In 1916, the United States Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in the Brushaber v. Union Pacific Railroad Co. case, a ruling that profoundly shaped the legal landscape of federal income taxation in America. This case, brought forth by Frank Brushaber, a shareholder in the Union Pacific Railroad Company, challenged the constitutionality of the recently enacted federal income tax imposed by the 1913 Revenue Act. The significance of the Brushaber case lies not only in its direct impact on tax law but also in its broader implications for federal authority and the scope of the 16th Amendment. Today we talk about constitutional and legal arguments, the historical context surrounding the case, and the enduring influence of the Supreme Court’s decision on the American fiscal system.



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DDH - Tax Season

After relocating to the PACNORWEST, Dave continues his look at the news, politics, trends, history, religion, sports and even entertainment of the day...

News

Around three in the morning on May 13, 1862, the lookouts aboard a Union Naval vessel blockading Charleston Harbor was surprised to see a vessel bearing down upon his ship. Sounding the alarm, the gun ports were opened and all was brought to preparation to open fire. It was then that the lookout noticed that the ship approaching wasn’t coming on too fast and flying from it’s mast appeared to be a white… bed sheet?
When the vessel came up to the Union ship, it was clear that it intended to surrender. What became clear at that moment was the incredible man piloting the vessel was not your average Confederate looking to get away. It was a black man – in fact an escaped slave –  who had escaped, along with his entire crew, their families and this valuable vessel.
And that was really only the beginning of the story…




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DDH - You're Killing Me, Smalls!

Perhaps the most prescient act of the framers of the US Constitution was the establishment of an amendment process by which the document could be modified. Not in some instant, light and transient way, but with involvement of the peoples representatives, the States and the people themselves. It’s not easy to do, and, in fact, it should not be. As George Washington himself once said, any amendment can only be performed by an “authentic and explicit act” of the American people.
Twenty-seven times the constitution has been amended*. There remain countless other attempts which failed to pass Congress. Six further times amendments were proposed and passed by not ratified by the requisite number of States. Each and every time Congress gathers there are proposals and calls for amendments, most of which are little more than attention gimmicks, bound to go nowhere except a few interviews on media and garner campaign funding.
Why is it so difficult to get an amendment passed and ratified? Well… first off all, it should be difficult. We do not, by definition, change our government for “light and transient” reasons. Moreover, the incredible amount of “buy in” that has to be gained to pass an amendment requires that the amendment protect majoritarian rights.
Then there are questions about who exactly can and even should propose amendments.  Does the Court have any role in the matter? Are there any examples of all of this coming together in a concrete example of the system working as proposed?
Funny you should ask, as ton this day, May 7, 1992, that the 27th – and as of today the last – amendment to the Constitution was ratified. The surprising part is that it was among the first amendments ever proposed…












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DDH - That Pesky 2nd Amendment

Today, we embark on a journey back to the dawn of the American experiment. Our spotlight shines on the first presidential term of George Washington, a time when the nation’s destiny hung in the balance. On April 30, 1789, amidst the grandeur of Federal Hall in New York City, Washington stepped onto a second-floor balcony to take the oath of office. His inaugural address, delivered with humility and vision, set the tone for a young republic grappling with its identity, its Constitution, and the promise of liberty. Join us as we explore the echoes of that historic moment—the birth of a presidency, the forging of a nation, and the enduring legacy of George Washington’s words…



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DDH - On Untrodden Ground

On April 24, 1183bce (as determined by Eratosthenes the Beta), the City of Troy fell to the Greeks after nine years of devastating siege and bloody war. Few people today realize how many of our cultural values have been inculcated into us by the events of that day. The defeated Trojans would wander west and finally resettle in another city, this time one with seven hills. The Greeks would soon find trouble enough because of the moral compromises they had made to achieve their victory.
Nine years of war, and all over… what, exactly? What if what we are told was the reasons – the necessary and moral imperatives for the war – were not only untrue, but little more than propaganda?
And what lessons are there for us today, more than three thousand years later, as we gaze on the beach where the Trojan Horse waited that fateful morning….

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DDH - The Fall of Troy

In the intriguing world of naval history and maritime technology, few things capture the imagination quite like the evolution of the submarine. In a special episode of "Bill Mick Live" on April 9, 2024, Dave Bowman, a seasoned historian and submarine veteran, dives deep into the legacy of submarines, from their early inception to their critical role in modern naval warfare. With his unique blend of firsthand experience and historical knowledge, Dave navigates through the stories of innovation, bravery, and tragedy that have defined submarine service. This episode not only sheds light on the technological advancements and strategic significance of submarines but also honors the memory of those who served beneath the waves, facing the ocean's unforgiving nature. Join us for a journey through time, exploring the depths of human ingenuity and the relentless spirit of exploration that characterizes the submariners' path.

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DDH - Tax Season

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