On today’s show, host Bert Zipperer chats with John Nichols, Executive Editor of The Nation magazine, about the upcoming July 4 holiday and their new double issue, “250 Years in Search of a More Perfect Union.” 

In his essay on Thomas Paine, Nichols  argues the pamphleteer’s insistence that America live up to its revolutionary vows still rings true 250 years later. He calls Paine the most radical politician of his time, the most important Founding Father, and the greatest wordsmith of the era whose writings are prescient in light of the Trump regime’s attacks on voting rights.

As we approach the nation’s 250 anniversary, Nichols says that we have an opportunity to reflect on the anti-colonial instinct at our nation’s founding, how we serve our whole population, care for the environment, and so much more. It’s a crucial time to reflection a recent Supreme Court decision that gives the president more power than ever. 

People are disenchanted with the direction of the country, and there’s a good reason: our government isn’t effectively addressing wealth inequality, healthcare, systemic racism, and so much more.. Nichols says that “money buys inaction” and “the biggest success of the wealthy and powerful is making sure the system that empowers them doesn’t change.” He also discusses how the Democratic Party can present a coherent alternative vision of the nation as we approach the Midterm election. 

We also celebrate host Allen Ruff, who is shifting to monthly shows in the Fall, and honor the legacy of anti-war activist, Will Williams, who passed away this week.

Featured image of the White House via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).

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