Canada spent years insisting that historical names could be changed when modern values demanded it. Streets, universities, public buildings, and monuments were renamed or removed, while Canadians were assured that changing a name did not erase history. Then President Trump called Lake Ontario “Lake America,” and suddenly names became sacred vessels carrying centuries of history. […]
Pollsters sample voters, weight responses, model turnout, account for undecideds, and then confidently tell us what Election Day is going to look like. There’s just one problem: Election Day hasn’t happened yet. There is only one poll that actually matters. It’s the one where people show up, cast their ballots, and we count the votes. […]
The episode of Plausibly Live hosted by Dave Bowman examines the evolving nature of sports fandom, questioning longstanding loyalties tied to geography and community. As corporate interests and mobile societies disrupt traditional ties, it probes whether fans prioritize teams over cities, illustrated by historical shifts like the Brooklyn Dodgers' relocation.
This episode captures a nostalgic journey along Highway 101, blending technology, personal reflections, and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Dave shares musings on driving, aging technology, and contemporary issues, emphasizing the significance of small moments and memories made on the road, all while embracing a simpler, unrefined storytelling style.
On the island of Pharos, the air refused to move. Menelaus, king of Sparta and veteran of a decade-long war, sat trapped with a ship full of treasure and no wind to carry him home. In the Odyssey, he recounts how he wandered the shoreline in confusion until the old sea god Proteus finally told […]
The filibuster's origins date back to a clerical error in 1806, removing a rule that limited debate. Initially a tool for minority rights, it evolved into a weapon for obstruction, particularly against civil rights. Today, it represents Senate dysfunction, transforming deliberation into paralysis, undermining democracy and public trust.
Thomas Paine, despite being a revolutionary skeptic of organized religion, expressed a profound belief in Providence, seeing divine influence in the fight for liberty. His reflections mirror Chassidic teachings on justice, faith, and purpose. Paine's conviction that righteousness is supported by God resonates with the understanding that every act for justice brings humanity closer to redemption.
Thomas Paine’s writings, particularly in The American Crisis, emphasize the necessity of unity and courage for the success of the Revolution. He argues that fear and division threaten freedom, and that true strength lies in collective action and moral conviction. Paine's enduring message calls for individuals to overcome self-interest and push towards a common good.
Thomas Paine, in his pamphlet Common Sense, boldly criticized monarchy and King George III, arguing against inherited power and advocating for a democratic government built on consent. He inspired the American colonies to embrace independence by empowering ordinary people to challenge tyranny and assert their right to self-governance, which remains relevant today.
You know, I’ve always thought Thomas Paine had this knack for saying what everyone else was too cold, tired, or scared to admit out loud. When he said “freedom demands perseverance,” he wasn’t trying to sound poetic. He was trying to slap some sense into a bunch of half-frozen, half-starved soldiers who were starting to […]
Thomas Paine’s words, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” resonate as a profound challenge during America’s Revolutionary War, urging genuine commitment amidst hardship. They emphasize that true patriotism requires resilience in adversity, reinforcing the value of struggle for freedom and morality. Paine’s call remains relevant, inspiring steadfastness against modern challenges.
On October 2, 1775, the Continental Congress debated forming a navy amidst Britain’s naval supremacy. John Adams argued for its necessity to sustain the Revolution, while John Dickinson feared costs and repercussions. Host Dave Diamond highlights the urgency of this decision, framing it as America's first step towards becoming a seafaring nation.
It’s October 1, 1775, and the Revolution is hanging by a thread. On the surface, George Washington’s army looks formidable, stretched in a ragged cordon around Boston. Red flags wave, sentries keep watch, and the illusion of strength gives the Patriots hope. But behind the bravado lies a grim reality: the army is almost out […]
Last night wasn’t one of those restful ones. I was up too late, my mind chewing on stories that probably only matter to me. The kind of stories that slip into the local headlines and then vanish, but they stick in my head anyway. Like the lawsuit over Seattle’s homeless shelter hotels. Or the spectacular […]
Washington State Ferries are facing a significant shift as the state has opted to source new hybrid-electric ferries from an out-of-state shipyard, marking a departure from local construction practices. Critics argue this decision, influenced by climate goals, leads to inflated costs and questions the efficacy of the Climate Commitment Act.
Cracker Barrel faces a pivotal corporate struggle as activist investor Sardar Biglari aims to reform the brand, citing issues like poor management and identity crisis. While customers voice frustrations, analysts doubt the company’s leadership. The ultimate decision lies with major institutional investors, determining the future of this nostalgic American establishment.
This week on Dave Does History, Lena Marlowe and Graham Calder discuss whether the National Guard should police American cities, using Chicago as a case study. They analyze the Posse Comitatus Act, the role of the Guard, and historical examples, addressing the risks of normalizing military policing and its implications for democracy.
Here’s the Thing… we’re staring into the flames—where cities burn, empires fall, and somehow, something stronger always rises from the ashes…
Remember when perfection meant something? When a 14-year-old gymnast stunned the world, and not everything was labeled flawless just because someone said so…
In this episode of Dave Does History, the discussion centers on the connection between flawed historical figures like Achilles and Thomas Jefferson. The hosts explore how acknowledging imperfections in great leaders enriches understanding of their legacies. Real history revolves around nuanced stories, revealing that greatness emerges from human struggle and imperfection.
