Friends & Fellow Citizens

Today (July 13, 2024) is a tragic day in American history. A former president and current major presidential candidate Donald Trump was tragically shot at a Trump rally near Butler, PA earlier this afternoon. Luckily by the grace of God, he is expected to be all right. But sadly, one rally attendee lost his life. We are better than this. Please continue to pray for our nation. There is no place for political violence in our country. Americans from all different walks of life need to come further together and bring more unity and peace to our land. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America. Photo source: Associated Press Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Oscar Underwood, a Democrat U.S. Senator from Alabama 1915-1927, gained so much political capital during the Wilson administration and was considered a potential candidate for POTUS or VP. But his stance against the most powerful white supremacist group forced him to make his party go on record whether the party platform supports or opposes radicalism and extremism. While his effort was not successful in 1924, lessons from his courageous stance could teach us about the perils of giving in to the crazies of our time. Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

For many, James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution. But how did he become that Founding Father who shaped American institutions and politics far beyond his time? Dr. Lynn Uzzell, a Madison scholar and Associate Professor of Political Science at Bethel University, shares the real lessons and experiences that taught the Founder himself about the realities of government and human beings. Check out lynnuzzell.com for more information about her work! Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Arguably the most famous American scientist, diplomat, postmaster, and so much more, Benjamin Franklin embodied America as an experiment. What distinguished him as a signer of the Declaration of Independence which he helped edit? ICYMI, take a listen to Ep. 122 feat. Valerie Durham: https://ffc.buzzsprout.com/1255184/12791628-122-a-gathering-of-free-minds-for-festive-fun-at-freedomfest Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Revolutions are tumultuous episodes of history when the past and the present battle to fundamentally shape the future. How did the 'lawyers' revolution' and the American legal and political systems define and redefine the meanings and context of our laws? Dr. Williamjames Hoffer, Professor of History at Seton Hall University, tells the story of the Caning of Charles Sumner, the Plessy v. Ferguson case, and the 'lawyers' revolution' that refocus contemporaries on the political and legal aspirations and complexities of our nation. Check out the following books by Williamjames! The Clamor of Lawyers: The American Revolution and Crisis in the Legal Profession Plessy v. Ferguson: Race and Inequality in Jim Crow America The Caning of Charles Sumner: Honor, Idealism and the Origins of the Civil War To Enlarge the Machinery of Government: Congressional Debates and the Growth of the American State, 1858-1891 Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Nowadays, American conservative political leaders have foreign policy platforms that call for greater toughness against China. But they are not the first generation of conservatism that wanted stronger U.S. foreign policy and security in the wake of Communist China. Learn more about two formerly prominent but now forgotten Members of Congress, CA Sen. William Knowland and MN Rep. Walter Judd, who warned about the dangers of the Chinese Communist Party and sowed the seeds for U.S. support of Taiwan. Thumbnail picture: U.S. Rep. Walter Judd (R-MN 1943-1963) Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Too often, Americans understandably anticipate modern technology but voice frustration over potholes. So what are some of the issues that are preventing the U.S. from having decent roads and technological advancements in our infrastructure? Kirbie Ferrell, a Texas A&M Bush School graduate and Policy Analyst at The Eno Center for Transportation, gives a snapshot of where we are on our infrastructure and how good methods like responsible deployment can better implement the technology we invent. Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

John Adams called him "a greater and better Man that Dr. Franklin..." So who was this pioneer of medicine, education, and science? Learn how Dr. Benjamin Rush, Franklin's protégé, laid the foundation for modern mental health care and became an avid advocate for causes such as abolitionism, public education, and health care for the poor. Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Around 4am on February 24, 2022, Russia launched a tragic attack against Ukraine that began the first major European conflict since World War II. The causes and effects of the invasion have disrupted the state of U.S. national security and global world order. Dr. Kateryna Shynkaruk, an experienced diplomat and academic who is a Senior Lecturer at Texas A&M's Bush School DC, first discusses her firsthand experiences evacuating her home country. She also shares her thoughts about the conduct of Russian President Vladimir Putin, characteristics of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and the state and future of the conflict in Ukraine. "UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE" - Highly recommended video feat. Dr. Shynkaruk and former Bush School Dean (and F&FC guest) Gen. (ret.) Mark Welsh Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

While the XYZ Affair was not about deciphering secret codes, one could decipher some of the contentious eras of polarization and partisanship in American politics. Learn how this diplomatic episode between the Adams administration and French envoys divided the young nation, led to the buildup of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and almost led to a major conflict in the 1790s. Learn more about MA signer Elbridge Gerry in Ep. 71! Thumbnail photo: Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, French Foreign Minister Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Since the tragic Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023 resulting in more than 1100 deaths, Jews worldwide have encountered an unprecedented wave of antisemitism. Trent Spoolstra, Associate Regional Director for the Midwest office at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and fellow Bush School alumnus with Sherman, recounted his personal thoughts, experiences, and emotions after learning about the attack. Learn more about the mission and work of the ADL to fight antisemitism and all forms of hate, and hear Trent's calling for peace, tolerance, and civility during this critical time for the Jewish people and their communities. Find out more about the ADL at www.adl.org Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

When people think of money, they may think of Ben Franklin. But a different Founding Father from Pennsylvania supplied a lot of money that funded the American patriot cause. Learn how Robert Morris's rise and fall in American politics reflected the contentious nature of political life in the early years of the federal republic. Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

What is the future of comms on the Hill? In Part II, Sarah recounts her first-hand experience with Sherman as they were evacuated during the January 6th, 2021 Capitol attack. She also shares the mission and vision of her own PR firm 917 Strategies and the future of women working in comms in our nation's capital. And finally, why dogs are wonderful company! In case you missed it, listen to Part I HERE Check out Sarah's website! www.917strategies.com Follow Sarah on: Instagram: @sarahselip X: @sarahselip And follow her dog Lilly on Instagram too! Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

A Capitol Hill staffer once told me: "Comms [communications] IS policy." How do congressional communications influence policymaking? In this two-part episode, Sherman reconnects with Sarah Selip, whom he had the opportunity to learn from and work with during his internship with former Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) in early 2021. An emerging leader for women looking to serve in DC, Selip is the founder of 917 Strategies and a former congressional communications director who has an extensive background in conservative politics. Hear more about her past day in the life of working for Members of Congress and the opportunities and challenges of comms on the Hill! Listen to Part II HERE Check out Sarah's website! www.917strategies.com Follow Sarah on: Instagram: @sarahselip X: @sarahselip And follow Lilly on Instagram too! Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

How did the first U.S. Senator with an abolitionist platform speak on the Senate floor? Hear excerpts from New Hampshire Senator John P. Hale's speech in support of a DC emancipation bill in 1862 and learn more about his public service career and accomplishments (including an interesting fact about his daughter Lucy). Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Happy 2024! Welcome to another year of Friends & Fellow Citizens! As technology rapidly develops, how can we develop and protect consumer welfare? Tirzah Duren, Technology Director of the American Consumer Institute Center for Citizen Research, discusses how issues like antitrust, data privacy, and AI will shape the policy debates in an age of polarization and rapid technological advancement. Learn more about ACI at theamericanconsumer.org! Learn more about Tirzah's work on technology policy! Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

As revolutionary as the Signers were, few were as revolutionary as Abraham Clark. Hear how this Signer from New Jersey advocated for "true policy" in his home state and ideals for a diverse economy, accountable legislature, faith, and justice. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone! See you next year in 2024 with plenty more content to come! Music Credits: "Joy to the World" by DIXIDD (AudioJungle) Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

Many people regard Ulysses S. Grant as a great Union General but lackluster President. But isn't there more to this American hero's story? Dr. Anne Marshall, Executive Director of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, shares more about the successes and imperfections of our 18th President and the mission and vision of this unique presidential library located at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. Learn more about the presidential library before your visit at usgrantlibrary.org! Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

The U.S. presidential election of 1836 was anything but normal, especially if one was a member of the Whig Party. Although the Whigs nearly prevailed, unity within the party was a disaster. Nearly 200 years later, can the 1836 election teach candidates now and the future about party unity and disunity? With under a year until the 2024 presidential election, learn about the Whigs' strange campaign strategy and Sherman's thoughts on candidacies. Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.

U.S.-China relations are at tense levels and will define the course of the international order for decades to come. But what are the historical episodes that have led us to this point? Do our leaders understand this complex history between China and rest of the world? Dr. Jeffrey Crean, a history professor and author, provides deeper insight into how the perceptions and fears of the 'Central Kingdom' have not only shaped China, but also other countries' understanding (and lack of it) that still affect foreign policy today. Check out Dr. Crean's book The Fear of Chinese Power: An International History to learn more about this fascinating and salient history! Support the Show. Visit georgewashingtoninstitute.org to sign up for our e-mail list! The site is the one-stop shop of all things Friends & Fellow Citizens and George Washington Institute! JOIN as a Patreon supporter and receive a FREE Friends & Fellow Citizens mug at the $25 membership level! NEW MERCH STORE! Click HERE to get your podcast mug now! NOTE: All views expressed by the host are presented in his personal capacity and do not officially represent the views of any affiliated organizations. All views by guests are solely those of the interviewees and may or may not reflect the views of the host or Friends & Fellow Citizens.