episode also discusses the meaning and goals of courageous citizenship.“True interdependence insists that rural conservatives and urban progressives, religious and secular citizens, activists and traditionalists do not have to agree in order to remain bound together,” says Jeff Thiemann of the Braver Angels Leadership Team. “It affirms that every group brings dignity and distinct experiences, and that our shared future depends on facing common challenges together.”Mark Metzger joined Braver Angels in 2022. In 2023, he oversaw operations and logistics for the Braver Angels National Convention in Gettysburg, PA, led the arts initiatives Four Score: A Memory Play and Braver Lens: Amateur Photography to Heal American Divides, and managed day-to-day operations of the National office. "How Do We Fix It?" reports on the people, projects and ideas of Braver Angels, the nation's largest volunteer-led grassroots organization devoted the healing civic divides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on The Eric Metaxas Show, Eric talks with Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry Arnn about the new documentary Revolutionary America, the fragile miracle of the American Revolution, and why Americans must recover the true story of the founding. They discuss Rededicate 250, the media's reaction to Eric's ballroom joke, the Declaration of Independence, Washington crossing the Delaware, Valley Forge, Lexington and Concord, John Dickinson, Thomas Jefferson, King George III, and why the Revolution was far more desperate and consequential than many Americans realize. Subscribe for clips from The Eric Metaxas Show to hear politics and culture from a Christian perspective.⭐ PRE-ORDER TODAY:Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World

Jason Bedrick argues that the Bible is the essential foundation for the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. He laments the decline in biblical literacy, noting it creates a profound gap in cultural understanding. (7/16)COUR D'ALENE, ID

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-20-26.1874 BEAVERRick Fisher discusses record-breaking arms packages for Taiwan, including loitering drones and missile defense, to counter potential Chinese invasion. Gordon Chang emphasizes the need for equipment capable of surviving an initial massive missile barrage. (1/16)Greg Scarlatoiu details North Korea's role as an arsenal for Russia and Iran, providing missiles and tunnel technology for profit. Kim Jong-un's survival strategy relies on nuclear weapons and maintaining relevance among allies. (2/16)Steve Yates critiques the personal diplomacy approach at the Beijing summit, noting an asymmetric information environment. He highlights the lack of a joint statement and ongoing tensions regarding Taiwan's sovereignty and defense. (3/16)Steve Yates characterizes China as an opportunistic bystander in foreign policy regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Russia-Ukraine. He argues Beijing lacks the will or power to lead in resolving international crises effectively. (4/16)Gordon Chang discusses China's "red lines" as tools for diplomatic intimidation. He argues China is fundamentally weak due to demographic collapse, a failing economy, and a military that lacks operational leadership for major invasions. (5/16)Michael Bernstam explains Russia's dependence on China for technology and energy exports. Despite short-term gains from high oil prices, Russia remains a junior partner struggling with domestic refinery issues caused by Ukrainian drones. (6/16)Jason Bedrick argues that the Bible is the essential foundation for the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. He laments the decline in biblical literacy, noting it creates a profound gap in cultural understanding. (7/16)Joel Kotkin explores how the Iranian diaspora in California largely favors a republic over the current regime. This highly professional and accomplished community draws on their experience in a free society to envision reform. (8/16)Mary Kissel discusses differing interpretations of the Trump-Xi summit, focusing on "strategic stability." She expresses concern over managed trade and the lack of consensus regarding North Korea's denuclearization and Chinese human rights abuses. (9/16)Mary Kissel discusses the historic indictment of Raul Castro for the 1996 shootdown of unarmed aircraft. She interprets this move as diplomatic leverage to encourage a transition toward a more open, prosperous Cuba. (10/16)Anne Lord reviews Chris Horton's Ghost Nation, detailing Taiwan's indigenous history and independent spirit. The book refutes Chinese Communist Party claims that the island has always been a "sacred territory" of mainland China. (11/16)Anne Lord emphasizes Taiwan's critical importance to the global economy via its semiconductor industry. She notes that the Taiwanese people are prepared and investing heavily in defense to protect their democracy and technology. (12/16)Simon Constable describes an idyllic spring in France before pivoting to alarming price increases for diesel, electricity, and natural gas. He warns that inflation is barreling through global economies as an "unleaded tax." (13/16)Simon Constable discusses the political maneuvering to replace Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He critiques the lack of clear leadership in Parliament and the potential for unelected transitions of power within the Labour Party. (14/16)Bob Zimmerman discusses the upcoming SpaceX IPO, which could raise $75 billion. He argues that SpaceX is the real American space program, while NASA has become an ineffective sideshow supporting SpaceX's ambitious goals. (15/16)Bob Zimmerman explains how private enterprise and competition are transforming the space industry. He also describes unique geological features on Mars, such as "brain terrain," captured in recent images by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. (16/16)Note: corrected "Labor Party" → Labour Party (UK spelling).

In this episode, Michael Auslin joins to discuss his new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, a sweeping and vivid history of the Declaration of Independence from its drafting to its enduring role in American life today. Tracing the remarkable journey of this iconic document—from a Philadelphia boarding house to wartime hiding places and its place as a national symbol—Auslin explores how its ideals of liberty and equality have inspired generations and continue to shape the American experiment. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates.  This program was streamed live on May 6, 2026, as part of the NCC's Book Club Series.  Resources  Michael Auslin, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America (2026) National Constitution Center, Interactive Declaration of Independence Stay Connected and Learn More Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support our important work ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

This is a rereleased episode from season 1 of Condemned to Repeat It. In this episode, we set the stage for the Declaration of Independence by exploring the deep English political and intellectual history Jefferson drew upon when he sat down to write it. Far from being a spontaneous act of rebellion, the Declaration was the latest entry in a long English tradition of publicly justifying political action, with clear roots in the 1689 Declaration of Right that deposed King James II and the Virginia Declaration of Rights drafted just weeks earlier in June 1776.  Gerrit walks through the political climate of the Continental Congress, where moderates, realists, and outright loyalists still outnumbered firebrands like John and Samuel Adams, and explains how Richard Henry Lee's June resolution for independence prompted a committee, led by Jefferson, to draft an explanation rather than the act of independence itself.  The episode traces how Jefferson's opening lines about self-evident truths, equality, and unalienable rights radically inverted centuries of monarchical assumption: rights no longer flowed downward from kings as gracious gifts, but upward from a Creator to the people, who in turn loaned legitimate power to government. The hosts close on a cliffhanger as Jefferson pivots from preamble to grievances, leaving Richard, ever the loyalist sympathizer, still firmly on the side of the Crown. If you would like to follow what Sweetwater Rescue is doing, specifically our most recent trip to Nairobi Kenya please follow us on Instagram or Facebook.    Sweetwater Rescue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetwaterrescue?igsh=MTd6eHRteG9idzB6bA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr   Sweetwater Rescue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18n8KBA9bz/?mibextid=wwXIfr Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

"Something old, something new, something red white and blue." The American Book of Fables is Dr. Matthew Mehan and artist John Folley's latest children's book—or, rather, family book—presented for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It offers a delightful education in civics, geography, history, and love of country by combining the American founding documents, short poetry, new and ancient fables, and whimsical oil paintings all mapped to the American landscape. This week on HeightsCast, Dr. Mehan shares the ideas behind the book's creation and what he hopes "littles, middles, and bigs" can all come to appreciate through a layered work like this. Chapters: 3:01 Picture books and the role of the poet 8:21 A family book for littles, middles, and bigs 13:18 What's in the book 18:19 Fables: training your "good mother wit" 23:46 Hugh Manatee and humanity 28:33 John Folley's illustrations 30:55 The American city 34:49 The current discourse on duty 36:47 Presenting founding documents to kids 41:37 Celebrate America250 as a family 48:26 Despair and hope 56:00 Book launch events 58:45 Excerpt: "American Morning" Links: The American Book of Fables by Matthew Mehan The Handsome Little Cygnet by Matthew Mehan Mr. Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals by Matthew Mehan National WWI Memorial, sculpture by Sabin Howard, installed 2024 Catholic Information Center Event with the Author, Washington, DC / livestream available – June 30, 2026 The American Book of Fables Website – Sophia Institute Press, for future book launch events Also on the Forum: Patriotism and Piety: Honoring Founders and Fathers featuring Dr. Matthew Mehan Teaching the American Founding after 250 Years featuring Dr. Matthew Spalding Children's Literature and Human Flourishing: The Handsome Little Cygnet featuring Dr. Matthew Mehan Why Our Politics Need Poetry: Mr. Mehan's Mythical Mammals featuring Dr. Matthew Mehan Imagination: The Raw Material for Thinking featuring Dr. Matthew Mehan

Inez Stepman of the Independent Women's Forum is in for Jim on the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch. Today, Inez and Greg break down an MSNOW host being horrified that House Speaker Mike Johnson would say our rights come from God and not government, the disgusting Luigi Mangione fangirls who celebrate his murder of a health insurance CEO, Iran's stalling tactics on a deal to end the war, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom's "break the glass" scenario in California politics.First, they shake their heads as MSNOW's Katy Tur is worried about officials on the right claiming that our rights come from God is usurping the Declaration of Independence. They laugh over the fact that is Johnson is precisely articulating the main point of the Declaration of Independence. But they weep at how ignorant so many Americans are about our founding and the state of civics education.Next, they shudder over the Luigi Mangione fans becoming "journalists" covering his case and then taking to the sidewalk outside the court to celebrate Mangione's murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and defending political violence as “heroic.” Inez explains how this and the reaction of many on the left to the murder of Charlie Kirk prove this is an acceptable perspective from way too many people on the left.Then, they react to President Trump once again agreeing to push back additional military action because Iran is supposedly more serious about reaching a peace deal. Inez and Greg discuss why stalling is in Iran's interest and what the impact is on the U.S. as well.Finally, as Gov. Newsom alludes to ways the Democrats can make sure the next governor of California is not a Republican, inez explains how the California Democrats operate and almost always get the results they want.Please visit our great sponsors:Better Help May is Mental Health Awareness Month- a reminder that whatever you're going through, you don't have to go through it alone. Find support and have someone with you in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://betterhelp.com/3ML  Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off site wide at https://brooklynbedding.com and use Promo Code 3ML Pocket HoseFor a limited time, get two free gifts—a 360° rotating pocket pivot and a thumb drive nozzle—when you buy the Pocket Hose Ballistic; just text MARTINI to 64000, message and data rates may apply.New episodes every weekday. 

MS Now's Katy Tur attacked Speaker of the House Mike Johnson's prayer yesterday at the Rededicate 250 Christian rally at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. – but in doing so, she exposed her ignorance of the important line in the Declaration of Independence. The Sekulow team discusses Tur's shocking ignorance, the Trump Administration's response to the rally, the ACLJ's legal work – and much more.

In part one of Red Eye Radio with Gary McNamara and Eric Harley, ahead of an all-day prayer event backed by the White House on Washington's National Mall Sunday, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson doubled down on Christianity as a core part of the American identity — over the objections of religious freedom advocates. We feature audio from MSNOW questioning his quote from the Declaration of Independence about who the "creator" is. Also audio from Will I. Am on Bill Maher's podcast about the definition of freedom, audio from Representative Gregory W. Meeks on President Trump's state visit to China, President Trump delays an attack on Iran as a diplomatic push intensifies, audio from NY Mayor Zohran Mamdani pushing his grocery stores, audio from California Gov. hopeful Steve Hilton on free diapers, and the effects of a socialist government. For more talk on the issues that matter to you, listen on radio stations across America Monday-Friday 12am-5am CT (1am-6am ET and 10pm-3am PT), download the RED EYE RADIO SHOW app, asking your smart speaker, or listening at RedEyeRadioShow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today On The Eric Metaxas Show, Eric talks with Glenn Beck about America's forgotten covenant with God, the biblical ideas that shaped the Revolution, and why the Founders understood liberty as a gift from the Creator. They discuss George Washington, Samuel Adams, Thomas Paine, George Whitefield, the Declaration of Independence, and why Americans must recover the true spiritual roots of the republic before it is too late. Eric also talks with Brad and Drew Formsma about raising grateful, generous children through America's Grateful Stateful Road Trip. Subscribe for clips from The Eric Metaxas Show to hear politics and culture from a Christian perspective.⭐ PRE-ORDER TODAY:Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World

May 17, 2026Trump administration organizes a taxpayer funded evangelical worship event in Washington DC, Administration seeks to use the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence to promote its ideology, Trump loyalists have taken over planning for the nation's birthday celebration from Congress, Trump's Freedom 250 project showcases Trump more than the nation's history, In a false reading of history, speakers at the event assured the crowd that the US was founded as a Christian nation, The founders were clear that government should be separate from religion, MAGA politics requires obedience rather than self-government, But questioning and debating is essential for advancing the nation's core political values, A belief in the principles of democracy, and a commitment to America's civic identity unifies the nation and is the story of America. Watch today's recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/g9TUa1Rwd6U?si=T8_KKcHQZElhpnZ-Get full, free access to Letters from an American here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribeYou can also find me:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hcrichardson.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathercoxrichardson/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heathercoxrichardson Get full access to Letters from an American at heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribe

The two-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence arrives during intense disputes about American history, as the Trump Administration demands a more glorifying view of the nation's past at federally run historical sites and in federally funded projects. The staff writer Jill Lepore (who won the Pulitzer Prize in History this month for her book “We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution”) guest-hosts a special episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour about this fraught moment, reflecting on the responsibility of academic historians to shape the public debate. She compares our moment with the bicentennial—which fell in the wake of the Vietnam War and the scandals of Richard Nixon's Presidency—in a conversation with the Yale historian Beverly Gage. Lepore looks at the nature of the country's war over history with Jelani Cobb, the dean of Columbia Journalism School and a staff writer at The New Yorker. They discuss the Donald Trump-approved “Freedom 250” projection on the Washington Monument, and talk about how Americans can meaningfully participate in the semiquincentennial. If “we're sitting around waiting for the occupant of the White House to tell us what American history means,” Lepore says, “you just kind of want to walk into traffic.” Further reading:  America at 250, a special issue of The New Yorker “Was the Declaration of Independence Better Before the Edits?,” by Jill Lepore “Scandal, Protest, Goofiness, and Grandeur at the U.S. Bicentennial,” by Jill Lepore “Two Hundred and Fifty Years of Complicated Commemorations,” by Jelani Cobb “This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History,” by Beverly Gage See the Washington Roundtable live at 92NY on June 4th.The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices