Barry Shain on Equality, Rights, and Federalism

Barry Shain, an expert on American Founding narratives, dives deep into the complexities of equality and rights. He critiques contemporary interpretations of the Declaration of Independence, exploring how these views diverge from Jefferson's original intent. Shain also examines the historical debates between localism and federalism, linking them to modern democracy. He discusses influential figures like Lincoln and the philosophical insights of Leo Strauss and Harry Jaffa, shedding light on how America's political identity has evolved over time.