Around three in the morning on May 13, 1862, the lookouts aboard a Union Naval vessel blockading Charleston Harbor was surprised to see a vessel bearing down upon his ship. Sounding the alarm, the gun ports were opened and all was brought to preparation to open fire. It was then that the lookout noticed that the ship approaching wasn’t coming on too fast and flying from it’s mast appeared to be a white… bed sheet?

When the vessel came up to the Union ship, it was clear that it intended to surrender. What became clear at that moment was the incredible man piloting the vessel was not your average Confederate looking to get away. It was a black man – in fact an escaped slave – who had escaped, along with his entire crew, their families and this valuable vessel.

And that was really only the beginning of the story…

Perhaps the most prescient act of the framers of the US Constitution was the establishment of an amendment process by which the document could be modified. Not in some instant, light and transient way, but with involvement of the peoples representatives, the States and the people themselves. It’s not easy to do, and, in fact, it should not be. As George Washington himself once said, any amendment can only be performed by an “authentic and explicit act” of the American people.

Twenty-seven times the constitution has been amended*. There remain countless other attempts which failed to pass Congress. Six further times amendments were proposed and passed by not ratified by the requisite number of States. Each and every time Congress gathers there are proposals and calls for amendments, most of which are little more than attention gimmicks, bound to go nowhere except a few interviews on media and garner campaign funding.

Why is it so difficult to get an amendment passed and ratified? Well… first off all, it should be difficult. We do not, by definition, change our government for “light and transient” reasons. Moreover, the incredible amount of “buy in” that has to be gained to pass an amendment requires that the amendment protect majoritarian rights.

Then there are questions about who exactly can and even should propose amendments. Does the Court have any role in the matter? Are there any examples of all of this coming together in a concrete example of the system working as proposed?

Funny you should ask, as ton this day, May 7, 1992, that the 27th – and as of today the last – amendment to the Constitution was ratified. The surprising part is that it was among the first amendments ever proposed…

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.

In the latest episode of “What The Frock,” listeners were treated to the unique banter and insightful discussions that have become the hallmark of this engaging podcast. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod, this episode once again proved why this podcast has captured the hearts and minds of its audience.

The episode kicks off with Rabbi Dave’s playful teasing of Friar Rod’s choice of headwear, setting the tone for an episode filled with humor, candid observations, and a touch of irreverence. The duo briefly delved into their shared interest in the Sacramento River Cats baseball team, hinting at the personal quirks and interests that enrich their on-air chemistry.

Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod then embarked on a historical journey, recounting the intriguing tale of Christopher Columbus in Jamaica during 1501. They used this story to explore themes of power, persuasion, and the unexpected impact of natural phenomena, such as eclipses, on human history. This narrative not only showcased the hosts’ knack for storytelling but also illuminated lesser-known facets of history, engaging listeners with a blend of education and entertainment.

The conversation took a contemporary turn with discussions on current events, including state responses to upcoming eclipses and potential overreactions fueled by conspiracy theories. This segment highlighted the podcast’s ability to pivot from historical anecdotes to modern-day absurdities, weaving together a tapestry of topics that keeps the listener hooked.

Throughout the episode, Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod maintained a delicate balance between humor and seriousness, effortlessly transitioning from lighthearted banter to thoughtful commentary on social issues and historical events. Their dynamic rapport and the seamless flow of conversation underscored the podcast’s appeal: a blend of entertainment, education, and enlightenment.

As the episode drew to a close, the hosts touched on their personal lives and upcoming plans, reminding listeners of the genuine connection and camaraderie that underpins “What The Frock.” This blend of personal anecdotes with broader cultural and historical discussions encapsulates the essence of the podcast: a platform where diverse topics converge, presented by hosts who are as insightful as they are entertaining.

In summary, this episode of “What The Frock” is a testament to the unique charm and intellectual curiosity that Rabbi Dave and Friar Rod bring to the airwaves. With a mix of humor, history, and heartfelt discussions, they continue to offer a podcast that is not only enjoyable but thought-provoking, inviting listeners to explore the world through their distinctive lens.

On the evening of April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson stood before an excited Congress and Gallery, and asked that the nation declare war on Imperial Germany. In a strange way, this was the penultimate Wilson moment. He would ask – already knowing the answer – the nation to follow his leadership into a war to make the world safe for democracy.

We are told that he had spent the night before in a small office of the east Wing, pouring out his soul to a friend who also happened to be a newspaper reporter. He was terrified for the nation, that he believed that he war would destroy the United States as a free nation. That the Constitution would be shredded to pieces and the very freedoms on which it had been founded and stood would be erased.

Standing before Congress, and the nation, he showed no signs of such concerns or fears. To thunderous applause and joyous acclaim, he would tell the Congress that “We are the champions of the rights of mankind.” The nation would rally behind his words and go “over there.” There would be some resistance, but in the end, it was his vision and his call for action that sent things forward. Or… was it his vision?

In any case, almost half a million American would never come home.

LINKS

What Price Glory (1926 – Full Film)

What Price Glory (1957 Full Film)

Phillip Dru: Administrator (Full book)

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.