Podcast appearances and mentions of luther martin

More than a century before the 16th Amendment and the IRS, the Anti-Federalists warned that the Constitution's taxing power would be used to bleed the people dry and consolidate power. Luther Martin, George Mason, Cato, and others saw it coming - unlimited taxation, oppressive enforcement, and economic subjugation. We ignored them. Now we live it. The post Taxation Will Bleed You Dry: Anti-Federalist Warnings Ignored first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.

Luther Martin, the Anti-Federalist firebrand, predicted that the Constitution would lead to a national system of consolidated power that could never secure liberty. He argued this was an intentional conspiracy - a deliberate plan at the Philadelphia Convention to undermine federalism and state sovereignty. In this episode, we'll uncover Martin's fiery objections, his claims of a calculated scheme, his warnings about consolidation, standing armies, and more. The post Conspiracy: Luther Martin's Anti-Federalist Warnings about Centralization first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.

Learn how the mode of selecting the President was the result of a hard fought and contentious Constitutional Convention debate, resulting in the adoption of Article II, Section 1 of the United States Constitution. Review that the idea of a popular, nationwide election was rejected because, among other things, there were serious concerns that the public would not have sufficient information, and the public would be swayed by bias to local candidates, passion, and celebrity. Understand that the idea of a Congressional election of the President was rejected because, among other things, of grave concerns about the independence of the President, as well as formation of cabals and corruption. The electoral college was intended to mediate the passions of the people as well as the dangers of elections by Congress by creating an independent body, whose sole function was to select the best candidate. Review how electors are chosen is determined by the Legislature of each state. Each State has the number of electors equal to the number of representatives in the House of Representatives and Senators. Learn the mistakes the Founding Fathers made in connection with the Presidential Election (for example, having the runner-up become Vice President) - and how paralyzed the nation during the election of 1800. The President and Vice President now run as a slate, and electors cast one vote for each. A person receiving an outright majority of electors becomes President and Vice President respectively. Otherwise, the House of Representatives chooses the President, selecting from the top three vote getters. Each State has one vote, chosen by a majority of its representatives. A similar process works for the Vice President, but he or she is chosen by the Senate out of the top two vote getters. Originally, most electors were chosen directly by the legislatures of the States. Over time, States determined to select their electors by popular election, with 48 of the 50 States choosing a winner takes all system. Highlights include James Madison, Constitutional Convention, George Washington, Articles of Confederation, Founding Fathers, Congress, Edmund Randolph, the Virginia Plan a/k/a Randolph Resolutions a/k/a Randolph Plan, the President, Abraham Baldwin, William Paterson, New Jersey Plan a/k/a Paterson Resolves a/k/a Paterson Plan, American Revolution, James Wilson, George Mason, Gouverneur Morris, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, Charles Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, Alexander Hamilton, Hugh Williamson, John Dickinson, Luther Martin, Oliver Ellsworth,  Caleb Strong, Jonathan Blearly, Blearly Committee, Max Farrand, Abraham Baldwin, John Jay, Federalist Papers (Federalist Paper No. 39, Federalist Paper No. 48), Anti-Federalist Papers, presidential electors, United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, North Carolina Ratifying Convention, James Iredell, United States Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story, A Familiar Exposition of The Constitution of the United States, Aaron Burr, Vice President, Presidential Election of 1800, James A. Bayard, the Revolution of 1800, United States Constitution Article II, Section 1, 12th Amendment, Presidential Election of 1788, Presidential Election of 1792, electoral votes, Presidential Election of 1824, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Presidential Election of 1876, President Rutherford B. Hayes, Samuel Tilden, Presidential Election of 2000, President George W. Bush, Vice President Al Gore, Election of 2016, President Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, 23rd Amendment, National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, Chiafalot v Washington (2020), 10th Amendment, Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Neil Gorsuch, and many others. To learn more about the President and elections & Patriot Week, visit www.PatriotWeek.org. Our resources include videos, a TV series, blogs, lesson plans, and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-warren9/support

Topics covered: Under the Articles of Confederation, the Congress could not levy taxes directly, which was perceived as a great weakness to the federal government. Instead, it had a system of requisitions from the States, and this led to a most precarious financial and fiscal position for the United States, while also endangering the country with foreign invasion and internal civil strife. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution provides that the Congress has the enumerated power to lay taxes, duties, and imposts. These taxes include external taxes on foreign trade and goods, and internal taxes on products, services, and property. These taxes are direct taxes on the People, goods, and businesses which are collected without the assistance of the States. The Anti-Federalists strongly opposed the Constitution because, among things, they believed that the Taxing Power would swallow up the States and destroy liberty. Highlights include Alexander Hamilton, Timothy Pickering, James Madison, Richard Henry Lee, Brutus (Judge John Yates), Luther Martin, Amos Singletary, Hugh Williamson, Elbridge Gerry, Oliver Ellsworth, James Iredell, James Wilson, and Benjamin Franklin. Check out PatriotWeek.org, Judge Warren's book at www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com, and the Save our Republic! video series on Patriot Week's YouTube Channel. Support this podcast at: ⁠https://anchor.fm/michael-warren9⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-warren9/support

“All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.” United States Constitution, Article I, Section 7 Review the origins and debate over Article I, Section 7 of the United States Constitution, which provides that any bill raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives. These bills were often referred to as “money bills” and this clause today is often referred to as the “Origination Clause.” This provision addresses the authority of the federal government to tax, as well as to raise revenues and funds from other sources. Article I, Section 7 ensures that taxation and similar means of raising money must first be proposed by the House of Representatives — which is composed of the most immediate representatives of the People. The Origination Clause preserves the keystone of “no taxation without representation.” The Senate has the authority to amend or concur in amendments to such bills, just like any other bill. This ensures the wisdom and experience of the Senate can influence these important matters, without allowing them to cower or coerce the House, and prevents an aristocracy from taking hold. Highlights include the Constitutional Convention, House of Representatives, Senate, Governor Edmund Randolph, Flag Day, Virginia Plan a/k/a Randolph Plan a/k/a Randolph Resolutions, Articles of Confederation, William Paterson, New Jersey Plan a/k/a Paterson Resolutions a/k/a Paterson Plan, Elbridge Gerry, Declaration of Independence, Sugar Act, Stamp Act, taxation without representation, Pierce Butler, French and Indian War a/k/a the Seven Years War, First Continental Congress, British Constitution, James Madison, House of Commons, Rufus King, George Read, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Roger Sherman, Charles Pinckney, James Wilson, Oliver Ellsworth, Robert Yates, Benjamin Franklin, Gunning Bedford, Luther Martin, George Mason, William Davie, John Rutledge, Abraham Baldwin, Grand Compromise, Gouverneur Morris, Hugh Williamson, Bastille Day, House of Lords, Federalist Papers, Anti-Federalist Papers, Federalist Paper No. 58, Federalist Paper No. 66, Tench Coxe, Civis Rusticus (Simple Citizen), James Iredell, North Carolina Ratifying Convention, and more. To learn more about the Constitution & Patriot Week, visit www.PatriotWeek.org. Our resources include videos, a TV series, blogs, lesson plans, and more. Read the entire original, unamended Constitution here: https://patriotweek.org/2021/07/27/the-original-constitution-september-17/ Check out Judge Michael Warren's book America's Survival Guide, How to Stop America's Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History at www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com, amazon, or other major on-line retailers. Join us! SUPPORT: Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-warren9/support [donations go the nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) Patriot Week Foundation] --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-warren9/support

On this day in history, September 1, 1807, Aaron Burr, former Vice President and notable shooter of Alexander Hamilton, was acquitted of treason. Aaron Burr's 1807 treason trial was a landmark case and one of the earliest tests of the U.S. Constitution's Treason Clause, outlined in Article III, Section 3. The clause was carefully crafted to limit the charge of treason to the most serious of crimes, requiring "the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act" for a conviction. The trial featured key figures from the Constitutional Convention, including Edmund Randolph and Luther Martin, who were part of Burr's defense team. President Thomas Jefferson, who was convinced of Burr's guilt, directed the prosecution.Burr was arrested in Alabama after being rejected by both major political parties: the Democratic-Republicans for opposing Jefferson in the 1800 presidential election, and the Federalists for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel. He had moved west to seek better fortunes and was involved in a plot to seize lands in Louisiana and Mexico. His plot was exposed when General James Wilkinson, a longtime friend, turned against him and informed federal authorities.Chief Justice John Marshall, a political adversary of Jefferson, presided over the trial. In an unprecedented move, Marshall issued a subpoena to President Jefferson to provide documents for Burr's defense, which Jefferson partially ignored. The trial hinged on whether Burr had committed an "overt act" of treason. Testimony revealed that Burr was 100 miles away from Blennerhassett's Island on the Ohio River, where the government claimed he was planning an act of treason. Marshall instructed the jury to focus solely on whether an act of war had been conducted on the island, citing an earlier related case, Ex parte Bollman.The jury quickly acquitted Burr, stating he was "not proved to be guilty under this indictment by any evidence submitted to us." Jefferson was so infuriated by the acquittal that he reportedly wanted to bring impeachment charges against Marshall, echoing a failed attempt in 1805 to impeach Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase. Interestingly, Aaron Burr had presided over Chase's acquittal as Vice President. The trial revealed the complexities and limitations of the Treason Clause, and it also exposed the personal and political animosities between key figures of the era.U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas disclosed that Republican megadonor Harlan Crow funded his travel expenses for three trips last year. This is the first time in two decades that Thomas has reported travel funded by Crow, a Dallas real estate developer. The justice also revealed that he sold three properties to Crow in 2014, a transaction he had previously failed to disclose. These disclosures come after a series of ProPublica reports earlier this year that scrutinized Thomas's financial ties to Crow, including luxury vacations and real estate transactions.In a statement, Thomas's attorney Elliot Berke refuted the allegations, calling them a "partisan feeding frenzy" and stating that the attacks were motivated by disagreement with Thomas's judicial philosophy. Thomas also noted that he did not report earlier vacations with Crow due to new rules adopted by the federal judiciary this year. He added that he had arranged for private transportation to an event in May following an "increased security risk" related to a leaked draft opinion on Roe v. Wade.Thomas also corrected previous omissions in his financial disclosures, including bank accounts and a life insurance policy for his wife, Virginia "Ginni" Thomas. He stated that Crow had paid $133,000 for the three properties in Savannah, Georgia, in 2014, resulting in a capital loss for him and his wife.The disclosure has heightened scrutiny around the ethics and transparency of the Supreme Court, especially as public confidence in the court has declined amid various controversies. Congressional Democrats and advocacy groups have filed ethics complaints against Thomas, but no action or updates have been announced by the Committee on Financial Disclosure, which oversees the reporting process for justices and lower court judges.Justice Clarence Thomas Reports Trips Paid for by GOP Donor (2)US Supreme Court's Thomas flew on GOP donor's jet, cites security risks | ReutersA federal judge has sentenced former Proud Boys leaders Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl to 17 and 15 years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. They were convicted of seditious conspiracy in an attempt to overturn Donald Trump's 2020 election loss. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly's sentences were lower than the 33-year and 30-year terms that federal prosecutors had sought. Kelly stated that while he did not want to minimize the violence of the event, it was not equivalent to a mass casualty incident.Before their sentencing, both Biggs and Rehl expressed regret for their actions. Biggs choked up as he spoke about his daughter, who he said needs him, while Rehl broke down, stating that he had let politics consume his life. Prosecutors had partly based their sentencing recommendation for Rehl on evidence that he committed perjury during the trial.Judge Kelly agreed that the conduct of Biggs and Rehl amounted to an act of terrorism but did not apply a terrorism enhancement to the sentences, stating it "overstates the conduct" at issue. The sentences are among the most stringent handed down in relation to the Capitol attack. To date, more than 1,100 people have been arrested, over 630 have pleaded guilty, and at least 110 have been convicted at trial for charges related to the Capitol assault. The attack resulted in five deaths, including a police officer, and injuries to more than 140 police officers.Judge sentences ex-Proud Boys leaders to 17 and 15-year terms for US Capitol attack | ReutersApple and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have settled a lawsuit over the rejection of Apple's application for a federal trademark for the term "Smart Keyboard." The dispute was resolved in principle, according to a joint filing, although details of the settlement were not immediately available. Apple's Smart Keyboard serves as an iPad cover, keyboard, and stand. The USPTO initially rejected Apple's trademark application for the term in 2018, and its Trademark Trial and Appeal Board upheld the decision in 2021. The board found that "Smart Keyboard" was a generic term for "technologically advanced keyboards."Apple appealed the decision to a Virginia federal court last year, arguing that "Smart Keyboard" was a distinctive trade name for its accessory. The company also pointed out that the USPTO had approved hundreds of other "Smart" trademarks, including Apple's own "Smart Cover," "Smart Case," and "Smart Connector" marks for iPad accessories. In response, the USPTO reiterated its stance that "Smart Keyboard" is a generic term and therefore ineligible for a federal trademark.The case had been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Representatives for both Apple and the USPTO did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the settlement. The resolution puts an end to a legal battle that had implications for trademark law and the tech industry.Apple, USPTO settle lawsuit over rejected 'Smart Keyboard' trademark | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Welcome back to the twenty-fifth episode of the American Social Fabric Podcast. This week we look at the Constitution's protection of the slave trade in the early US and on the writings of the Founding Father Martin Luther. This week's episode underscores the great contradiction of many of the Founding Fathers when it came to slavery, it was something they wanted to remove and also something they participated in. You can find the essay at: https://consource.org/document/luther-martin-genuine-information-viii-1788-1-22/20130122080919/. Also, if you want to follow along in the book I am using as a primary source, it is called "The Essential Debate on the Constitution" and is edited by Robert J. Allison and Bernard Bailyn. Thank you for your interest in the podcast and have a great week!

A Front Row Seat at the 1787 Constitutional Convention: Richard Hall, the Director and Co-Producer of the four-part series, Confounding Father: A Contrarian View of the U.S. Constitution (2020) takes you and host Richard Levick of LEVICK back to 1787 and the debate over the Electoral College, the three-fifths clause, the fugitive slave clause, the continuation of the African slave trade, an Executive elected with no term limits, a ban on paper money, vast Presidential pardon powers, an ineffective and nearly impossible to complete impeachment process and more. What would have happened if skeptical Maryland delegate Luther Martin had not left Philadelphia early, who had much different views on these issues?

With a name like his, Luther Martin was made to be a stand out. From living in Mississippi, to New York, & now California, Luther has gained many unique perspectives as he continuously progresses in his tech career. Now a software engineer & an audio engineer on the side, Luther shares his experiences as a black man, the discrimination he faced in the workplace, & the advice he gives to the next generation who get to stand on the shoulders of those who came before.

In this episode of our Song Sessions feature, we take a look at the history behind the song "He Will Hold Me Fast" as well as the rich theology that dwells within the song. Source Citations: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation_Day https://hymnary.org/text/a_mighty_fortress_is_our_god_a_bulwark https://hymnary.org/person/Luther_Martin?tab=texts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Mighty_Fortress_Is_Our_God https://lutherandhisworldat500.wordpress.com/sarah-schneider/#_ftnref4 Psalm 46:1, KJV https://lutheranreformation.org/history/a-mighty-fortress/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisabeth_Luther https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/music/library/hymns/a-mighty-fortress-is-our-god?lang=eng&_r=1 https://youtu.be/_vT6HQ1QaU4 “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” by HeartSong Cedarville University https://www.lifewayworship.com/findAndBuy/songPage/AMightyFortress?versionId=94083&searchStri ng=Heartsong%20# Intro and Outro music by Joseph McDade: https://josephmcdade.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/why-the-gospel-podcast/support

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant reformation, Steve and Fr. Martin take a closer look at the Martin Luther the man.

Luther Martin rails against slavery, and Georgia and South Carolina rail back. An awful compromise is reached based on some unexpected alliances. Mason advocates for sumptuary laws, but the other delegates decide that the law of necessity is enough. The delegates consider the financial crisis of their time, but let the issue pass by. The Patterson team considers a medley of timely provisions like the foreign emoluments clause and the pardon power.

Luther Martin delivers a two-day speech with much diffuseness. Madison argues the small states have nothing to fear.  Connecticut proposes a compromise. The mood amongst the delegates continues to deteriorate. Madison accuses Connecticut of failing to support to war effort. Delaware threatens to ally with foreign nations. Ben Franklin tries to bring the sides together. The Patterson team weighs the merits of proportional representation.

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant reformation, Steve and Fr. Martin take a closer look at the Martin Luther the man.

James Otis, Robert Yates and Mercy Otis Warren are not names that roll off the tongue, but they did make important contributions to Constitutional debate. Senator Michael Lee's recent book Written Out of History details Founders he says have been 'written out of history.'  Bruce looks at some of these men and women, and while finding them interesting figures that should be known, finds it difficult to say they are principals in league with Washington or Jefferson, and several factors explain their lack of prominence in at least short textbook histories.  However, those who have a greater than average level of historical knowledge should know them and the stances they took, and how they fit into political arguments today. 

Det talas om nya perspektiv i teologin. Forskare som Wright hyllas och ifrågasätts, men vad har det med oss att göra egentligen? Och vilka är Guds folk? Martin Lokrantz sitter ner med Olof och försöker guida oss kring vad som är så nytt egentligen.

Over the course of the Convention, Luther Martin (Maryland) had been a petulant opponent of the plan and an irritant to pretty much everybody there - even those who agreed with him. Now that his State, Maryland, is taking up ratification, he will continue to adamantly and vociferously oppose the Constitution. He is the very embodiment of the Anti-Federalists. Pretty much nobody will listen to his ranting, and Maryland will easily vote to ratify. It's what happens after that is so fascinating to me. Because of our own historical myopia, we tend to only see the good and heroic sides of the Framers and Founders. We don't relate to them as people just like us, facing difficulties and crises. Consequently, we don't learn from their example of how to deal with and even overcome those difficulties. The rest of Luther Martins' life will be spent in various pursuits as a lawyer - including defending Aaron Burr against charges of treason - and in the bottle. But by 1807, he will be called, "The Federalist Bulldog," by no less than Thomas Jefferson. What drives a man who is virulently anti-Federalist to change his mind? Was it the ultimate "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em?" Or did Luther Martin discover something about human nature in his later years?

Over the course of the Convention, Luther Martin (Maryland) had been a petulant opponent of the plan and an irritant to pretty much everybody there - even those who agreed with him. Now that his State, Maryland, is taking up ratification, he will continue to adamantly and vociferously oppose the Constitution. He is the very embodiment of the Anti-Federalists. Pretty much nobody will listen to his ranting, and Maryland will easily vote to ratify. It's what happens after that is so fascinating to me. Because of our own historical myopia, we tend to only see the good and heroic sides of the Framers and Founders. We don't relate to them as people just like us, facing difficulties and crises. Consequently we don't learn from their example of how to deal with and even overcome those difficulties. The rest of Luther Martins' life will be spent in various pursuits as a lawyer - including defending Aaron Burr against charges of treason - and in the bottle. But by 1807, he will be called, "The Federalist Bulldog," by no less than Thomas Jefferson. What drives a man who is virulently anti-Federalist to change his mind? Was it the ultimate "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em?" Or did Luther Martin discover something about human nature in his later years?

As the convention reaches the end of the first week of September, it seems, at least on the surface of things, that all their work is about to come undone. Luther Martin is convinced that the only way the American people will agree to this Constitution is to be hurried into it by surprise. Edmund Randolph of Virginia declares that yet another full convention be held - AFTER the states are given the opportunity to make amendments to the draft. It seems like there is a movement to undo all that has been done. What is left to hold the Convention together? Two men. Perhaps the only two men in all of American history to whom every citizen will listen...

As the convention reaches the end of the first week of September, it seems, at least on the surface of things, that all their work is about to come undone. Luther Martin is convinced that the only way the American people will agree to this Constitution is to be hurried into it by surprise. Edmund Randolph of Virginia declares that yet another full convention be held - AFTER the states are given the opportunity to make amendments to the draft. It seems like there is a movement to undo all that has been done. What is left to hold the Convention together? Two men. Perhaps the only two men in all of American history to whom every citizen will listen...

Today, we debate and discuss the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which may, depending on how you read it, gives the President the authority to make war, while Congress has not declared a war. Oddly enough, the delegates had exactly the same debate, which is why the Constitution gives Congress the power to DECLARE war and the expected the President to MAKE war... as long as the people approved... Needing a bit of a break, most of the Delegates headed down to the shore of the Delaware River to take a ride on a steamship. Yes... a steamship. Twenty years before anybody ever heard of Robert Fulton. Is it possible that little adventure helped them to empower Congress to "promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts?" Roughly a hundred years after the convention, Otto von Bismark will develop his political maxim of the "realpolitik." He could have learned it from Rutledge, who, in response to Luther Martin's call to accept the immorality of slavery, reminds the Convention that IF there is to be a Union, it WILL be with slavery. And if there is a Union WITH slavery, non-slave States... will make a whole lot of money...

Today, we debate and discuss the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which may, depending on how you read it, gives the President the authority to make war, while Congress has not declared a war. Oddly enough, the delegates had exactly the same debate, which is why the Constitution gives Congress the power to DECLARE war and the expected the President to MAKE war... as long as the people approved... Needing a bit of a break, most of the Delegates headed down to the shore of the Delaware River to take a ride on a steam ship. Yes... a steam ship. Twenty years before anybody ever heard of Robert Fulton. Is it possible that little adventure helped them to empower Congress to "promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts?" Roughly a hundred years after the convention, Otto von Bismark will develop his political maxim of the "realpolitik." He could have learned it from Rutledge, who, in response to Luther Martin's call to accept the immorality of slavery, reminds the Convention that IF there is to be a Union, it WILL be with slavery. And if there is a Union WITH slavery, non-slave States... will make a whole lot of money...

As the Convention prepares to adjourn for the Independence Day holiday, there is a great deal of anger and frustration in the room. Luther Martin expresses it best when he says that the convention hangs by no more than the width of a human hair. To move forward, a committee of Eleven is chosen to come up with a compromise plan to present after the break. Dr. Benjamin Franklin will lead the committee, which - over the objections of Madison and Wilson - is stacked with small State supporters. Can he get them to agree on a compromise that will please both the convention and the nation, which is waiting with great expectations to celebrate the new government and the Independence Day holiday? The stage is set for the celebration, as Washington sits for a portrait and speeches extol the glory of Independence day. But the Delegates must surely be worried about letting everybody down if they fail...

As the Convention prepares to adjourn for the Independence Day holiday, there is a great deal of anger and frustration in the room. Luther Martin expresses it best, when he says that the convention hangs by no more then the width of a human hair. To move forward, a committee of Eleven is chosen to come up with a compromise plan to present after the break. Dr. Benjamin Franklin will lead the committee, which - over the objections of Madison and Wilson - is stacked with small State supporters. Can he get them to agree on a compromise that will please both the convention and the nation, which is waiting with great expectations to celebrate the new government and the Independence Day holiday? The stage is set for the celebration, as Washington sits for a portrait and speeches extol the glory of Independence day. But the Delegates must surely be worried about letting everybody down if they fail...

Since June 11th, the Convention has been stuck on one question - will the representation in the proposed senate be equal (one state, one vote), or proportional? But now, the debates are becoming personal. James Madison will stoop to personal insults. Gunning Bedford (Delaware) will threaten to seek a foreign alliance. And Luther Martin will annoy everybody with his three hour screed about States Rights and his body odor. Through it all, General Washington knows that those he believes to be demagogues are on the verge of destroying everything. When the dust settles on Monday, July 2, 1787, one more vote will be taken on the matter. This time, if the small States lose, the Convention will almost certainly break up. But how can they win? The numbers arrayed against them are too strong, and too committed to the big State ideal of proportional representation. There is not even a prayer that they can prevail, or at least... not lose again. There doesn't seem to be any chance of saving the convention or avoiding the feared destruction of The United States of America. With the clock ticking to the Independence Day celebrations, Ben Franklin will remind the delegates, that if He cares about the sparrow, that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel..."

Jeanne Hoffman talks with Dr. Bill Glod and Dr. Phil Magness about some wacky academics from history. Dr. Glod profiles J.J. Smart, a philosopher who denied the existence of time and took great delight in "outsmarting" his critics, while Dr. Magness shines the light on our national skeleton in the closet - drunken founding father Luther Martin.

Robert J. Lieber is Professor of Government and International Affairs at Georgetown University. He is author or editor of fifteen books on international relations and U.S. foreign policy and has been a foreign policy advisor in several presidential campaigns and a consultant to the State Department and for National Intelligence Estimates. His most recent book is The American Era: Power and Strategy for the 21st Century (2008). Michael Allen is Special Assistant to the Vice President, Government & External Relations, at the National Endowment for Democracy. He is editor of Democracy Digest, an online publication covering democratization and democracy assistance. He is currently researching a book on the cultural Cold War and its implications for the current "war of ideas." Bill Kauffman is the author of eight books, among them a novel, Every Man a King, a memoir, Dispatches from the Muckdog Gazette, a biography, Forgotten Founder, Drunken Prophet: The Life of Luther Martin, and a work on the Middle American antiwar tradition Ain't My America. He has won the national "Sense of Place Award" from Writers & Books and the Andrew Eiseman Writers Award. Andrew J. Bacevich is professor of history and international relations at Boston University. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, he received his Ph.D. in American diplomatic history from Princeton. He is the author of The New American Militarism: How Americans Are Seduced by War (2005) and The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism (2008), among other books.

This podcast was originally recorded on September 9, 2008. The author, Bill Kauffman, spoke to the Holland Purchase Historical Society to promote his new book.http://www.hollandlandoffice.com/podcasts/kauffman.mp3