Political Courage

How do you define courage?

What are the principles and values for which you are willing to sacrifice? How does this apply to the Fairness Doctrine and Free Speech?

Join us for this interesting and divisive issue.

Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton - What do these two men have in common?

Okay, unfortunately, the mistakes they made that led to resignation and impeachment are the first things that come to mind.

But, the goal of this episode is to highlight Executive Orders they signed that have lasting positive impacts that should be a part of their legacies. Join us and learn to appreciate their accomplishments. Learn about the influential orders that they have in common.

Let’s remember them for their courageous accomplishments.

In September of 1787, the members of the Philadelphia Convention sent the new United States Constitution to the Confederation Congress for their review.

This new document outlined a new government and thus called for the transfer of governmental authority from the Confederation Congress to a new government. Instead of retaliating at the loss of their authority, the courageous existing Congress supported the new government and developed a plan that would facilitate that transfer of power.

June 21, 1788: Concord, New Hampshire. 114 men cast their votes on whether to ratify the new US Constitution. The vote was close.

We dedicate this episode to the 57 men who voted to ratify the Constitution.

But why New Hampshire? New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratify, meeting the 2/3 majority vote. Join us and learn about this fateful day and the state which made the Constitution the law of the land.

Philanthropist Jane Addams opened Hull House in 1889 and dedicated her life to those less fortunate.

In 1903, she gave a speech in Chicago dedicated to the spirit of Washington, Lincoln, and other great men. She challenged us all to look inward, then outward, and find ways to make our communities better.

”What is a great man? He is a man who has looked through the confusion of the moment and has listened to his conscience.”

Over the past 222 years, 36 people have had the distinction of lying-in-state in the Capitol Building Rotunda. In that time only 5 people have earned the distinction of lying-in-honor in the Rotunda.

What is the difference between lying-in-state and lying-in-honor?

Who are the 5 honored people?

In this episode, we discuss the uncommon history of the United States Capitol Building and the people of integrity and distinction who have been given the honor.

Ida B. Wells spent 45 years battling racism, sexism, and violence. She fought an anti-lynching campaign after 3 friends were lynched by a group of southern whites in 1892.

She was a journalist, activist, researcher, and early leader in the Civil Rights movement. Join us in remembering a wonderful and courageous woman.

The first man of the Jewish faith to hold elected office in the colonies.

The first man of the Jewish faith to die in the Revolutionary War.

In this episode, we tell his story because, simply put, he deserves to be remembered.

General Richard Oglesby stood in front of those who wanted him dead. ”I smell blood! I smell the blood of Union soldiers, here foully murdered by traitors to their country!”

We discuss courage in the face of the threat of harm and even death. It was said of General Oglesby, ”threats only made him more determined.” He faced his armed accusers unafraid and gave his speech on the Union and the Civil War for two hours. They dared not stop him.

We analyze the power of the US presidency from the perspective of 2 of Teddy Roosevelt’s good friends, Mark Twain and Henry Adams. In 1906, Roosevelt was mixed up in a scandal and Twain and Adams both weighed in on the subject and how the immense power of the presidency had affected their friend. Listen to the insights of two people close to the president. Fascinating stuff.