Show Summary: Our brains are hardwired for stories. Tune in this week to hear Dr. Lt. Col. Jim Huggins discuss how he creates stories as CEO of a film company—and how his management skills could lead to a happy ending for Oregon.
Support a local filmmaker! Be sure to check the Links & Info section at the bottom of the page on how to download or order Jim Huggins’ films.
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Original Air Dates: December 25th & 26th, 2021 | Guest: Jim Huggins
This week: Stories in the Making
It’s Christmas time. And that always makes us think about the Christmas story. So this week, we’re focusing on the importance of stories and storytelling. And, how this could lead to a happily ever after for Oregon.
Jim Huggins holds two doctorates, is an ordained pastor, has a master’s degree in engineering—and before that was a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. Now, he is the CEO, Producer, and Director of a successful film company, New Shepherd Films (www.newshepherdfilms.com). Could all that experience be just what Oregon needs?
Or we could just go on with reruns: keep electing the same people to office and somehow expect different results.
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Links & Info
Jim Huggins’ film company is New Shepherd Films.
Their newest film, a Christmas story, is “The 211 House.” It can be streamed online or you can order the DVD direct from New Shepherd.
All of New Shepherd’s films can be streamed online through ValorousTV.com.
Annual 4th of July Show! Getting to the Declaration, It’s Signers
Show Summary: The Declaration of Independence was the third, this-time-we-mean it appeal to the King. We look at the others and why they failed. We often talk about the Founding Fathers but we don’t often talk about the Founding Fathers. What led them to be there? Did you know some weren’t supposed to be there? Join us for this special look into the Signers’ lives, sacred honor, and fortunes—before and after they signed.
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Mondays
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Original Air Dates: June 26 & 27 and July 3rd & 4th, 2021 | Greg Leo
This week: It’s our 11th Annual Fourth of July Show! In the past, our shows focused on celebrating the Fourth of July down through the years and what those celebrations looked like. In the then-frontier of the Midwest. On the Oregon Trail at Independence Rock. The big 50th Anniversary. And, among other things, we’ve looked at the Declaration of Independence itself. The key phrases and the history behind them.
Our guest every year for these annual shows is Greg Leo, a political and business consultant by day but his true love is American history. Especially our early history and the events of our founding.
This year, our special focus is on the previous appeals that led to the final, bold statement: The Declaration of Independence.
Leading up to the Declaration: The Olive Branch Petition
Did you know that the Declaration of Independence was not the first appeal to the King? There were two others that could be considered forerunners to the Declaration. We focus on the Olive Branch Petition.
And we take a look at the First Continental Congress and their two main accomplishments. Do you know whose idea a continental congress was in the first place?
The Second Continental Congress, the same one that sent the Declaration of Independence, sent the Olive Branch Petition to the King, in an attempt to avert war. By then, there had been shots fired and people killed at the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Thomas Jefferson did a first draft but Congress considered it too inflammatory. So they turned to John Dickinson, known as the “penman of the revolution” to soften the tone.
Tune in to hear why it didn’t work. Was it inadvertently sabotaged by one of the Declaration’s signers?
“United”? Not Quite
There were some 65 delegates to the 2nd Continental Congress. But a quick count shows only 56 signers. What happened there?
Well. While we often see the Founding Fathers as a united front, getting there wasn’t easy. And it definitely wasn’t always united. We talk to Greg Leo about the divisions and some delegates who had to be replaced to get to that united.
The Signers of the Declaration of Independence
This year we focus on some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. We hear about them pledging their lives, their fortunes, their sacred honor. And they really meant it. All of them were truly putting everything on the line.
But what led them to be there?
And did you know that some of them weren’t even supposed to be there? One was a substitute for the serving President of the Second Continental Congress but played a key role in the Declaration itself.
With 56 signers, and only a one-hour show, we couldn’t focus on all of them. But we do focus on:
John Hancock – you know him for his signature. Why so big? But how did this late arrival end up being the President of the Second Continental Congress? Did you know that in many ways he was the Donald Trump of the Revolution?
John Morton – I know. Who? You’ve probably never heard of him but he was the key vote. He was also the first signer to die.
Button Gwinnett — The second signer to die but not from what you might think. This signer embodied the idea of sacred honor.
Samuel Adams — Most people think of him for beer. Except he wasn’t a brewer. What else don’t you know about him? He was
John Adams — A creature of politics and a rival to many. Most famously to Thomas Jefferson over states’ rights vs. powerful federal government. Hear about his intercepted letter.
Thomas Jefferson — The workhorse who wrote most of the Declaration. A complicated and conflicted man for sure but how’d he get to the 2nd Continental Congress in the first place?
Charles Carroll – the very last of the signers of the Declaration of Independence to die. Imagine the changes he saw in the 56 years after the signing.
The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version
Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.
Links and Info on the Signers of the Declaration
Two terrific sources for more information about the signers:
Learn about the Signers or their wives (via dsdi1776.com)
Joseph Hewes – A successful Businessman who put it all on the line. He was a merchant and had quite a few ships and was the “go-to expert” in Congress for maritime issues. He placed his ships at the service of the Continental Armed Forces. And he served Congress as the Secretary of the Naval Affairs Committee until 1779, when he fell ill.
Thomas Lynch Jr. – He was commissioned a company commander in the South Carolina regiment in 1775. … He fell ill shortly after signing the Declaration and retired from the Congress. At the close of 1776 he and his wife sailed for the West Indies. The ship disappeared and there is no record of his life after.
Richard Stockton – He was captured and tortured: “New Jersey was overrun by the British in November of ’76, when he was returning from the mission. He managed to move his family to safety, but was captured and imprisoned by the British. Originally, he was taken to Perth Amboy where he was jailed. Stockton was then moved to Provost Prison in New York where he was intentionally starved and subjected to freezing cold weather. Died of lip cancer before the war was finished
George Taylor – A bit of a quirky story. He actually arrived too late to vote for independence but signed the Declaration.
John Witherspoon – One of two ministers to sign, though the other (Lyman Hall) was also a physician
Corona Virus Lockdown: Good Friday, Good Questions, Bad Models
Show Summary: Oregon doubles down on its Corona virus lockdown. Based on bad models. How long will churches and businesses put up with it? Plus questions from listeners.
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Air Dates: April 11th & 12th, 2020 | Dr. Bud Pierce & Pastor Jeff Poush
This Week: Oregon’s Corona virus lockdown continues, in spite of models that have proven consistently to be consistently wrong. Which leaves us to wonder, why is the corona virus lockdown still in place?
One of the questions that has truly troubled us at I Spy is, if we’ve spent billions on healthcare in Oregon and 100s of billions nationally, where did all that money go? Especially in light of how unprepared medical providers were for a crisis.
Does anyone remember when Governor Kitzhaber ran on the fact that “we must be prepared” — and then tossed Oregon’s healthcare system on its ear in in his grand “health care transformation”? But from all reports coming out of Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and media services, prepared has turned into an oxymoron.
Corona Virus Lockdown: Questions for Bud Pierce
In our Part Two interview with Dr. Bud Pierce, an oncologist and hematologist specialist, we take on the numbers. Numbers that are being put out by Oregon’s own OHA, along with those from the federal governments, that depend on models so very reminiscent of climate change models. Overblown and/or unreliable but designed to evoke responses from the public.
One question we have is about the deaths. Deaths that, according to CDC guidelines, are being attributed to COVID-19 even without tests to verify they did, in fact, have the virus.
Theoretically, according to the guidelines, if you committed suicide, and might have had COVID-19, then Corona virus could be listed on the death certificate as the cause of death. Thus adding to the total of Coronavirus deaths. Is this just a little odd? We talk to Dr. Pierce what protocols are in place for how corona virus deaths are counted along with other troubling methods being used. And do we do this for other diseases?
28% of US Counties have NO cases.
80% of US Counties have 25 cases or less.
86% of all cases located in just 6% of US Counties.
Why is no one with a megaphone telling you these facts?
It’s not a conspiracy.
They’re just not good at the big picture.
Or good at math.
— EconChick/IntelChick (@MikayesFiona) April 6, 2020
Listener Questions
We also wanted to have him back on to ask a question we’d wanted to ask him last week: What will we do next year when virus and flu season starts up again? Plus. We ask him questions from listeners who wrote in this week, wanting to know such things as the reliability of the numbers being used? Can the virus be transferred to pets? Has the curve flattened here in Oregon? And does he ever see a time when we go back to handshakes and hugs?
Corona Virus Lockdown’s Impact on Churches
Which leads us into the second half of our show, and the impact of Gov. Kate’s decision on large groups — especially churches.
With it being Easter weekend we brought in Pastor Jeff Poush of Salem First Baptist. During the pandemic when so much of our focus is on our physical health and the health of on our economy, what can people do for their spiritual health? We ask Pastor Poush the efforts his church is undertaking to support the spiritual health of their members during a time of physical separation and social distancing.
What If the Corona Virus Lockdown Continues?
We also discuss how the pandemic and ban on large groups has affected his church. And what if this continues? Are there concerns for churches regarding First Amendment rights? And how not gathering as a congregation may impact future events for churches? And, with it being Easter weekend, we find out some of the inspirational and exciting things Pastor Poush and his colleagues’ have planned for Easter morning service.
Don’t miss this informative and uplifting show. For Easter, it’s a time of renewal — and perhaps that’s the message to take to heart.
Podcast Version
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Links Mentioned
Check out Salem First Baptist’s website to learn more about their Easter plans
CDC Director: “Corona Virus Death Toll will be ‘much, much, much lower’ than projected” (Breitbart, Apr 7, 2020)
They basically admit the models were used to scare people into compliance – “Q: Are throwing those kind of numbers out actually helpful because what they do is scare the hell out of everyone to social distance? Is that the purpose? A: I think part of the importance of getting the American public’s attention that these models did, we really need the American public to be fully engaged now with great rigor and vigilance on the social distancing. [They] assume[d] only about 50 percent of the American public would pay attention to the recommendations. In fact, what we’re seeing is a large majority of the American public are taking the social distancing recommendations to heart”
Covid Tracking Website DELETES Information on Hospitalizations, ICU Patients After TGP Reports Numbers Fall Well Below Model Predictions (Gateway Pundit, Apr 7, 2020)
[Video] Dem Lawmaker Who Credited Trump For Saving Her Life Says She Had to Beg For Hydroxychloroquine After Michigan Gov Barred the Drug (Gateway Pundit, Apr 7, 2020)
Innovation! “Military 3D-printing face shields, reusable N95 masks to address hospital shortages” (ABC News, Apr 7, 2020)
Father of Obamacare Zeke Emanuel: US Must Maintain Lockdown for 18 Months — No Concerts, Sporting Events, Church or Dinner at a Restaurant (via Gateway Pundit, Apr 7, 2020)
Show Summary: Well, we tried to have a show about Christmas and the start of Advent but then Nancy Pelosi stepped to the mic. Why are Democrats so desperate to push a flailing impeachment? It’s like they’re worried about something. What could it be?
To download the show, right-click the mic, and then “Save Link As…” or use our handy player
Original Air Dates: Dec. 7 & 8, 2019 | Dallas Jenkins & James Hirsen
This Week: The nonsense of listening to non-witnesses who try to testify about what they didn’t hear, but were sure that what they didn’t hear was something that someone thought, continues.
We tried to take a break from that nonsense by recognizing the start of Advent—and at least we get halfway there. The first half our show, we welcome back Dallas Jenkins.
The Light Side: The Chosen
Mr. Jenkins is the director and producer for an incredible series The Chosen, the largest crowd-funded media project ever. Everyday people helped launch this incredible project to be a part of creating a series depicting Jesus and the everyday people He chose to be a part of his earthly ministry.
Download the free The Chosen app to watch all eight episodes for free! And help share it to people all around the globe. Available from iTunes or Google Play store.
We talk with Mr. Jenkins to get more insight into the series, which just launched episodes 5–8, his perceptions on the stories he chose for the series, and the new and exciting ways to watch and share it with people all around the globe. It’s a truly remarkable way to share Jesus’ message and life, right before Christmas.
The Dark Side: Impeachment
Impeachment: Democrats try to steal the presidency
Then, dark side. We’d planned to talk Christmas, movies, pop-culture and a little politics with our next guest, James Hirsen. But then just hours before our interview, Nancy Pelosi took to the mic and announced that—despite Wednesday’s disastrous hearings with the highly partisan testimonies from the Democrats’ “constitutional experts”—the Democrats were lurching forward to draft articles of impeachment.
So, instead of talking Christmas we tap into James Hirsen wearing his attorney hat, and his recent articles of why the Democrats really should not want the impeachment to head to the Senate. Mr. Hirsen walks us through his analysis of how they’re moving forward in spite of the reality of no evidence.
And don’t miss his discussion on how President Trump’s almost off-hand inquiry about Ukraine having the Crowd Strike server may have been what really set off the latest impeachment attempt and why. Where is the server and why hasn’t it been turned over? Or destroyed like so many other pieces of hardware that had evidence on the Democrats?
Democrats in power are probably a little nervous about that.
Podcast Version
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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.
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.
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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)
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.
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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
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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.
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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
Fourth of July in the Great Depression. One wonders if these children saw any fireworks that year.
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)
“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. ”
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.
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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 50th 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 4th, our Independence Day!
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)
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.
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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 2nd & 3rd, 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 4th 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.
Links
For more information on the Fourth of July celebration at Champoeg (pronounced “shampooey”) head to NewellPioneerVillage.com
For a fairly good summary of the English Civil War, check out this article on Wikipedia along with the article on the British Commonwealth (aka “Republic”)
