DIA-Today: Democracy in America Today
81 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago -Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines.
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Episodes
Season Finale: Education and the Best Regime, part 2
May 28, 2022 13:15 - 31 minutes - 32.8 MBWe conclude season three by reflecting on the influence of music in shaping the soul and the city from the very end of Aristotle’s Politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the challenges of finding peace in a fallen world in light of the school shooting in southwest Texas and the conclusion of ...
Education and the Best Regime, part 1
May 21, 2022 13:07 - 30 minutes - 31.5 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s account of the relationship between education and the regime and the state of public and private education today. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss end-of-the-year traditions at Geneva and Matt’s old school in New Hampshire. Required Reading (4:30) - We consider the opening ...
The Family and the Best Regime
May 14, 2022 12:07 - 32 minutes - 33.5 MBWe continue our discussion of the conditions necessary for Aristotle’s best regime, reflecting on his account of the public consequences of family life. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the graduation ceremony at King’s, the arrival of spring in New York, and Geneva senior theses. Required Reading...
The Best Regime: Virtue, Means, and Ends
May 07, 2022 09:15 - 32 minutes - 34.8 MBWe continue our discussion of the conditions necessary for Aristotle’s best regime, reflecting on the inculcation of virtue and the means and ends of the American regime. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss graduation week at King’s and the possibility of Roe v. Wade finally being overturned by the Su...
Public Life in the Best Regime
April 30, 2022 12:21 - 34 minutes - 34.9 MBWe continue our discussion of the conditions necessary for Aristotle’s best regime with special focus on a robust public life. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the virtues of Administrative Assistants on their Hallmark Holiday. Required Reading (1:43) - We reflect on chapters 8-12 of Book VII of A...
The United States and the Conditions for the Best Regime
April 23, 2022 13:12 - 31 minutes - 32.2 MBWe discuss the population and geographic circumstances that lead to the best regime and the remarkable blessings enjoyed by the United States. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss our Easter weekends, the last weeks of the school year, and the end of the public transportation mask mandate. Required R...
Happiness and the Best Life
April 16, 2022 14:35 - 40 minutes - 40.6 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s account of happiness for the individual and the nation and the fundamental debate over the nature of the best life in the light of Christ’s death and resurrection. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the Easter season and the first week of the baseball season. Required R...
The Best and Worst Oligarchies
April 09, 2022 11:46 - 30 minutes - 30.6 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s account of the best and worst oligarchies and the progressive development of the American national government. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss the start of the baseball season and another round of terrible NCAA tournament picks. Required Reading (4:15) - We reflect on...
Why Study Aristotle?
April 02, 2022 12:51 - 30 minutes - 32.5 MBWe discuss the four kinds of democracy and the importance of understanding the nature of one’s own regime to be an excellent citizen or statesman. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the coming of April and our disastrous NCAA tournament picks. Required Reading (2:45) - We reflect on the four ...
The Institutions, Laws, and People of a Republic
March 19, 2022 13:29 - 31 minutes - 32.7 MBWe reflect on how different institutional structures, laws, and economic ways of life affect the character of a regime. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss Dave’s family vacation in Florida among the college student Spring Breakers. Required Reading (2:36) - We discuss the first three chapt...
The Hope of Political Reform
March 12, 2022 13:56 - 33 minutes - 34.5 MBWe reflect on Aristotle’s critique of Plato’s account of regime change and the possibility of political reform in a fallen world. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss the successes of Geneva’s girls winter sports teams, Matt’s modest Spring Break plans, and the renewed hope for a full baseball seaso...
Ukraine, Russia, Kings, and Tyrants
March 05, 2022 14:04 - 35 minutes - 36.4 MBWe apply Aristotle’s discussion of kings and tyrants to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the leaders of the two sides. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We talk about the cancellation of the first week of baseball season and Matt’s decision criteria for choosing a good graduate school. Required ...
Education and Regime Preservation
February 26, 2022 13:29 - 32 minutes - 34.1 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s account of regime preservation, with a focus on education and the key qualities of statesmen. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We reflect on our Super Bowl picks and talk about Dave accidentally calling Matt from a Geneva girls basketball game. Required Reading (3:29) - We dis...
Democratic, Oligarchic, and Aristocratic Revolutions
February 12, 2022 12:33 - 34 minutes - 34.6 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s account of revolution in democracies, oligarchies, and aristocracies. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We talk about the transition from football season to baseball season and Geneva’s upcoming Daddy-Daughter dance. Required Reading (3:20) - We begin with reflections on the r...
The Contempt of the Elite and the Road to Revolution
February 05, 2022 13:55 - 35 minutes - 38 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s account of the causes of revolution and the contempt of contemporary elites for those they govern. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We talk cold and Covid in New York, Tom Brady’s retirement, and the NFL playoffs. Required Reading (5:00) - We look at Aristotle’s account of the...
Reticent Revolutionaries and the 2024 Election
January 22, 2022 16:33 - 34 minutes - 35 MBWe discuss the introduction to Aristotle’s account of revolution in Book V of The Politics and consider its implications for the 2024 presidential race. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We talk about the disappointing end to the Patriots’ and back-to-school at Geneva and King’s. Required Reading ...
The Responsibilities of Political Office
January 15, 2022 13:17 - 34 minutes - 36.1 MBWe reflect on President Biden’s voting rights speech and vaccine mandate in light Aristotle’s teaching on the functions of legislative, executive, and judicial offices. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We talk about our Christmas breaks, Omicron, and Dave’s state-of-the-school address. Required Rea...
The Mixed Regime and Political Moderation
December 18, 2021 16:21 - 33 minutes - 33.9 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s account of the best regime for most places, a mixed regime balancing the excellencies of oligarchy and democracy. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We look forward to Christmas break and talk about the new Corbin dog, Tex, and his relations with Tenny, the original Corbin dog. ...
Democratic Demagoguery and Closed Oligarchies
December 11, 2021 12:30 - 32 minutes - 35.6 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s reflections on the best and worst sorts of democracy and oligarchy. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:54) - We discuss the Patriots’ big Monday night win over the Bills, the prospects for a Patriots-Bucs Super Bowl, and conspiracy theories around Bill Belichick’s pregame Navy facemask. ...
Hyperpartisanship and the Christian Citizen
December 04, 2021 14:24 - 34 minutes - 36.5 MBWe discuss how hyperpartisanship threatens the stability of a republic and the temptation for Christians to emphasize political attachments over their commitment to Christ. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss our day-before-Thanksgiving challenges on the roads and at the dentist’s office. Requi...
The Best Regime and the American Founding
November 20, 2021 13:14 - 35 minutes - 35.6 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s four ways of thinking about the best regime and Harry Jaffa’s case for (the principles of) the American founding as the best practical regime. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss kid birthday celebrations, the New England Patriots’ recent success, and the Publius Posse’s big fa...
Regimes, part 4: The Rule of the One or the Rule of Law
November 13, 2021 12:27 - 38 minutes - 38.7 MBWe discuss the final chapters of book III of Aristotle’s Politics as he compares different forms of monarchy to the rule of law. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:54) - We discuss the success of the University of Texas-San Antonio football team, the Braves’ World Series win, our big matchup this week in fantasy foot...
Regimes, part 3: A Just Claim to Rule
October 30, 2021 15:57 - 35 minutes - 37.7 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s assessment of the role of the multitude in a well-ordered political community and the possibility of excellent leadership in a democratic society. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We respond to a listener’s complaint about our NBA picks and discuss the Braves’ game 1 victory in the Worl...
Regimes, part 2: The Rich and the Poor
October 23, 2021 13:47 - 32 minutes - 34.9 MBWe discuss the most common regimes historically, the rule of the rich (oligarchy) and the rule of the poor (democracy), and the ways that the American regime was designed to prevent conflict between the rich and the poor. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - Fall has arrived with a vengeance in New York whil...
Regimes, part 1: The One, The Few, and the Many
October 16, 2021 14:11 - 34 minutes - 36.6 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s taxonomy of regimes and the way that the one, the few, and the many continue to compete for power in our day. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We talk about Dave’s trip to watch the Patriots beat the Texans, the Red Sox’s continued playoff success, and a pleasant early fall in New Y...
The Good Citizen and the Good Man
October 09, 2021 13:25 - 33 minutes - 35.8 MBWe discuss how citizenship is defined relative to a regime and the tension between being a good citizen and a good person, with applications from American history and contemporary politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We talk about the Red Sox’s big victory over the Yankees in the American League Wil...
In Memory of Dr. Angelo M. Codevilla
September 25, 2021 10:25 - 33 minutes - 35.4 MBWe reflect on the life and writings of our great teacher, Dr. Angelo M. Codevilla, and his commitment to the restoration of active American citizenship. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We react to the death of Dr. Codevilla and discuss our special privilege of being his students. Required Reading (5:58)...
Reform and Revolution
September 18, 2021 13:06 - 33 minutes - 35.7 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s reflections on how to improve a regime at the end of Book II of his Politics and apply them to conservative and progressive efforts to reform and revolutionize the American founders’ republic. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss the start of the school year at Geneva and Kin...
Optics and Egalitarianism
September 11, 2021 14:02 - 32 minutes - 35.2 MBAristotle’s critiques of an ancient proposal to equalize property and a focus on political perception more than political reality leads us into a discussion of the sources of human division and the dangers of our optics-based politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:52) - We discuss Dave’s first day as Head o...
The Public and the Private
September 04, 2021 13:44 - 34 minutes - 36.5 MBWe discuss the dangers of conceiving of the political community as a large family and holding property in common in light of Aristotle’s critique of Plato’s Republic at the beginning of book 2 of his Politics. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:54) - We discuss Dave choosing Alabama as his college football team, t...
Politics and Economics
August 28, 2021 11:56 - 33 minutes - 35.1 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s reflections on ensuring that the pursuit of wealth by individuals and communities is subordinated to the higher purpose of living well. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:55) - We discuss our week off from the podcast (sorry!) and Dave’s thoughts on preseason Patriots football. Required Rea...
Nature, Equality, and the Imago Dei
August 14, 2021 11:17 - 34 minutes - 36.4 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s account of slavery and how the opening chapters of Genesis uniquely provide a grounding for the principle of human equality. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We discuss first-day-of-school traffic in Boerne, Texas, and the recent slide of the Boston Red Sox. Required Reading (4:19) - ...
The Statesman's Interest and Duty
August 07, 2021 12:07 - 34 minutes - 36.3 MBWe discuss Aristotle’s fundamental distinction between good government and bad: whether political leaders seek their own interest or pursue the common good. Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:55) - We talk about the upcoming start of the school year, our audience’s apparent desire for less content less often, and Mat...
The Pursuit of Happiness and Justice
July 31, 2021 13:01 - 33 minutes - 35.2 MBMatt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Opening and closing music from the beginning and end of “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind)” by Fred Lancia. Used with permission. Opening (0:53) - We catch up after two months away from the podcast, discuss our plans for season 3, and introduce the new music for the show by listener Fred Lancia. Links: Fred Lancia, “2020 Vision (Worse than Blind). Required Reading (7:40) - We discuss the major themes of the first two cha...
Oligarchy in America
May 01, 2021 13:17 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBWe conclude season two discussing the rise of an oligarchic ruling class in the United States with Dr. Angelo Codevilla, our teacher at Boston University and widely-published scholar of political philosophy and international affairs. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:12) - We discuss the release of the new CDC guidelines for vaccinated people. Links: CDC chart; President Biden on Today; Runner Wear a Mask; R...
The Character of Democratic Despotism
April 24, 2021 12:31 - 59 minutes - 65 MBWe discuss the character of democratic despotism as it is described by Alexis de Tocqueville and exhibited in America today. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:13) - We discuss the conviction of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Links: AP news story; CNN story on Maxine Waters remarks; Susan Crabtree at Real Clear Politics on policing reform efforts. Required Reading (6:52) - We conclude our study of ...
The Causes of Democratic Despotism
April 17, 2021 11:39 - 57 minutes - 61.6 MBWe reflect on the democratic tendency toward despotic, centralized government and several manifestations of that tendency today. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (0:55) - We discuss the pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine. Links: CDC and FDA joint statement; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review; Deseret News on Utah and other states; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review, part...
The Democratic Family
April 10, 2021 14:28 - 54 minutes - 58.5 MBSummary: We discuss the influence of democracy on family life. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (00:57) - We look at the fallout of Major League Baseball’s decision to move this year’s All-Star game from Atlanta to Denver. Links: MLB decision; Stacy Abrams on Georgia boycotts; Democrats on MLB decision; President Biden on the Masters; David Harsanyi at National Review. Required Reading (05:00) - Prof. Co...
Unmild American Politics
April 03, 2021 13:17 - 56 minutes - 61.2 MBWe discuss the decline in American church membership and President Biden’s attacks on the new Georgia voting law in light of Tocqueville’s reflections on American sentiments and mores in volume 2 of Democracy in America. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:05) - We discuss the results of the latest Gallup poll on church membership and its consequences. Links: Gallup Poll results; Kevin Williamson writing at Nat...
Liberty and Equality
March 27, 2021 13:29 - 58 minutes - 61.9 MBWe discuss the relationship between liberty and equality and the role of the national government in encouraging or discouraging self-government. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:31) - We discuss President Biden’s first press conference. Links: press conference transcript; RealClearPolitics presidential approval average; Ipsos/Reuters presidential approval poll; Charles C. W. Cooke at National Review on Biden...
Place-Hunting, Pseudo-Wisdom, and American Education
March 20, 2021 13:18 - 1 hour - 64.5 MBWe discuss the corruption of elite American education by the pursuit of high status positions and the resulting subordination of that education to ideological fads and pseudo-wisdom. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:36) - We discuss the new CDC guidelines for social distancing in elementary schools. Links: National Review reports new guidelines; ABC News report; David Zweig at The Intelligencer; NYT repor...
Political Religion and Religious Politics
March 13, 2021 13:43 - 1 hour - 66.8 MBWe discuss the religious character of our contemporary politics and the leading influences on the American democratic mind. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:27) - We discuss President Biden’s first primetime address. Links: Biden speech; Susan Crabtree at Real Clear Politics; New York Times fact check. Required Reading (10:28) - Professor Corbin leads us through the opening chapters of volume 2, part 1 of D...
Union, Elections, and Democracy
March 06, 2021 14:49 - 56 minutes - 62.5 MBSummary: We discuss efforts to reform our elections and democracy in light of Tocqueville’s observations on the American Union at the end of volume 1 of Democracy in America. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:15) - We discuss the decision of Texas and Mississippi to lift their mask mandates and the reaction to it. Links: NBC News report on TX and MS; NBC News report on Biden reaction; CBS article on business ...
Equity and Equality
February 27, 2021 13:55 - 58 minutes - 63.5 MBWe discuss the current debate about equity and equality in light of Alexis de Tocqueville’s reflections on the relationship among Native Americans, African Americans, and European Americans in 19th century American society. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:06) - We discuss the Equality Act, which was approved by the House of Representatives this week. Links: National Review report; National Review editorial...
Mores, Religion, and Republics
February 20, 2021 13:46 - 59 minutes - 63.6 MBWe reflect on the ways that circumstances, laws, and mores, especially religion, influence American democracy. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:59) - We discuss the death of Rush Limbaugh. Links: Fox News reporting the death of Rush Limbaugh; Andrew Klavan; Ben Domenech; Mark Steyn. Required Reading (7:10) - We reflect on the ways that circumstances, laws, and mores, especially religion, influence Ameri...
Constitutional and Tyrannical Democracies
February 13, 2021 13:58 - 1 hour - 67 MBWe discuss Alexis de Tocqueville’s account of the merit and demerits of democracy and consider how cancel culture emerges in a democratic society. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (0:58) - We discuss the state of former president Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. Link: Wall Street Journal impeachment trial coverage. Required Reading (07:02) - Professor Corbin leads us through part one of Alexis de Tocqu...
Political Parties, the Media, and Majority Rule
February 06, 2021 14:11 - 58 minutes - 63.5 MBWe discuss the role of the political parties and the media in shaping the landscape of contemporary American democracy. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (1:24) - We discuss the Senate power-sharing agreement between Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell and the fate of the filibuster. Link: Politico on the power-sharing agreement. Required Reading (3:39) - Prof. Corbin leads us through the opening chapters of par...
Our Federal System and the National Character
January 30, 2021 14:13 - 58 minutes - 58.1 MBWe look at the strength of our federal system and national character in light of Tocqueville’s reflections on the US Constitution. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (01:26) - We discuss last week’s vote on Senator Rand Paul’s resolution to declare a post-presidency impeachment trial unconstitutional. Links: The Hill reporting on the Senate vote; National Review on the Senate vote; Senator Rubio. Required Readin...
Sovereignty, Democracy, Civic Activity, and the Inauguration
January 23, 2021 14:20 - 59 minutes - 57.7 MBWe discuss President Biden’s Inaugural Address in light of the tradition of local American democracy described by Alexis de Tocqueville. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (0:56) - We discuss the seventeen executive actions taken by President Biden on his first day of office. Link: CNN story from Inauguration Day. Required Reading (5:28) - Prof. Corbin leads us through a discussion of chapters 3-5 in volume one...
The Spirit of Religion and the Spirit of Freedom
January 16, 2021 16:18 - 57 minutes - 55.2 MBWe look at the opening chapters of Democracy in America and the state of the spirit of religion and the spirit in America today. Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines. Leading Off (2:06) - We remark on the second impeachment of Donald Trump. Link: AP report on impeachment. Required Reading (6:07) - We discuss the Author’s Introduction to Democracy in America and the first two chapters of volume one of the work plus Genesis 1-3...