Radio Rothbard Why Vivek Is So Wrong about the Founding of the United States
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Jan 9, 2026 Zachary Yost, a political commentator and historian, dives into the misconceptions surrounding American history promoted by Vivek Ramaswamy. They explore the false dichotomy of America as merely a civic 'creed' versus its rich Christian heritage. Yost argues that the American nation and state have distinct historical roots, predating 1787, and critiques the notion of an ideological founding. The discussion highlights the myths of creedal nationalism and reflects on generational shifts away from such ideologies in modern America.
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America As A Creed Vs Historical Nation
- Vivek Ramaswamy frames America as a novel, creedal nation founded on abstract civic ideas rather than cultural history.
- Ryan McMaken and Zachary Yost argue this ignores the long historical formation of an American nation and misreads founders' motives.
Founding Preceded The 1787 Constitution
- The United States as a legal and political entity predates the 1787 Constitution and emerged through colonial republican institutions.
- Religious toleration arose from state disestablishment and practical politics, not solely from a Jeffersonian First Amendment creed.
Toleration Emerged From Disestablishment
- Religious freedom in early America was driven by Christian sects seeking disestablishment, not an abstract tolerance for all faiths.
- The First Amendment and Jeffersonian deism are overstated by creedalists as the sole source of American pluralism.
