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facts in the declaration of independence. Our founder's case for independence.

Facts in the Declaration | The Case for Independence

By Dr Mark | June 29, 2019 | Comments 3 comments

Show Summary: Most people know the parts in the Declaration that talk about unalienable human rights, endowed by their Creator. But it also outlined the tyranny of the King, and gave 27 facts for independence. What’s this now about charters and trials in diverse places…? We look at the facts in the Declaration: our Founders’ case for independence

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Air Dates: June 29 & 30, 2019 and July 6 & 7 | Greg Leo

We love the Fourth of July! Independence Day. It’s like Christmas for patriots. And it’s our annual Fourth of July show — with our “in house” historian, Greg Leo.

Every year, we look a different aspect of Independence Day. Last year we looked at how America survived divisiveness in the past (that show was in the middle of the Mueller investigation into Russia collusion. We looked at the Fourth of July in America’s first 50 years — when our country very nearly didn’t survive.

But this year we take a deeper look at the document that started it all: the Declaration of Independence, and especially the facts in the Declaration as our Founders made the for Independence. And against tyranny.

The Facts in the Declaration of Independence

Most people remember the parts in the Declaration that talk about unalienable human rights, endowed by their Creator. But it also outlined the tyranny of the King, And our Founders gave 27 facts for independence. Facts like, the Kings has removed their charters and holding “mock trials in diverse places.”

While the beauty of the Declaration of Independence lies in its big ideas, it’s embrace of a universal truth—that all men are endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights—the Declaration was a legal case against the tyranny of the King.

In a beautiful bit of philosophical and legal poetry, the Declaration held the freedom and liberty intended for mankind, as given by God Himself, up against the utter despotism and tyranny as embodied in a man—the King of England.

While the politicians and theologians could argue for or against the ideals in the Declaration (many in England—and even in the Colonies—still believed in the “Divine Right of Kings”), the facts in the Declaration were presented as indisputable evidence of tyranny. And it’s a fight that never ends.

The Case for Independence

We talk with Greg Leo, a historian and our annual guest for the Fourth, about what the King was doing for the Founders to include the facts that they did as arguments for independence.

For example, what do you know about the King “taking away our charters”? Or refusing to pass “Laws of immediate and pressing importance”? Or calling together “legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant“? And what’s this about “mock trials”? We look at these and some of the perhaps more obscure facts in the Declaration, and our Founders case for Independence.

And don’t miss our discussion about the “deleted paragraph.” This was a paragraph that appeared in the early draft of the Declaration but was removed. Find out why Jefferson was pressured to remove it.

Echoes of the Founders’ Fight for Freedom

Also on this year’s Fourth of July show, you’ll hear echoes of our Founders ‘ struggle against tyranny with what is happening here in Oregon, across the country, and around the world. The fight for freedom never ends and every generation must pick up the torch.

Here in Oregon, a group of Republican senators walked away from tyranny when the Democrat super majority and Democrat governor refused to listen to their concerns about a massive new tax on Oregonians. The carbon cap and trade bill (HB 2020). They realized they had no other choice but to walk out and deny the majority a legislative quorum. The governor’s response? In her best imitation of King George III, she called out the police to arrest them.

Yes. Here in Oregon, our governor wanted to arrest her political opposition.

Timber Unity Rally

Rural Oregon patriots showed up by the thousands to defend their way of life at the Timber Unity Rally in Salem

But the people rose up. Thousands of rural Oregonians, who were tired of Portlanders telling them what they could or couldn’t do with their land. Or how to run their business. Even what they can do for business. There is no better environmentalist than a farmer. And rural Oregonians are tired of big city environmentalist-wannabes telling them they know better about the environment. And that rural Oregonians are the ones who should be taxed for Portlander’s environmental schemes.

Hey, at least King George never wanted to tax the air the colonists breathed. But I bet he would have loved a carbon tax.

Old-Fashioned Independence Day

Looking for something a little different to do on the Fourth of July? Enjoy an old-fashioned Independence Day at historic Champoeg Park (pronounced “shampoo-ee”). Music, food, and history! From 2:30 – 6 p.m., with the program going from 4–6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy a taste of history and still get to your evening fireworks. More details can be found at newellpioneervillage.com or download the flyer here.

Never Miss an I Spy Radio Show

Coverage Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of November, 2018 — Current *I Spy Radio* broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

Five Different Times, on Seven Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Saturdays
10a – 11a: KFIR 720AM (entire Willamette Valley) | Direct Link to KFIR Live Stream
11a – noon: KLBM 1450AM (Union County) | Direct Link to KLBM Live Stream
11a – noon: KBKR 1490AM (Baker County) | Direct Link to SuperTalk Live Stream
7p – 8p: KWRO 630AM (Oregon Coast & Southeastern Oregon) | Direct Link to KWRO Live Stream

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM or 99.7FM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Podcast Version

Links & Additional Information

Greg Leo is a political and public affairs consultant. If you need help dealing with government, you can contact him at greg@theleocompany.com
Old-Fashioned Independence Day at the historic Newell House in Champoeg Park. Free food and music! Can’t make it on the 4th? See the full list of events at the Newell Pioneer Village
The Quebec Act – the threat to representative government in the Colonies. See #5. (via founding.org)
Read more about the “deleted paragraph” of the Declaration of Independence (BlackPast, 2019)
Excellent resource for historical context of issues mentioned in the Declaration of Independence — an annotated Declaration of Independence from founding.org (a project of Claremont Univ)
Former President Ulysses S. Grant in Japan (via Japan Today, Sep 21, 2018)
- More on The U.S. and the Opening of Japan – July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry sailes into Tokyo Bay

Oregon - Hope for Tiny Tim at Christmas time

Oregon: There’s Hope for Tiny Tim

By Dr Mark | December 15, 2018 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show Summary: Christmas is a good time to remember that even in Oregon, there’s hope for Republicans. There were some great things in 2018 and now 2019 awaits. With former NFL superstar Burgess Owens & NY Times bestselling author, Scott McEwen.

Five Different Times, Six Different Stations. Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Air Dates: Dec. 15 & 16, 2018 | Burgess Owens & Scott McEwen

This Week: This year has seen some lows and some highs. Mostly, the lows are here in Oregon. Or at least it feels that way some times. We’re the kids in the Christmas Carol looking out the window at other kids having fun in the snow. But we can’t go out and play with the other kids. And of course, there’s that carbon tax that might be coming—which will really handicap Oregon’s businesses and farmers—if Oregon’s Republicans can’t get their act together.

But let’s not be Scrooge here. There have been a lot of good things that happened this year. And it’s with that in mind that we bring you this week’s show.

Christmas Time

It being the Christmas Season, we’re taking a lighter approach to this week’s show. Sure, there’ll be some politics but we won’t be focusing on things we need to warn you about. (See pretty much the entire rest of the year for that.)

Instead, we want to bring you two authors and frequent guests of I Spy Radio, who have terrific new books out that would be perfect Christmas gifts this year. (Plus, you can find other great books for gifts in our store page.)

Burgess Owens: Why I Stand

First up, we talk with Burgess Owens, former NFL superstar, about his latest book, Why I Stand. This is a terrific book just in time for the holidays about a man who came up from the Deep South and is committed to standing up for the Black community that has been duped by its leader. It is filled with inspiration about the core beliefs that make America great, filled with insights from a lifetime of seeing too many people fall into the trap of socialist mindsets. This is a great gift to give yourself or the younger generation in your life to wake up from the growing lure of socialism.

Scott McEwen

We also talk with Scott McEwen, co-author of the NY Times bestselling American Sniper., about some of the feel-good stories this year, like Trump’s victory to get Kavanaugh appointed, expanding the Republicans’ lead in the Senate (which will make more Kavanaughs possible), and even the Clinton’s discounted “stadium tour.” Could 2019 be the year of the Clintons finally facing justice?

Scott has two new books out (in addition to his other seven books): City of Death: Humanitarian Warriors in the Battle for Mosul, which Scott co-wrote with Ephraim Mattos, and Camp Valor. City of Death, which would be an excellent book for anyone who likes real-life military stories as you’re put right there on the scene with one of the Free Burma Rangers as they helped provide humanitarian relief for the fight to retake Mosul from ISIS. It would also be an excellent book for any vets in your life — or buy a few copies to take to your local VFW.

Camp Valor is intended for teens and young adults but, let’s face it, it’s great fun for adults too. It’s about a troubled youth who’s given a chance to redeem himself if he agrees to join a secret training camp for teenage government agents. Except America’s enemies find out about it and they find themselves in a real battle for their lives.

Tune in this week for a bit of a lighter show than our usual fare. We’ll need the break as we all rest, then gear up for 2019.

Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—the podcast version will be right here after the show airs.

Links Mentioned

Burgess Owens’ book is Why I Stand: From Freedom to the Killing Fields of Socialism.
Scott’s two books mentioned were City of Death: Humanitarian Warriors in the Battle for Mosul (Scott was the co-author to Ephraim Mattos) and Camp Valor.

I Spy Radio's annual Fourth of July Show

8th Annual Fourth of July Show! | How America Survived Divisiveness

By Dr Mark | July 3, 2018 | Comments 1 comment

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Show Summary: This year’s annual Fourth of July Show is a look back at times when America was even more divided than it is now. And how we healed and came together. With ace historian, Greg Leo.

Map of I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, starting May 5, 2018 — I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas, as of July 2018. Click for full-size map.

Listen anywhere! All stations stream live!

Sundays
8a – 9a: KWVR 1340AM (Wallowa County) | Direct Link: KWVR Live Stream
7p – 8p: KAJO 1270AM (Grants Pass/Medford) | Direct Link: KAJO Live Stream

Air Dates: June 30 & July 1, 2018 — Also July 7 and 8, 2018 | Greg Leo

It’s our annual Fourth of July show! Our eighth annual Fourth of July show if you can believe it. This year, we welcome back once again, ace amateur historian, Greg Leo. On this week’s show, we take today’s divided America and look back to compare to other moments in history. When, believe it or not, America was even more divided then than it is today.

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Our Annual Fourth of July Show

The Fourth of July is, and always has been, a unifying moment on the calendar. In some ways, even more than Christmas, because not everyone is a Christian but we’re all Americans.

And every year, we take a look back at periods of American history, to understand what America was going through, how the Fourth was celebrated in times past, and what those times and celebrations can teach us today.

This Year: Our 8th Annual Fourth of July Show

America is pretty divided right now. Half the country hates the current President — just like half hated the previous President. There’s the Russian investigation that, depending on which side of the political aisle you’re on, you either think proves Trump colluded with Russians or is a complete witch hunt. But you’ve also got Antifa routinely rioting, and Rep. Maxine Waters is openly calling for people to harass members of the administration and even Trump supporters.

Could this be any worse?

Actually, yes.

Fourth of July in 1800

The often overlooked election of 1800 was probably the most contentious time in American politics. And there were some amazing similarities between then and now.

We talk with Greg Leo about how the political war between Adams and Jefferson nearly tore the new country apart. Like today, both sides back then had their own media—the equivalent of Fox News vs. CNN. If you thought Sarah Sanders getting kicked out of a restaurant was something, you’ll have to hear what supporters of one side or the other went through.

But even in those dark and uncertain times, America pulled through.

Fourth of July in 1843

Fourth of July Celebrations in Canyon City, Oregon, in 1862.

This year also marks the 175th anniversary of the vote in the Oregon frontier to side with America.

In 1843, the settlers began to realize they needed some form of government. Find out what happened to start the movement toward government. Then, as now, civic involvement could be a tricky business. Find out what carrots the leaders used to get the settlers to turnout and vote.

Fourth of July in the Great Depression

While much of America’s history has been filled with the promise of freedom, liberty, and prosperity, the Great Depression from 1929 to World War II was a time of struggle for many Americans.

During the Depression, many parents couldn’t afford to keep their own children and were forced to send them to orphanages. Other children took their lives into their own hands and hopped rail cars in search of food and work.

It wasn’t just America. The Depression was worldwide and many countries fell into the trap of totalitarian governments, leading to the rise of the Nazis in Germany, fascism in Italy, and the continued advance of socialism and communism in Europe.

But even during these dark times, the promise of Liberty burned bright and the Fourth of July was a beacon of hope to all Americans. And as America became the leader of the Free World, our promise of freedom and liberty was a beacon to the rest of the world too.

Podcast Version

Links Mentioned

If you’re in need of governmental or political consulting, drop Greg Leo a line. He has more than 30 years of experience in the world of politics and government affairs. Greg can be reached at greg@theleocompany.com

Segments 1 & 2: (175th Anniversary of Founders Day)

Oregon Politics and Govt in the 1840s (via Oregon Secretary of State)
- “The region went from having no government, other than the de facto civil authority exercised by the Hudson’s Bay Company, to territorial status on a path to statehood. Along the way, Oregonians saw the creation of a provisional government in 1843 and the end of the British claim to sovereignty in 1846. Local political squabbles between Americans and an alliance of French-Canadians and the Hudson’s Bay Company provided much of the early heat but politics in Washington, driven by the call “Fifty-Four Forty or Fight!,” added to the rising temperature on the subject of what to do with the Oregon Country. ”
- “Over the years, no event had come along in the small community to trigger serious discussion of the subject. … The event finally came when American Ewing Young died in 1841 without a will. Young, by far the wealthiest independent settler in the Oregon Country, owned a large herd of cattle in addition to promissory notes from his neighbors for large debts. Since he had no known heirs, the subject arose at his funeral of what to do with his property in the absence of any sort of governmental probate procedure. ”
Marion County Celebrates 175 Years (Woodburn Independent, April 2018)
1843 Pioneer Problems & a Promise – Events of 1843.

Segments 3 & 4: Divisive Times (Jefferson & Adams)

The contentious election of 1800 (via USHistory.org)
Jefferson & Adams: Started as friends but… (via Monticello.org)

Segments 5 & 6: Great Depression

The Great Depression Timeline: 1929-1941 (The Ballance, April 18, 2018)
Great Depression | Teenagers Riding The Rails (Errol Lincoln, ND)
Having fun: Family Time (Farming During the 1930s, ND)
World War II Gave Birth to “American Spirit,” Says Historian Ambrose (National Geographic, May 24, 2001)

I Spy Radio Annual Fourth of July Show | War of 1812 America's first 50 years

7th Annual Fourth of July Show – The First 50 Years

By Dr Mark | June 30, 2017 | Comments 3 comments

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Show Summary: It’s I Spy’s Seventh Annual Fourth of July Show! This year, we’re looking at the first 50 years of America, when we nearly didn’t survive. Tune in to hear what was tearing us apart and why we came back together.

Did you miss the Show? You can download the podcast but you should go here to find out when, where, and how to listen so you don’t miss the next.

Air Dates: July 1 & 2, 2017 | Greg Leo

Hot dogs, apple pie, picnics, fireworks! What a great time of the year. And once again we’re joined by Greg Leo (greg@theleocompany.com), I Spy’s “in house” historian, for our annual Fourth of July Show.

On last year’s annual Fourth of July show, we talked about the English Civil War and America’s first big milestone, the 50^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1826 and all the festivities for the jubilee. This year, we’re taking a closer look at those fifty years in between.

American Revolution War vet, Lemuel Cook. Enlisted in 1781 at age 16. He served at the Battle of Brandywine and was present at the Surrender at Yorktown.

Like today, there was a lot of disunity in America. Having fought two wars with the strongest nation in the world, America was being pulled apart by the War of 1812 and many states weren’t on board with disenfranchising themselves from England. There were secret political meetings to undermine the President. And just like today, there was also a fierce battle going on between the two political parties, the Federalists and the Republicans. One wanted to grow the federal government while the other wanted it to shrink.

Tune in to find out how and why America prevailed and how the second and third generations of the Revolution managed to keep alive the most extraordinary experiment of self-governance — the American Republic. And don’t miss the last letter Thomas Jefferson ever wrote, as his poor health forced him to decline an invitation to attend the 50th Jubilee, that for one last time clearly and poignantly expressed the heart and soul of the Declaration of Independence.

Join us to celebrate July 4^th, our Independence Day!

Fun Stuff for the Fourth of July

Rare historical photos of veterans of the American Revolution
Got a family? Looking for something to do? Head to the historic Newell House in Champoeg (between Portland and Salem) for a fun, history filled Fourth of July
Weather in Philadelphia the week of July 4, 1776 (you can see Jefferson’s handwritten temperature recordings here)
Read the Declaration of Independence

Links and Research

Terrific article on the 50th Anniversary celebration, July 4 in 1826 (American Heritage)
“Respected Sir” — the last letter of Thomas Jefferson, declining the invitation to the 50th Anniversary celebration
The Spirit of ‘76 (Washington Free Beacon)
The Fourth of July, birth of Independence Day, early Fourth of July celebrations, and more from the History Channel
More on the “Era of Good Feelings” during the Monroe era
List of battles during the American Revolution
Yes, it’s Wikipedia but a good article on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence
The Olive Branch Petition articles here (“Revolutionary War and Beyond,” an independent history site), here (History Channel), and here (Wikipedia)
Read John Adams’ letter that was intercepted and leaked that spoiled the Olive Branch Petition
Greg’s company is the Leo Company and can be found here

Memorial Day Weekend 2017

By Dr Mark | May 26, 2017 | Comments 0 Comment

Show Summary: It’s Memorial Day weekend! You’re taking some time off and so are we. A best of a best of this week: looking back at last year’s Memorial Day, including a fun look at the history and traditions of Memorial Day. Plus, in 2016, we were in the thick of a contentious Republican primary. Remember that? It’s a good look back at where we were and, unfortunately, with stubborn “Republicans” in Congress, where we still are today.

Enjoy the look back!

I Spy Radio coverage map | I Spy Radio broadcast areas effective April 2017 — The I Spy Radio Show broadcast areas

All Stations Stream Live!
7:00AM Saturday: KUIK (Portland)
11:00AM Saturday: KBKR (Baker City) | KLBM (La Grande)
7:00PM Sunday: KAJO (Grants Pass)

Air Dates: May 27 & 28, 2017

NOTE: For links mentioned, see the original show page for Show 6-22, “Unity: A Nation at Risk.”

Annual Fourth of July Show

By Dr Mark | June 22, 2016 | Comments 0 Comment

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Click the mic to download the show! (Shows are available by Mondays at noon) — To download the show, right-click the mic, then “Save Link As…” or use the handy player below

Show Summary: This week, it’s our annual Fourth of July show! With special guest, Greg Leo. We talk about the historical predecessor to the American Revolution—the English Civil War, which led to the execution of their king; the first big milestone, the 50th anniversary of the Signing, and much more.

Air Dates: July 2^nd & 3^rd, 2016 | Greg Leo

It’s our annual Fourth of July show! Freedom and independence! Our Founding Father’s hopes and dreams live on — and look no further than what happened with “Brexit” as the U.K. voted to leave the European Union and regain control of its future and destiny, rather than be a slave to bureaucrats in Brussels.

Freedom is never easy to achieve. In fact, when it gets right down to it, it’s amazing how much people fear freedom. Why? Because freedom and independence means you’re responsible for your own future. Worse, politicians try to cling to their own power by making people fear their own freedom. Leading up the vote to leave the EU, there was a lot of fear mongering by the “elite” who desperately wanted to scare their own people into thinking leaving the EU was akin to committing suicide.

It came down to trust. The “Remain” politicians didn’t (and don’t) have faith in their own people to succeed or to be capable of taking care of themselves. It was the brilliance of our Founding Fathers to recognize that while human nature is such that people in government will try to accumulate power, they also trusted the American people with the responsibility of their own freedom. They recognized you couldn’t be “partly free”. So they enshrined the rights of freedom and protected people from their own government and guarded against the pursuit of power.

Celebrate with us this weekend as we celebrate the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day. Our in-house historian, Greg Leo, takes us through some of the hard and trying times our country went through and what the 4^th of July meant for us and other countries to see America stand for freedom. Listen to hear about the first big milestone, the 50th anniversary of the Fourth, some of the celebrations that took place over the past 240 years and don’t miss how history could have been changed with one meeting right here in Oregon.

Show 5-26 Annual Fourth of July Show

By Dr Mark | June 25, 2015 | Comments 0 Comment

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Show 5-26 | Air Dates: June 27 & 28, 2015

Note: In light of this week’s tragedy in Southern Oregon, we’re putting aside politics and partisanship, recognizing that people need space to heal and come together. So we’re re-airing our annual Fourth of July show, to give people some space and time to heal.

It’s our Annual Fourth of July show! This week on I Spy Radio, it’s time to put aside politics, time to put aside partisanship and take some time to celebrate America, our history, and our common heritage.

This week, we welcome back communications consultant and amateur historian, Greg Leo, whose special passion is the Fourth of July, its history, and the many events and celebrations that have happened on the Fourth.

On this year’s show, we revisit the origins of Independence Day celebrations and traditions, and then trace them through early Westward expansion, the Oregon Trail, and on into modern-day celebrations. Don’t miss the 1852 Fourth of July celebration at Independence Rock on the Oregon Trail, taken from a pioneer journal.

At Independence Rock on the Oregon Trail

Next week, we will re-air this week’s show—with a special twist.

Links Mentioned

Newell House – see their events page for the 2015 Fourth of July celebration
“The Pioneer Fourth of July” published by Indiana Magazine of History, 1912.
Read some excerpts from pioneer journals that recount July Fourth celebrations at Independence Rock on the Oregon Trail
Find your ancestors! Here is a great list of genealogical sites (many of them free) to get you started
Some great resources can be found at Sons of the American Revolution, the SAR Library, and especially Fold3.com, which focuses on military-related genealogical records