The American Idea

Dr. Jordan Cash discusses this question with Jeff this week, looking into the decisions and actions of three "isolated" presidents - John Tyler, Andrew Johnson, and Gerald Ford. These three presidents were, essentially, lone actors for their time in office, abandoned by party and other political supports - what did they get done, good or bad? Building off Jordan's book (link below) they explore the question of just how much fiat power a president has, regardless of political and popular support. Jordan's book: https://a.co/d/iwMJZvw #americanhistory #americanpresidents #reconstruction #constitution #whitehouse #andrewjohnson #geraldford #johntyler Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff Sikkenga and Dr. David Krugler discussion D-Day - what is was, what happened on that day, and what Operation Overlord accomplished within the context of World War 2. #dday #overlord #ike #eisenhower #ww2 Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Dr. John Moser meet with Derek Abbey, President & CEO of Project Recover, a non-profit organization that searches for still-missing American service members around the world. Focused traditionally on the Palau islands and lost airmen from World War 2, Project Recover has expanded operations over the last 30 years to include efforts in Vietnam, elsewhere in the Pacific, and even at sites in the Atlantic. Over 80,000 Americans are still missing and unaccounted for from our many wars, with about 3/4 of that number from World War 2 alone - and most of that number from among those who fought in the Pacific. Sadly, although America moved on after 1945, the families of so many of those missing did not, and some of them still have not. Project Recover, working closely with State Department and Defense Department efforts, carries the torch, in search of closure for those who never had a body to bury, or a grave at which to mourn a lost loved one. #ww2 #palau #peleliu #projectrecover Learn more about Project Recover and their good work: https://www.projectrecover.org/ Find out more about their recent documentary, "To What Remains" - https://www.projectrecover.org/film-to-what-remains/ Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Tevi Troy, author of "Shall We Wake the President?" to discuss the evolution of presidential and federal involvement in emergency situations, natural disasters, and similar crises. Using examples from the early years of the republic through today, they trace the change over time brought by communications technology, changing expectations of the American people, the role of NGOs and the media, and examples of when presidents have done well and come up short in handling crises. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea Get Tevi's book: https://a.co/d/dbJdfkQ Take a look at Tevi's leadership training materials for executives and how they can more effectively handle crises: https://1600lessons.com/

We receive a drumbeat of apocalyptic warnings about climate change, pollution, and dwindling energy supplies - but how much are these claims, and the policy demands that come with them, based on evidence? Jeff is joined by Steven Hayward, resident scholar at the University of California at Berkeley's School of Intergovernmental Studies to discuss the history of these arguments and the policies that have emerged from them. #climatechange #energypolicy #pollution #nuclearpower #renewableenergy Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by John Vecchione, Senior Litigator for the New Civil Liberties Alliance (nclalegal.org) to discuss their work before the Supreme Court, arguing on behalf of individuals and groups that claim that federal officials abused their power and pressured social media companies to censor their speech. Similar to the “memory hole” of 1984, social media giants like Facebook, it is alleged, were pressured to downgrade or outright ban certain posts and even individuals whose opinions they didn’t like. nclalegal.orgHost: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff sits down with entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to discuss what motivated him to run, what he learned from the experience, and how he views the opportunities America has given him and his family. #vivek #ramaswamy #president #elect ions #campaign #america Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

On April 25th, 1945, the 15th Air Force launched the last mass bombing raid in the war in Europe, on Hitler's self-declared hometown of Linz, Austria. This strategically-important transportation hub was also the location where Hitler dreamed of creating a shrine to himself and Nazism, in the form of museums, monuments, (stolen) art collections, and eventually his grave.Mike Croissant, author and retired CIA analyst, discusses the raid with John Moser, as the two discuss the closing days of the war, the dangers of American daylight bombing, and the tragic end to the life of Croissant's uncle, who fly in the raid and was the inspiration for the book.If the courage and stories of the 'Greatest Generation' interest and inspire you, take the time to listen to this episode, and check out Mike's book, out now: https://a.co/d/0Pnycx3Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

World War 1 had a profound and far-reaching impact on American politics, government, law, international standing and, perhaps even more significant, on American culture and society. Many of the most important movements of the 20th Century - Civil Rights, Women's Suffrage, the growth of government power and size - have their roots in how America and Americans understood the war, took part in it, and what they took from the experience with it and the broader world. Dr. Jeff Sikkenga, Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center, discuses these topics with Dr. Jennifer Keene, Professor of History at Chapman University. Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff moderates a panel with mayors of four small towns in Ohio, discussing their work and the importance of good local government and how we can, with our neighbors, play an essential role in America’s civic life. This episode was recorded live at one of the Ashbrook Center’s recent “Major Issues Lecture Series,” held at Ashland University.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Building a winning team - in business, education, sports, or the military - is hard, essential work; sustaining excellence over time is, perhaps, even harder. Kari Pickens, head coach of Ashland University’s Women’s Basketball Team, knows a lot about both, and shares her experiences and insights with Jeff in this episode.Kari’s reflections are also firmly connected to the American tradition of servant leadership - of a leader who puts their people and mission ahead of themselves, working to get the best out of people while helping them develop as individuals.For basketball fans there’s a lot to love in this episode. Those interested in organizational culture and personnel development will find equally as much.Learn more about Coach Pickens and the program here: https://goashlandeagles.com/sports/womens-basketballHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-4, R) to discuss some of most essential elements of a leader, as well as some of the most pressing challenges facing American today. They discuss government-sponsored threats to the First Amendment,and the challenges presented internationally by Russia and China. Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

With the Senate now having to consider a House bill that would force the sale of TikTok or ban the app in the United States, it's time to get the truth on why this social media platform is not like Facebook or Instagram or others. Jeff is joined by foreign policy expert Michael Sobolik of the American Foreign Policy Council to discuss what TikTok is, how the Chinese Communist Party is able to influence control over it, and by extension gather information about people and spread propaganda favorable to the CCP and its global strategy. Find Michael's book here: https://a.co/d/c9MmPLx Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

John Moser discusses the origins, evolution, and impact of the Harlem Renaissance with historian David Krugler. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff Sikkenga and Dr. Sarah Burns discuss the long, complicated history of how presidential war powers have been understood, implemented, and expanded, and how these changes have impacted American government and America's place in the world. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff discusses the unique history of American civilian-military relations with Miles Smith IV of Hillsdale College in today's episode.Suspicious of standing armies, but cognizant of the need for military power, the Founders were emphatic about civilian supremacy over the military - especially senior officers. From George Washington's handling of the Newburgh Conspiracy to Lincoln's relations with his generals, to the Cold War and Ike's concerns about the "military-industrial complex," we trace the evolution of ideas and norms in government and our culture from the Founding to today in this fascinating and thought-provoking episode.Subscribe to The American Idea podcast: https://linktr.ee/theamericanideaVisit the show's homepage: https://ashbrook.org/viewpoints/Read Miles' article on Law & Liberty: https://lawliberty.org/the-lesson-of-newburgh/Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff discusses the evolution of the U.S. healthcare system since the late 19th Century with Dr. Lauren Hall of the Rochester Institute of Technology. At issue are the surprising, and disheartening, unintended consequences of changes in technology and policy that have yielded the high-cost, low-efficiency and in some ways even lower-effectiveness "system" Americans face today. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff discusses the history and sad state of U.S. national energy policy with Peter Grossman, Emeritus Professor of Economics. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff Sikkenga discusses the “Chevron Doctrine” with Mark Chenoweth, Director of the New Civil Liberties Alliance, and how this 1984 Supreme Court decision has led to a runaway federal regulatory regime. They discuss the history of the decision and current challenges to it - including NCLA’s appearance before the Supreme Court to challenge Chevron in January 2024 - as well as its implications for our constitutional system of government.Host: Dr. Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonPhilip Hamburger’s “Chevron Bias” article: https://www.gwlr.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/84-Geo.-Wash.-L.-Rev.-1187.pdfPodcast Subscription: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Dr. Eric Sands of Berry College to discuss the origins, role, evolution, and impact of political parties in America. This is one of those episodes wherein you learn some history, and your understanding of our current situation becomes more clear. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

John Moser and Greg Schneider discuss the background to the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979-1981, and America's broader, longer-term problems with Iran.Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff discusses the complicated ideas and legacy of Thomas Jefferson as they pertain to race and slavery, with Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens, author of a new book on the subject.Far more complex than presented in textbooks and conventional histories, Jefferson condemned slavery in some of the harshest language of his times, owned slaves, perhaps fathered children with them, and had a sensibility of race relations that evolved and changed significantly throughout his personal and public life.Relying on primary source documents - public and private - Rogers Stevens uncovers a Jefferson overlooked by most histories, or lost in contemporary political debates.Read Cara's book, "Thomas Jefferson and the Fight against Slavery" available on Amazon.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your platform of choice: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Dr. Joseph Griffith, Professor of Political Science, to discuss the history, norms, laws, and current and possible future state of parental rights in education in America. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via YouTube or another platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff discusses the Electoral College - its origins, the rationale behind it, and controversies surrounding it over the years, with Michael Maibach, a noted authority on the topic. They dig deeply into the origins of the system, as created at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, debunk contemporary claims of its connection to slavery, and analyze the current "National Popular Vote" movement, which seeks an end-run around the Constitution to subvert the republican system created at the Founding. If you want to understand the Electoral College and the major arguments for and against it in order to make up your own mind about the system, take the time to listen to this episode.You can learn more about Save Our States at https://saveourstates.com/ and about the National Popular Vote movement at https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/ Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by David Parker - musician and music educator, philanthropist, and investor - to discuss the origins, meaning, and importance of a uniquely American genre of music: jazz.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Dan Monroe of Millikin University to discuss John Brown, the man some claim 'lit the fuze' that caused the Civil War. Monroe explains and analyzes Brown's background, his influences, and his firm embrace of violence as a means-of-choice for addressing the scourge of slavery.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by historian and author Dr. Jonathan White to discuss "Shipwrecked: A True Civil War Story of Mutinies, Jailbreaks. Blockade-Running, and the Slave Trade." This fascinating tale is of a little-known story of ship captain Appleton Oaksmith and his, to put it lightly, varied and adventurous life experiences, many of which intersected and overlapped one of the greatest events, the Civil War, and one of the greatest problems, slavery, in American history.Find Jon's book here: https://a.co/d/2rCVhhyHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Rebeccah Heinrichs, Senior Fellow and defense policy expert at the Hudson Institute, to discuss current developments in Israel, Ukraine, and China. How do these conflicts impact American politics and policy? Get a thoughtful strategic analysis in this week's episode. Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

John Moser and Eric Pullin discuss rapprochement and detente with China during the Nixon administration - how it came about, what resulted from it in the short-term, and what longterm challenges it created for America and the world.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-ideaYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/3wwdre3a

Jeff is joined by Steve Knott to discuss JFK"s assassination on the 60th anniversary of this key event in American history. The two cover the day itself, the investigation by the Warren Commissions, early and more recent conspiracy theories, and the evidence as best we know it, along with the enduring legacy of this event.Take a look at Steve's JFK book on AmazonHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Jason Stevens, professor of Political Science at Ashland University, to discuss the meaning and legacy of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered 160 years ago this month. Learn what made it so important then, and what we can draw from it now.Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

In this week's episode of The American Idea, we look back 80 years to the pivotal Battle of Tarawa, the first in America's 'Island Hopping' campaign during World War 2 in the Pacific. Dr. John Moser is joined by military historian Bruscinocino to discuss why the battle took place, why America suffered such a high casualty rate, and how the battle and its outcome shaped U.S. war policy, strategy, and tactics in the Pacific from late 1943 onward.Suggested Readings:Aleutians, Gilberts, and Marshalls, June 1941-April 1944: History of US Naval Operations in WW2 v7: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591145538?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_18X1SY0J7SQ4GPBDN8P4Seizure of the Gilberts and Marshalls: https://history.army.mil/html/books/005/5-6-1/index.htmlHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff discusses the historical and intellectual roots of Critical Race Theory with Robert George of Princeton University. What is CRT? Where does it come from? What are its roots as an academic movement? What does it preach, in practice, and how do these things shape the mind of the individual and relations between people?George suggested a few readings, linked below.Plato's Dialogue with Gorgias: https://classics.mit.edu/Plato/gorgias.htmlJane Austin's Pride and Prejudice: https://gutenberg.org/ebooks/1342Federalist 10: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/federalist-10/CS Lewis' "The Abolition of Man" : https://www.amazon.com/Abolition-Man-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652942Repressive Tolerance: https://www.marcuse.org/herbert/publications/1960s/1965-repressive-tolerance-fulltext.htmlGeorge’s article on the topic: https://www.deseret.com/2023/8/6/23800937/critical-race-theory-martin-luther-king-jr-deiHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

What is going on in the House of Representatives, and why did the Republicans fire their own Kevin McCarthy as Speaker? Where did this come from, what does it say about Congress, the House, political parties in general and in this point in our history, and in particular the Republican party? Jeff Sikkenga is joined by Joe Postell of Hillsdale College to discuss these issues and more, starting with the background to the GOP revolt against their own leader and what has been going on in the House for the last few weeks. Joe, who offered McCarthy's firing as a possibility when we talked with him in January about the new session of Congress, analyzes the current state of our political parties and what this might mean for the future of the House and Congress. Recorded on 24 OCT 23, this is a timely discussion of important, developing events. Subscribe to The American Idea podcast from your favorite podcast platform at https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea Host: Jeff Sikkenga Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton

Jeff Sikkenga and John Moser discuss the 'court packing' scandal of FDR's second term, how Democrats and Republicans in Congress revolted against what they saw as an attempt to consolidate power, even akin to how a dictator would behave. They also draw parallels with more recent calls to add Supreme Court justices, or force them to retire at a certain age, analyzing the potential legal and political fallout of such a move.You can download a free copy of John's "The Great Depression and New Deal - A Concise History" from our online bookstore. Other books mentioned include David Kennedy's "Freedom From Fear" and Jeff Shesol's "Supreme Power."Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe to The American Idea through your favorite platform here.

Andy Lang and Jeff discuss the idea of American Exceptionalism - is America a special, distinct place because of its political culture and ideas? - and the Civil War. In particular, they discuss the question the Civil War presented: would America be exceptional because it sought to live up to its founding principles, or would exceptionalism result from the creation of a new country, based on the “science” of a racial hierarchy?Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by David Alvis, of Wofford Colege, to discuss the reasons behind and important of the separation of powers in American government. Sure, we were all taught about the three branches, but why those? And how does the American system of government try to balance among them, even while admitting overlap between them?Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonDownload David’s book for free: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/separation-of-powers/Subscribe through your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Bill Rivers, author and former speechwriter for James Mattis, for a discussion of Bill's coming of age novel, "Last Summer Boys." Set in the summer of 1968, the story follows the experiences and choices of three boys living through the tumult of the political and cultural issues of the late 1960s. Jeff and Bill discuss the writer's craft, and Bill's work as a speechwriter for James Mattis during his service as Secretary of Defense.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Ohio Attorney General to discuss the role of an attorney general, the rule of law, and the importance of a properly-balanced constitutional order. This podcast was recorded during the AG's visit to the Ashbrook Center on 12 SEP 23 for Ashbrook's "Major Issues Lecture Series" luncheon in recognition of Constitution Day 2023.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

John Moser and Johann Neem, of Western Washington University, discuss the movement by many toward a version of American history that seeks to get beyond what have been understood as America's fundamental meaning, identity, and role in the world. From the traditional view of America as a source of hope and good to a reformed vision of America as a force for evil and oppression, many in academia, journalism, and K-12 schools have moved to a "post-America" vision for understanding our country. In this episode we examine this movement, its impact on Americans, and how an honest analysis of both Left and Right extremes can provide a unified and unifying understanding of what America is, and what it can be.Read Johann's Article: https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/theological-variations/articles/missed-america Host: John Moser Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea Podcast homepage: https://ashbrook.org/viewpoints/

Jeff discusses two of the most fundamental ideas at the foundation of the American experiment: natural rights and their outgrowth, limited government. Get a firm, documents-based understanding of these fundamental principles, and ideas of what to read to consider them in even greater depth.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanideaGet a free copy of the 50 Core American Documents volume: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/product/50-core-american-documents-cdc/

In this special episode, a former teacher - and Ashbrook MAHG graduate - and former Ashbrook Scholar - and recent law school graduate - discuss their years-long connection and the importance of mentorship, collegial relationships in education, and the place of a classical liberal education.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff is joined by Ed Achorn, author of "The Summer of Beer and Whiskey," a fascinating story of the 1883 baseball season. Far more than a history of the early years of baseball as a sport and commercial enterprise, it's also a story of America, Americans at leisure, and the individuals who made their mark at the time and, in many ways, on the years since.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

John Moser discusses "Oppenheimer," the movie, with David Krugler, analyzing what's accurate, what's not, and - spoiler alert - why this is a good movie about history. Host: John Moser Executive Producer: Greg McBrayer Producer: Jeremy Gypton Subscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Dr. John Moser discusses the use of the atomic bombs in World War 2 with noted author and historian, Richard Frank. Of special interest is the deep body of declassified documents from within the Japanese military and government, only recently brought to light and use in English-language histories of the war.Host: John MoserExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy Gyptonhttps://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff and David Krugler discuss LBJ's policies, actions, and attitudes and how they led to an increased American involvement in Vietnam.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/3jcrp73mGoogle Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9n67aSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/ysw8xjtkAmazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/ytp6jwnzRSS Feed: https://tinyurl.com/2p9u2bvePodvine: https://podvine.com/podcast/the-american-idea

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy visited the Ashbrook Center and spoke with students, staff, and faculty about the meaning and importance of the Rule of Law - a fundamental principle in American politics, law, and public life.

Jeff discusses the fascinating and encouraging relationship between African-Americans - some well-known today and many forgotten - and Lincoln, through letters written to the president, providing compelling insight into the views people had of and for Lincoln during the Civil War. Find Jon's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Address-You-My-Friend-Americans-ebook/dp/B0915C56Z7?ref_=ast_author_dpRead Douglass's "Why Should a Colored Man Enlist?"Op-Ed here.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff discusses the lengthy and consequential public life of James Garfield, ending with his tragic death after being shot shortly after taking office. There's a lot more to this man than a short presidency, however, and we're thankful to have been joined by Todd Arrington of the National Park Service. Todd serves as the director of the Garfield historical site outside of Cleveland, OH - you can find more information here: https://www.nps.gov/jaga/index.htmHost: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea

Jeff and Rita Koganzon of the University of Houston discuss the background to the current school "censorship" debate, and where supposed "book bans" came from, and why we're seeing such friction over school readings and library books now.Host: Jeff SikkengaExecutive Producer: Greg McBrayerProducer: Jeremy GyptonSubscribe via popular podcast apps: https://linktr.ee/theamericanidea