July 4th: 100 Years of America the Superpower; Frances Perkins; New Yorker Poetry; Blacklisting; Celia Cruz

Jul 4, 2025

Guest

Felix Contreras

Guest

Join Richard Haass, an American diplomat discussing America's evolution from isolationism to a superpower. Annie Polland shares Frances Perkins' groundbreaking labor reforms, while Kevin Young explores a century of poetry in The New Yorker. Clay Risen dives into the chilling effects of McCarthyism on arts and society, and Felix Contreras celebrates Celia Cruz's vibrant legacy in the world of music. They weave together history, culture, and the enduring impact of these figures in shaping America.

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INSIGHT

U.S. Shift from Isolationism

The U.S. began as an isolationist nation avoiding entangling alliances as per George Washington's advice.
It became a superpower post-World War II with a focus on shaping global order rather than direct colonial exploitation.

INSIGHT

Post-WWII U.S. Global Strategy

After WWII, the U.S. helped create the UN but relied more on alliances to shape world order.
The UN's effectiveness was limited due to veto powers, making alliances central to U.S. strategy.

ANECDOTE

Chilean Family Impact Anecdote

A Chilean caller shared how U.S. backing of a coup made it dangerous for her family to return home.
This exemplifies U.S. foreign policy's impact on individual families and regional politics.

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The World, A Brief Introduction

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Richard Haass

A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker

Kevin Young

Edited by Kevin Young, the poetry editor of The New Yorker, this anthology spans a century of poetry from the magazine. It features works by renowned poets such as W.H. Auden, Dorothy Parker, Langston Hughes, Elizabeth Bishop, Sylvia Plath, and many others. The book is organized into sections themed around times of day and chronological groupings by decade, highlighting the historical and cultural relevance of the poetry. It includes poems that responded to significant events like wars, 9/11, and the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the magazine's role in reflecting and shaping cultural discourse.

Red Scare, Blacklist, McCarthyism and the Making of Modern America

Blacklist, McCarthyism and the Making of Modern America

Clay Risen

Clay Risen's "Red Scare" delves into the period of intense anti-communist hysteria in the United States, exploring its origins, key figures like Senator Joseph McCarthy, and its lasting impact on American society. The book examines the political climate, the erosion of civil liberties, and the consequences of unchecked fear-mongering. Risen analyzes the historical context, the methods used to suppress dissent, and the long-term effects on American politics and culture. The narrative highlights the struggles of those targeted during the Red Scare and the broader implications for freedom of speech and thought. Ultimately, the book serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political extremism and the importance of safeguarding democratic values.

The Bill of Obligations

The Ten Habits of Good Citizens

Richard Haass

In 'The Bill of Obligations,' Richard Haass argues that American democracy can only thrive if the concept of citizenship is revised to include not just rights, but also obligations. Haass introduces ten essential obligations for good citizenship, such as being informed, getting involved, staying open to compromise, remaining civil, rejecting violence, and promoting the common good. These obligations are designed to counter the growing apathy, anger, selfishness, division, disinformation, and violence that threaten American democracy. The book blends civics, history, and political analysis to provide a roadmap for citizens to rediscover and recover the attitudes and behaviors that have contributed to the country's success.