My History Can Beat Up Your Politics

The 22nd and 24th President staked his first re-election bid opposing tariffs. There were reasons. He felt they increased prices on all goods, including non-imports, he thought they were limited in benefit to working people, and he had a third warning that is not as prominent in debates today. We discuss his 1887 Tariff Message. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal judges and Presidents have clashed in the past. It's rarely been cheery. As executive power exists only within the frame of law, this should be expected. There are freak events where Presidents have ignored judicial orders, but it is not the routine. We get into it, including a case of a man on a horse following U.S. soldiers, a tribe's removal, a prosecutor prosecuted, a case where the Supreme Court confirmed you must listen to the Supreme Court, and a man who kept showing up to work after he was fired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was clunky, and a little Office Space-like. And it cut federal jobs. But then-Vice President Al Gore's "REGO" program was different in many ways from "DOGE" -The 1993 program was bipartisan, considered [cuts were identified, then made, in that order. And it was slow, and generated little protest. It did generate tension in the Clinton White House, which we get into. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A look at the Neo Nazi rally in Skokie, IL in 1977 and the resulting Supreme Court Case and the ACLU's role. In recent days Skokie has been brought up; and a look at the history of events is useful. We look at Louis Brandeis's great speech on the First Amendment, Chief Justice Robert's view of it recently, Alito's other take. Finally Bruce wonders about the consequences of these rights in a social media world.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It wasn't supposed to be close. Then new strategies, a speech and a surprising foreign policy event completely changed the election between Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey. Two vice presidents battled it out. One major poll said Nixon had a lead, the other said Humphrey. Both by only a couple of points. The candidates do their Telethons, and the nation votes. Who will win? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The idea of saving manufacturing jobs is front-and-center in American politics today. Examining the history of plant closings and job losses In the 70's and 80's provides an interesting contrast. "We ought to make stuff here, or we should try to keep this plant open." were radical stances, confined to political fringes, and usually left. In one case, a group of workers, residents and church leaders in a town try for what is called an Industrial Selma - a radical plan to reopen a plant led by an activist straight from the Freedom Summer civil rights fights and anti- Vietnam War protests. In the course of telling the story we look at the early American Rust Belt, we look at typical Rust Belt city (that happens to be Bruce's ancestors home). We look at alternatives to closing plants, and we hear a story about the Panic of 1873. This will be the final episode of our second-run of the Ark of Commerce series. This is one of the original episodes, and I'm pleased to provide to Patrons early. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our series on American commerce, a look at three instances of when U.S. commerce was stopped, for a variety of reasons.  The embargo of 1807 is an important part of the Presidency of Thomas Jefferson, not often examined in detailed compared to other events. It brought serious economic problems, but was held up by Jefferson as an experiment by a peaceful power. We also examine his Treasury Secretary Gallatin, who had to implement the plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business must be measured. An unknown man in a forgotten office develops a number that makes and breaks Presidents. A poet turns his song away from beautiful pastures and towards a metal object. Two 19th century men tire themselves out making machines. They can't know their work will one day put us on the Moon  And a man tries to invent an un-commerce, but may have built the 21st century economy instead. In the fifth episode of our series on American commerce, we look at the appraisal and measuring and counting of business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the fascinating history of air commerce, from the early days of balloon flight supported by George Washington to the rise of majestic airships and towering skyscrapers. Discover remarkable innovations like mechanical sprinklers and the iconic Woolworth building. Hear about the tragic rise and fall of airships like the USS Shenandoah, and how it shaped public perception alongside the infamous Hindenburg disaster. Journey through the evolution of aviation and communication technologies that revolutionized travel and delivery.

Explore the extravagant shopping habits of Mary Todd Lincoln and their cultural significance in 19th-century America. Discover the transformation of retail after the Civil War, from haggling to fixed prices, and the rise of iconic department stores. Dive into the nostalgia of shopping malls while discussing their decline in modern retail. The podcast also highlights the evolution of sound and visual technologies, plus the rich musical legacy of Tin Pan Alley and the Brill Building, showcasing the interplay between commerce, culture, and innovation.