The Dave Bowman Show

Today, we embark on a journey back to the dawn of the American experiment. Our spotlight shines on the first presidential term of George Washington, a time when the nation’s destiny hung in the balance. On April 30, 1789, amidst the grandeur of Federal Hall in New York City, Washington stepped onto a second-floor balcony to take the oath of office. His inaugural address, delivered with humility and vision, set the tone for a young republic grappling with its identity, its Constitution, and the promise of liberty. Join us as we explore the echoes of that historic moment—the birth of a presidency, the forging of a nation, and the enduring legacy of George Washington’s words…

On April 24, 1183bce (as determined by Eratosthenes the Beta), the City of Troy fell to the Greeks after nine years of devastating siege and bloody war. Few people today realize how many of our cultural values have been inculcated into us by the events of that day. The defeated Trojans would wander west and finally resettle in another city, this time one with seven hills. The Greeks would soon find trouble enough because of the moral compromises they had made to achieve their victory.

Nine years of war, and all over… what, exactly? What if what we are told was the reasons – the necessary and moral imperatives for the war – were not only untrue, but little more than propaganda?

And what lessons are there for us today, more than three thousand years later, as we gaze on the beach where the Trojan Horse waited that fateful morning….

In the intriguing world of naval history and maritime technology, few things capture the imagination quite like the evolution of the submarine. In a special episode of "Bill Mick Live" on April 9, 2024, Dave Bowman, a seasoned historian and submarine veteran, dives deep into the legacy of submarines, from their early inception to their critical role in modern naval warfare. With his unique blend of firsthand experience and historical knowledge, Dave navigates through the stories of innovation, bravery, and tragedy that have defined submarine service. This episode not only sheds light on the technological advancements and strategic significance of submarines but also honors the memory of those who served beneath the waves, facing the ocean's unforgiving nature. Join us for a journey through time, exploring the depths of human ingenuity and the relentless spirit of exploration that characterizes the submariners' path.

What if… we had a President who disagreed with Congress on everything? And when I say, “everything,” I mean… “everything?” What if the Congress passed a law that was so important to the national development of our society that it was deemed in many places, and a “new birth of freedom,” and the President, vetoed it? What would the reaction be? If this were to happen, how would it change the course of the nation? What would be the result of a direct conflict between the power and authority of the executive and the power of Congress to make law?

And… if this were to ever happen, what could Congress do to make sure that the President couldn’t even try to do it again?

This week on Dave Does History on Bill Mick Live, we’re going to take a look into one of the most controversial acts of the Reconstruction era: President Andrew Johnson’s veto of the 1866 Civil Rights Act.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, the United States found itself at a crossroads, grappling with the challenges of reintegrating the Southern states and defining the status of freed slaves. It was a time of bold ideas, fierce debates, and monumental legislation that aimed to redefine the fabric of American society.

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 emerged as a cornerstone, promising to grant African Americans the rights of citizenship denied to them for centuries. However, it faced opposition from an unexpected quarter: the President of the United States. Andrew Johnson, who ascended to the presidency after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, vetoed the Act, setting the stage for a historic clash with Congress.

Why did Johnson veto this groundbreaking legislation? What were the implications of his actions, both immediate and long-term? And how did Congress respond? In this episode we will explore these questions and more, shedding light on a tumultuous period in American history that continues to resonate today.

Many people say that they “hate” Daylight Savings Time. Is that actually the case? Or is what they actually hate the twice a year fiddling with digital clocks in their cars?

So it was that on March 19, 1918, the United States enacted the Standard Time Act, much of which remains on our law books today. But, was it just a war measure designed to held beat the Huns? Or was it a vast conspiracy by US Farmers to… to… to… well… to do something that would benefit their business at the expense of your sleep? Did it actually help anything in 1974 when the energy crises hit? Did it actually “save” anything? Did it help to win the war? And why exactly do people blame Benjamin Franklin for this?

Let’s stop getting our history from Nicholas Cage flicks and see if we can figure out why Daylight Savings Time is still a thing…

On Monday, the Supreme Court released its much anticipated but anti-climatic per curiam ruling in Trump v Anderson, the Colorado attempt to remove him from the 2024 Primary ballot. While there was nothing truly surprising in the ruling – that it is Congress that decides to enforce 14.3 – there was a bit of blowback from the fact that Justice Barrett appeared at first glance, to join the dissent in part. We had a caller to the show on Tuesday who referred to what she said as “the most naive thing” he had ever heard.

One of the the things that I most dislike about the immediacy of Talk Radio is that there are too many occasions when there isn’t time to fully digest a story after it breaks, and even less time to form anything but a surface level opinion about it. Often we lose out on the opportunity for deeper consideration of an idea or what someone has said.

Certainly that is the case with Justice Barrett’s comment.

While I fully agree that it was unnecessary, that does not equate to being “naive.” Moreover, what if what she said was to counter the dissent (in part) and point out the fact that the ruling was 9-0.

Which, by the by, is exactly what was unexpected in the ruling, but not for the reasons that you might think…

On February 27, 1951, the United States ratified the 22nd Amendment, a pivotal moment in American constitutional history that imposed term limits on the presidency. This landmark amendment was the culmination of decades of debate over the concentration of power in the executive branch and reflected the nation’s evolving attitudes toward leadership and democracy.

Welcome to “Dave Does History,” on Bill Mick Live, this week we have a journey through the annals of history to the heart of the American Civil War, focusing on one of its lesser-known yet pivotal figures, General Joseph Finegan, and the defining moment of his military career: the Battle of Olustee. We will delve into the life of General Finegan, from his early days to his strategic triumph in Florida’s largest battle, exploring the intricacies of his leadership, the fierce combat of Olustee, and the lasting legacy of this historical episode. Join us as we uncover the stories of bravery, strategy, and survival that marked this critical point in American history, shedding light on the man behind the valor and the battle that shaped the fate of Florida during the Civil War.

Today, we turn back the pages to the era of revolutions and explore the life of a man whose pen ignited the flame of liberty across continents. Thomas Paine, a name synonymous with the struggle for freedom and democratic ideals, was more than just a writer; he was a visionary whose words laid the groundwork for modern democracies. From the humble beginnings in England to the battlefields of the American Revolution, and onto the radical politics of the French Revolution, Paine’s journey is a testament to the power of ideas. So, sit back as we unfold the story of this influential figure, whose legacy continues to inspire the quest for liberty and justice around the world. This is “The Life of Paine.”

In 1916, the United States Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in the Brushaber v. Union Pacific Railroad Co. case, a ruling that profoundly shaped the legal landscape of federal income taxation in America. This case, brought forth by Frank Brushaber, a shareholder in the Union Pacific Railroad Company, challenged the constitutionality of the recently enacted federal income tax imposed by the 1913 Revenue Act. The significance of the Brushaber case lies not only in its direct impact on tax law but also in its broader implications for federal authority and the scope of the 16th Amendment. Today we talk about constitutional and legal arguments, the historical context surrounding the case, and the enduring influence of the Supreme Court’s decision on the American fiscal system.

Yesterday the Kitsap Superior Court held a hearing regarding a petition to remove Donald J. Trump from the ballot fro both the Primary and General elections in the State of Washington. This is, of course, based in the now well understood 14th Amendment Section 3 argument, and apparently, a radio show interview that encouraged the petitioners to file as soon as they could under Washington state law which they did… in Kitsap County.

For reasons, I went to the hearing. And I am here today to tell you, we have some issues in this country.

One of which is that people – on both sides – have no clue how to behave in a courtroom…

On January 17, 1920, the United States embarked on a bold and unprecedented social experiment with the enactment of Prohibition via the Volstead Act. This act, named after Congressman Andrew Volstead, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who managed the legislation, was designed to enforce the 18th Amendment, effectively outlawing the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors.

Prohibition was not merely a legislative act but a national movement, born out of a growing temperance campaign that had gained considerable momentum in the early 20th century. It marked a significant shift in American social policy, reflecting deep societal divisions and sparking debates around morality, individual rights, and the role of government. The Volstead Act was a cornerstone in this transformative era, heralding a decade that would be marked by drastic changes in the American way of life, law enforcement, and the rise of illicit activities that challenged its very purpose.

I am literally five days into my “college” experience. It’s been… interesting.

I always enjoy learning things. I enjoy seeing things from a different perspective. And at least one of my professors seems to agree with that idea. Others seems unsure of how to conduct a class in an online environment. An, of course, the kids in these classes are panicking over stuff that doesn’t matter. But they don’t have the life experience to know that… yet.

So what have I learned in a week?

There is perhaps, no single American Founding Father who has as much influence on your life today as does Alexander Hamilton. Born in obscurity, risen to glory, and fallen tragically, Hamilton’s story is one of relentless ambition, immense intellect, and enduring legacy. From the Caribbean isles to the heights of American politics, his life was a whirlwind of controversy, innovation, and drama. Join us as we delve into the life of the man who laid the financial foundations of a new nation, sparred in the fierce arena of early American politics, and left an indelible mark on the fabric of our nation.

Georgia’s decision to ratify the U.S. Constitution was influenced by several factors unique to its circumstances. As a smaller and less populous state, Georgia saw the Constitution as a means to gain equal representation in the Senate, thus balancing the power of larger states. Additionally, security was a significant concern for Georgia, which faced threats from Spanish Florida and various Indigenous nations. The promise of a stronger federal military under the Constitution was appealing as a means of protection. Economic interests also played a role, as Georgia’s economy relied on trade, and a stronger central government promised to manage trade disputes and navigation rights more effectively.

Last night as I was dropping Cami off at work, the news broke that the State of Maine had joined Colorado is removing Trump from their ballot. The stated justification for this was, of course, the infamous 14.3.

In so may ways, I feel as if I have been somehow transported back to April of 1861. After Abraham Lincoln was kept off the ballot in numerous slave states and won anyway, there was some hope that rational men could reach reasonable accommodations and have avoided the calamity that so many were calling for anyway. It was the most hot-headed and unthinking of all of those men in those days that decided instead to take the course which they took.

As the first shells arced through the air towards the fort sitting in Charleston Harbor, nobody knew what the next day, weeks, months or years would hold. No one understood the changes that this action would bring about. No one had the vision to see that the old structure of the republic was being blasted away like the bricks and mortar of the fort.

In many way, the actions of Maine and Colorado are the moral equivalent of opening fire on Ft Sumter…

The great Colorado Conundrum has set talking head tongues to wagging all around the country. Is it Judicial activism? Is it a coup attempt? Is it a well considered judicial ruling, based on procedural due process and precedent?

Or… is it all just a matter of interpretation of a few lines of text written a hundred and fifty years ago at a time with the nation was the “most divided its ever been?”

In the aftermath of the “most important midterm election ever,” the President found himself locked in a death struggle with his political opponents, who refused to allow the Presidents presumed allies to even take their seats in the debate.

Like Sherlock Holmes let us pull at one of the threads hanging off the edges of the 14th Amendment and ask a question: What if the 14th amendment, Section 3 IS about a President. Just not the one the State of Colorado thinks it is about?

Born on December 18, 1913, David M. Jones’s journey from a young dreamer to a revered military figure is a tale of bravery, innovation, and unwavering dedication. Today, we delve into the multifaceted life of this remarkable individual, from his early years and pivotal role in the daring Doolittle Raid, through his harrowing experiences in World War II to his post-war service as a test pilot and his invaluable contributions to NASA. Join us as we unfold the chapters of the life of Major General David M. Jones’s, celebrating the legacy of a man who not only witnessed history but helped shape it.

In September 1787, after months of deliberation, the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia presented a new Constitution to the states for ratification. Pennsylvania, hosting the convention, was poised to play a critical role in the unfolding drama. The state was a microcosm of the broader national debate, encapsulating the tension between the desire for a strong central government and the fear of losing individual and state rights.

The Federalists in Pennsylvania, led by figures like James Wilson and Gouverneur Morris, were ardent supporters of a strong central government. They believed that the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation necessitated a new constitution to provide stability and unity. Their strategy was marked by a sense of urgency; they moved quickly to call a state convention to ratify the Constitution. This rapid mobilization was partly a tactical move to outpace the Anti-Federalists, who were scrambling to articulate their opposition.

The Anti-Federalists in Pennsylvania, though vocal, were caught off-guard by the Federalists’ speed. They raised concerns about the lack of a Bill of Rights and the potential for governmental overreach. However, their efforts to slow down the process and garner more support were outmaneuvered by the Federalists’ swift action.

Pennsylvania’s decision to quickly ratify the Constitution, by a vote of 46 to 23 in December 1787, was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it positioned Pennsylvania as the second state to ratify, following Delaware, sending a strong message of support for the new Constitution. This early endorsement from a large and influential state added momentum to the ratification process nationally.

Moreover, Pennsylvania’s rapid ratification effectively minimized the impact of Anti-Federalist arguments within the state. The speed of the process did not allow Anti-Federalists sufficient time to rally opposition. This outcome in Pennsylvania was a strategic blow to the Anti-Federalist cause, as it undermined their efforts to present a united front against ratification.

However, the expedited ratification process in Pennsylvania was not without its criticisms. Some historians argue that the rush to ratify undermined the democratic process, depriving citizens of the time needed to fully consider the implications of the new Constitution. The debate over this rushed process highlighted the tension between the urgency felt by Federalists to rectify the weaknesses of the Confederation and the caution urged by Anti-Federalists wary of potential governmental overreach.

Pennsylvania’s swift ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787 was a tactical victory for Federalists and a significant moment in the broader narrative of American constitutional history. It underscored the complexities of the ratification process and the strategic maneuvering that played a crucial role in shaping the early political landscape of the United States. The events in Pennsylvania not only reflected the national debate over federalism but also influenced the trajectory of the ratification process across the country.

For the anniversary of the Peal Harbor attack, Dave made an appearance on the Florida Round Table show with Bill Mick to talk about the USS Utah, a Florida Class Battleship, lost in the attack…

On the morning of December 7, 1941, lying at berth F-11 on the west side of Ford Island, the USS Utah BB-31, a Florida Class battleship that had been disarmed and was now used as a training ship, awoke to the sound of the attack. In the first moments of the attack, she was somehow mistaken for either an Aircraft Carrier or a fully operational Battleship. In the opening moments of the attack, six torpedoes were fired at her, with two striking the ship.

Less than fifteen minutes after the attack began, Utah rolled over and settled to the bottom of the harbor.

At the end of the day, sixty-four officers and men were entombed on the wreck.

Unlike her other sisters in the harbor, Utah was all but forgotten. Her location on the far side of a very secure Naval Base, without access to a memorial built over her relegated her to an afterthought of the attack.

Today, her wreck rests quietly on the shore of Ford Island, with a small a memorial to the six officers and fifty-eight men who were lost with the ship in the first moments of the Pacific War, and who remain, eternally on duty…

Born on December 5, 1782, Martin Van Buren was the first American President who had been born a citizen of the United States. That said, his first language was NOT English! He would go on to start a major political party and was long noted for his spectacular ability to conduct politics, leading to one of his nicknames, “The Little Magician.”

Long distrustful of Banks, he found a home in the Jackson Administration and was nominated as Vice President for Jackson’s second term. He would then be handpicked by Jackson to be his replacement. The problem is that much of being President depends on… well… luck and timing. And the one thing that Van Buren did not have was timing. easily elected to succeed Jackson, he was hit with the brunt of the fallout from the Jacksonian policies and his own Administrations issues.

In the only occurrence in US History, Van Buren was re-nominated by his party, but without a pick for Vice President. He would not be re-elected, As the national debates unfolded, he waited quietly and hoped for a draft movement to return him to the White House. On the major issues of the day, he stayed mostly silent, except on the single issue of the annexation of Texas. Like many democrat politicians, it was his position on the extension of slavery (via Texas) that would ultimately end his political career.

The lesson is that doing the right thing is always the right thing, even when it costs a man his dream of the Presidency…

In the ashes of World War II, it was becoming quite clear that Jews needed a homeland where they would be relatively safe. Even after the destruction of Nazi Germany, Vichy France and fascist Italy, hatred for Jews remained quite strong, certainly in Europe.

The new United Nations decided to create a plan, known as Resolution 181 (III), that would partition the former British Mandate of Palestine into two new nations, Israel, and an independent Arab State. There was much debate and modification to the plan before the UN finally voted on November 29, 1947, to approve the plan.

While there were objections, most Jews around the world welcomed the plan.

So why did the plan never go into action?

Sixty years ago this week, President Lyndon Johnson announced the formation of the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of John Kennedy. The Nation was deep in shock and needed some reassurance.

One year and eight hundred and eighty-eight pages later, the commission announced its findings. Those can be boiled down to this: Lee Harvey Oswald fired the Magic Bullet that killed President Kennedy and wounded Governor Connelly.

Sure, there’s a whole bunch of other stuff, including some commonsense recommendations about Presidential security going forward. But for the past sixty years, there has been almost no single page of the report that hasn’t found its detractors somewhere.

And it all seemingly comes back to that single, magical bullet that somehow defied logic and physics and did it all…. or… did it?
Cue the Black helicopter…

The rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem on November 21, 164bce (25 Kislev 3597) stands as a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marking both a spiritual and military triumph. This event, deeply entwined with the Maccabean Revolt, led to the establishment of Hanukkah, a festival celebrating Jewish resilience and faith.

The Maccabean Revolt (167-160bce) was a Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire and the Hellenistic influence on Jewish life. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king, imposed strict bans on Jewish religious practices, leading to widespread discontent. The revolt was ignited when a rural Jewish priest, Mattathias, and his five sons, including Judah Maccabee, refused to worship Greek gods. This act of defiance sparked a widespread rebellion.

Under the leadership of Judah Maccabee, the Jewish insurgents waged a guerrilla war against the Seleucids. By 164bce, they had achieved significant victories, culminating in the recapture of Jerusalem and the Temple. The Temple, desecrated by the Seleucids who had converted it into a shrine to Zeus, was in dire need of spiritual cleansing and rededication to restore its sanctity as the heart of Jewish worship.

The rededication of the Temple was a profound moment of renewal for the Jewish people. According to the Talmud, when Judah Maccabee and his followers sought to relight the Temple’s Menorah, they found only a small flask of oil, enough for one day. Miraculously, this oil burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare more oil. This miracle underscored not just a military victory but a spiritual resurgence, symbolizing the enduring light of Jewish faith against overwhelming odds.

In commemoration of this miracle and the rededication of the Temple, the festival of Hanukkah was established. Hanukkah, meaning “dedication” in Hebrew, is celebrated for eight days in honor of the miraculous eight days the Menorah burned. It is a time of joy and gratitude, observed by lighting the menorah, reciting prayers, and reflecting on the themes of freedom and resilience.

The rededication of the Temple and the events leading up to it are more than historical events; they are embodiments of the enduring spirit of a people striving to preserve their identity and faith against formidable challenges. The story of the Maccabean Revolt and the miracle of Hanukkah continue to inspire, symbolizing hope, courage, and the triumph of light over darkness.

I had just started in radio and I was still working for another company that… well… lets just say that they had reservations about me being on the air and sharing my opinions. Because of their objections, they demanded (and got) me to use a radio nom de guerre. It was a name that was not my first choice (Herb Focaccia), but reflected my perceived role at the station.

I was supposed to report on sports and fill in a a news guy. The demand was NOT a violation of my first amendment rights. It didn’t offend me or cause me any actual heartburn. Later I would make it clear – AFTER I left the other company for full time radio – that it was not my real name, which led to two interactions with listeners that still make me… if not smile, at least remind me that Lincoln was absolutly correct about who can be fooled, at least some of the time.

All that said, there are things about the first amendment on my mind today.

When the Party that tells you to your face, “We support and defend the constitution. Please give us money and your vote,” has a leading candidate – by some polls running second in the race for the nomination – who tells you that she doesn’t give two cents about the first amendment if it stands in the way of what she wants, you have a problem. If it was isolated case, you’d shrug it off as a mistake. when she repeats it, you have to presume that she means it.

The bigger issue is that we the People have no clue what it means to have freedom of speech or association or the press or even of conscience. In our society today, there is, led by the politicos, a move towards supporting free speech that we like, and condemning all others.  And zero understanding that just because YOU choose to believe something, there is no requirement that I must share your belief…

In the annals of American history, few figures have stirred as much controversy and debate as Senator Joseph McCarthy. Known for his relentless pursuit of alleged communists within the United States government during the early 1950s, McCarthy’s actions and the era named after him, “McCarthyism,” have become synonymous with witch hunts and unfounded accusations. But who was Joseph McCarthy beyond the headlines and history books?

And was his crusade really as it is portrayed? Or was it just a whole lot of hot air? Or… was it… something else entirely?

In 1954, the United States re-designated the 11th of November as Veterans Day. Prior to then, the day had been known as Armistice day, and was intended to remind people of the absolute madness that had been The Great War. The intention, as express by then President Woodrow Wilson, was:

To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.

While the re-designation to celebrate all US Veterans makes sense to our country, I often wonder if we miss the importance of the day? Do we lose the connection that we forged in 1918?

Today we have the pedantic people who will always post the meme about “What Veterans day, Memorial day and Armed Forces Day mean” and inform you that if you celebrate any of them “incorrectly” that you are somehow being disrespectful.

But I submit to you that, in the midst of all the freebies and benefits that Veterans will receive this weekend, it might be appropriate to recall the 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, when the guns of August finally fell silent. But only after the death of as many as nearly five million military casualties on the Allied side.

Today, we have forgotten that cost. More importantly, we have forgotten the incredible stupidity of The Great War that led to those costs. which is why if you pass a VFW Post Member today, they will ask you to wear a poppy flower.

Because, it’s NOT just Veterans Day. It’s Armistice Day and Remembrance Day. We should take a moment before we dive into that free meal or desert, and remember that a century ago, our forefathers scarified to secure the liberty we enjoy today.

It is neither “wrong,” nor “insulting” to bow our heads and recall the fallen today.

Or… any other day for that matter…

On November 7, 1916, the nation did something it had not done since 1832: it reelected an incumbent democrat Party President to a second term. Woodrow Wilson, who ran his campaign on the slogan, “He kept us out of the war,” pulled out one of the closest elections in US history, albeit without the controversy and rancor of other close races.

The biggest issue of the campaign had been the US position on the war in Europe. Charles Hughes, the GOP nominee, called for greater mobilization and preparedness, while Wilson’s campaign claimed that a Hughes win would automatically mean war with both Germany AND Mexico. By the by, Wilson had already sent US troops to intervene in the Mexican Revolution.

Hughes had gone to bed the night of the election convinced that he had won. In fact, even the Kingdom of Serbia’s official newspaper had announced that Wilson had lost. But it wasn’t to be, as the later voting states rolled into the Wilson column. For Hughes, it wasn’t clear that he had lost, so he decided to sleep in the following morning.

The confusion would lead to one of the most famous political zingers in the history of the country.

A month after the election, after strongly carrying the heavily German Midwest, Wilson called for the US to declare war on Germany.

Narrator: Wilson did not, in fact, keep the US out of the Great War…

I am absolutely fascinated with religious cults. What really draws me in is the question about motives, both leaders and followers. Even more, I am always interested in the way that the leaders of these various cults manage to not only convince people that they are not just right, but they are doing what G-d commanded them to do AND what is BEST for them.

What is even more interesting is the way that other cultish organizations manage to convince us of the same thing.

And lest you say, “No, not me! I will NEVER do that!” let us consider the biggest, richest, and most powerful Master of them all…

On October 31, 1864, Nevada became the 36th State to join the Union (I just got that BB-36 was USS Nevada!). While most States that joined the Union did so with certain conditions that varied with the era in which they were admitted, most of them had similar conditions, vis-à-vis republican governments and the banning of slavery and so forth.

Nevada on the other hand, was unusual in that its first attempt at a Constitution had been rejected by Congress. It was over a taxation issue, and given the circumstance in the Territory, Congress wasn’t about to allow any hanky-panky with tax revenues. But it was another condition that cause the biggest conundrum, even today. As we have seen in the last decade, many conservatives, who in 1864 pushed for the condition, now find themselves with almost no understanding of why – by law – 85% of Nevada is and will always be owned by the Federal government.

On the surface, the answer makes sense. When you dig deeper, it’s more than common sense, it’s downright… wise…

There’s an old saw that says: If you’re not a liberal when you’re young, you have no heart. And if you’re not a conservative when you’re old, you have no brain.
As strange as it may seem, given the media coverage, in recent days, there are a lot – and I mean a lot – of folks who have been startled awake from their wokeness. For some it has come as a shock, for others, maybe it’s the realization that crazy never rests.
In either case, the real question is whether it will be enough to turn things around? For my own part, the media seems hell bent on making certain that it’s not enough, but we’ve reached a point where it’s no longer just MAGA Conservatives that no longer trust the media.
What that ultimately means is still not visible in anybody’s crystal ball. That isn’t stopping talking heads from telling us what they “know” is going to happen as if they received it from the foot of Mt Olympus.

On December 7, 1941, the bombs rained down on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor. Of the eight Battleships present that day, seven were put out of action. Two of those, Oklahoma, and Arizona, permanently.

The other six Battleships were essentially obsolete. In fact, the very reason that the Battleships were in Pearl Harbor that day was because they were useless to accomplish the task the Navy needed done that week. But they were still fully manned and fully operational when Japan attacked. That said… the Navy saw value in the old ships, and decided to raise, repair and refit them to the standards of modern Battleships.

In those roles, these six ships would serve through the rest of the Pacific War. One of them, the USS Nevada, found herself pounding the German defenses on D-Day and throughout the Normandy campaign.

When General MacArthur landed with his troops in the Philippine Islands on October 20, 1944, the Imperial Japanese Navy had no choice but to respond. Virtually the entire fleet sailed to the Philippines to face off with the US Navy in a do or die struggle. Over the course of the next five days, four major naval engagements would take place.

While the most famous of these battles involved the US Navy’s TAFFY 3 and its incredible stand, it was to the south that the Japanese were attempting to make that fight even more lopsided. But the Southern Force of the Japanese Fleet was headed straight into the teeth of Read Admiral Jesse Oldendorf’s battle line of six US battleships.

Five of those battleships were raised from the mud and muck of Pearl Harbor. And on this night, led by USS West Virginia, … they would have their revenge…

I love ancient history, particularly that of the Roman Republic. You knew that. But what if one of my most cherished beliefs about the past is… well… incorrect?

Yesterday, Jim Jordan cancelled a third vote on his campaign for Speaker of the House. It all seems surreal and at the same time, has generated arguments galore as to who is right, who is doing the people’s business, who is protecting the Constitution, the republic and even… liberty?

Once upon a time, some in a government that had become so corrupted by money and power. So they sought to eliminate a challenge to their own continued power and wealth. They wrapped themselves in phrases and ideologies that sounded great. Liberty! Honor! Republic!

But, what if… they… were… you know… wrong?

On the night of October 14/15, 1781, a combined force of American and French forces stormed two British forts, known as redoubts, that held the right side of the British lines at Yorktown. Behind those forts waited seven thousand or so British troops and their German mercenaries.

Leading the assault on Redoubt 10 was Colonel Alexander Hamilton, personally selected by George Washington to lead what he hoped would be the final attack of the battle. He had also selected crack Rhode Island troops to carry the assault. They had been chosen for a specific reason and they were more than ready to inflict defeat on the hated British.

When the attack was over, Washington knew, as did General Cornwallis, that the Yorktown campaign was over. The were only two questions now. first, would this end British war on America?

The second, was much more telling and the answer would haunt America for the next four score years and four years…

The Rabbi and the good Friar get together to talk about the last week and the outrage we’ve seen. At the end of the day, hate is hate, and it never ends well.

The national political scene isn’t much better. There is no Speaker of the House, while there are at least two wars that directly involves the United States in one way or another. But… there is growing noise to get a speaker. The question is, what exactly would the Democrats be willing to do to “help” the GOP? More interesting, what would the GOP do to get a speaker in place?

It’s that time of year again, so the boys will review the most hated Halloween candies in the country. also, we learn that one of them hates coconut, which means that he is probably a terrorist…

The winter of 1775-76 was not a good one for the Americans. Defeat after defeat had followed the early success, and many were rethinking their own involvement in the revolution against the British. Congress was desperate, money was gone, troops were leaving as short enlistments expired. And everywhere, Washington’s tiny and shrinking army was on the retreat.

The flame of liberty, seemingly, was extinguished.

On the side of the road, as the Army retreated, one man took every opportunity, not to complain or commensurate over their lot with his fellow soldiers. Instead, he took every chance he had to scribble words on paper. As the Army retreated, he wrote ever more furiously. His words flowing from heart, were inflammatory. and the fire they would re-kindle, would lead to actions which hitherto, had been the words of radicals and rabble-rousers.

When the words he wrote were published, they became the best selling book in the history of The United States.

While some of what he wrote is occasionally remembered today, such phrases such as “Summer Soldiers” or “Sunshine Patriots,” his deeper meaning resonated with Americans.

And as we watch the world today, it is that deeper meaning of “Common Sense,” to which we should apply ourselves, lest we also become the Summer Soldier or Sunshine Patriots.

“What is the vice presidency? The Constitution dictates only two duties: casting the deciding vote if the Senate is deadlocked and replacing the president if he dies or is impeached. Apart from waiting for those two things to happen, you made the rest up and were duly forgotten by history. The exception being Aaron Burr, who shot someone, decisively lowering the bar for the rest of us.” ― Austin Grossman

“If we don’t succeed, we run the risk of failure.” – Dan Quayle

“Freedom of speech is useless without freedom of thought.” – Spiro Agnew

“One word sums up probably the responsibility of any vice-president, and that one word is ‘to be prepared’.” ― Dan Quayle

“Remember, no one decides who they’re going to vote for based on the vice president. I mean that literally.” ― Joe Biden

In 1968, Richard Nixon selected as his running mate the Governor of Maryland, Spiro T. Agnew. He was known for being a very tough “Law & order” Governor, who had little love for the civil rights chaos sweeping the nation. He fully expected – because Nixon had said so – to be the most active and involved Vice President in the history of the United States.

In some ways, he was. But for the most part, he did what most Vice Presidents do, got up every morning and asked how was the President? Day, after day.

As the President’s relationship with the press deteriorated, he was sent out as the attack dog for the Administration. In speeches and in press conferences, he became the face of the Nixon Administration’s adversarial relationship with the media, the public and anybody who didn’t think that the President was doing a good job at literally anything.

And then came the day when he was accused of corruption and of accepting a bribe. All his expectations and hopes for continued service to the nation evaporated into mist. President Nixon, already deeply embroiled in his own accusations, sent his representatives to tell Agnew to “go quietly.” On October 10, 1973, he resigned as Vice President. But he would never forgive those who he believed had ruined his career.

In the aftermath the nation got reminder of why a Vice President is a dual sided coin. It is both completely unnecessary and yet, at the same time, a critical piece of the political infrastructure.

It’s been a very tough week. Between some health issues and the loss of a fellow SubVet, it’s been long and stressful.

The Congress this week voted to remove the Speaker. It was an unusual event, one that hasn’t happened – at least in this manner – before. It has caused a great deal of brouhaha, and a great deal of “discussion” between conservatives as to whether or not it was a “smart” moves.

I tend to look at things from a historical perspective and so I wander back through those halls and ask myself what the people who actually invented democracy would have had thought about it all?

Something tells me that they wouldn’t have been impressed…

In the early days of the Pacific War, the Japanese empire seized Wake Island from the United States. It was an epic battle, despite the inevitable outcome. An outnumbered and unsupported Marine garrison held out far longer than anyone imagined that they would. Upon seizing the island, the Japanese removed the Marines, but kept ninety-eight civilian workers, who were forced into slave labor to build defensive infrastructure on the island.

In October of 1953, a air attack from the USS Lexington, in which future US President George HW Bush got his first combat experience, convinced the local Japanese commander than an invasion was immanent.

It wasn’t. But he still made a decision that reverberates today…

Before I could get to the show I had planned for today, we received the word that Senator Diane Feinstein has passed away at the age of ninety. Certainly the loss of a family member is painful, so my condolences are with the Feinstein family.

I ended up getting distracted by a couple of errands that had to be done this morning, so I had time to read more than a few articles about the passing of the Senator, when one in particular caught my eye. I know that the Daily Signal is produced by the Heritage foundation, but I find that it tends to drift from my libertarian principles. So I read it because I already know what I think, I want to know what others think.

That said, on the occasion of the passing of a noted Senator, it’s really a shame that what we are getting are AI generated articles that, at best, are kludgy…

Over the past few days, the whole world watched as the Canadian Parliament gave a standing ovation to a known Nazi soldier. Or… at least they should have known that he was a Nazi. You know… and actual real-life Nazi. Not one of their political opponents that was labeled as a Nazi because they want to be insulting and yet seem suave and politically bourgeoisie.

Nope…. an actual Nazi. And an actual standing ovation.

Now, look, we could spend a lot of time detailing how insulting this was to those of us of the Jewish faith, or… we could spend a lot of time discussing the ridiculous way that the Parliament and the Prime Minister have reacted, or technically attempted to react by blaming literally everybody – including Hitler – except themselves for the fiasco.

In the end though, the reason that we study history is to inculcate societal values and traditions that are useful to a culture. Ideas and lessons that help to prevent that society from making a giant ass of itself on worldwide television.

The kind of lessons that we find so rarely in history, and somehow manage to forget or ignore them anyway.

Which is why I can say without any hesitation or concern that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is certainly no Pericles.

Then again, neither is anybody else who thinks that they are a “leader” in today’s world…

This week in 1789, the 1st US Congress approved the first twelve amendments to the Constitution. These twelve amendments were the response to Anti-Federalist position that the Constitution MUST have a Bill of rights, and to that end, these twelve amendments listed the specific rights which were to be placed outside of government interference. further, they would serve to limit the ability of the Government to reduce the representation of the people in their house, and insure that none of the people elected to congress would be able to manipulate the compensation to benefit themselves unduly.

Well… that was what was supposed to happen… 

In the debates over the ratification of the US Constitution, the Anti-Federalists often resorted to predictions of the worst case of the future. The understood human nature better than the Federalists did, but they lacked the ability to hope that the American people would rise above that nature.

George Washington had strongly supported ratification, but by this day in 1796, he was exhausted. Not just by war, but by the Presidency not being quite what he had hoped or expected it to be. As he said farewell to the nation, he was seeing the Anti-Federalist warnings beginning to come to fruition. He himself would not become one of them, but his warning to the nation would be along so many of the same lines of thinking.

As we take a few moments today to consider the Farewell Address of Washington, we must ask those same questions of ourselves.