As the debate over which history we teach in American schools becomes more inflamed and many of the fundamental precepts of American democracy are under serious assault, it is more important than ever to understand what happened 246 years ago in Philadelphia.

Let me educate, inform, and refresh your audience on some of the basics of America’s birthday. Ask me— 

•Why John Adams thought America would mark its birthday on July 2

•Whether the Declaration of Independence was adopted exactly as Jefferson wrote it

•What radically profound, new ideas were stated in this document

•How many people signed the Declaration and what became of the men— and they were all men—  who pledged “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor” 

•How many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence enslaved people

•What George Washington thought about allowing Black men to serve in the Continental Army

•Which two presidents died on the same July 4th on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration 

These and other basic questions about Independence and the American Revolution prove that history is more than dates and documents. 

Book a live or taped interview and I can bust some myths, set the record straight, and explore Jefferson’s “self-evident Truths”— “that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” 

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The Supreme Court will hear a case on state authority over elections, Pat Thurston explains what this means for democracy.

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UCSF's Dr. Peter Chin Hong joins Pat Thurston to discuss the latest news on monkeypox and covid-19.

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Listen to Friday's complete podcast of The Mark Thompson Show.

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Packing the Supreme Court is not a new idea. The Democrats tried it in 1937, but it was not successful. Is history repeating itself?

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Michael Snyder, the movie critic & culture blaster, is with Mark Thompson to share reviews of movies you should watch this holiday weekend!

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Michael Shure, National Correspondent for News Nation joins Mark Thompson to discuss the upcoming celebration of freedom amid the Supreme Court's extreme rulings.

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A kidnapped man in Florida drove erratically so police would pull him over.

Mark Thompson explains the scary situation in "Fabulous Florida Friday".

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US basketball star Brittney Griner appears in a Russian court on drug smuggling charges, Mark Thompson shares insight on the situation.

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The battle to build a new baseball stadium in Oakland to keep the A's crossed another obstacle last night, and the Morning Show with Guest Host Chris Merrill speaks with both Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf (pro) and Pacific Merchant Shipping Association's Mike Jacob (con) to gain their perspectives on the project. Is it a boon or bust for Oakland?

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